Adele has been childminding my son B between age 14 months till 2 years in September 2016 till August 2017. She looks after him for 2 days each week.

I have been extremely happy with the care B has received, and the great progress he has made whilst in Adele’s care. Adele’s home is always welcoming, clean and well organised and B has great fun playing with all the toys available and with the other children in her care. Beyond all this though, it is Adele’s warm and friendly but no nonsense approach which sets her apart from other childminders we have experienced. Also the fact that she speaks French.

She provides a wide, fun range of activities including plenty of outdoor exercise. I know B enjoyed sand and water play, drawing and painting, reading and puzzles as well as outings to the park, local library and soft plays.

Adele is a great communicator and has no trouble in gaining B’s confidence and therefore encouraging good behaviour and kindness and compassion to others, both skills which are important to us at home. When B steps outside his boundaries she responds with firm but kind discipline explaining what we would like to see in terms which he understands. When he is hurt or feeling under the weather I know that he feels happy to be comforted by her.

Although I provide B’s food each day I know that she will provide healthy snacks such as fruit and crackers if he is exceptionally hungry or keen to eat what the older children are eating. I am also aware that Adele ensures good personal hygiene in encouraging all the children to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. I’m sure that it is this practice together with the cleanliness of Adele’s home which has ensured that B has remained healthy and bug free for the last 11 months.

Adele explained after every day detailing what B has done each day. From this I have a complete picture of his whole day including what he has eaten, how long he has slept and all his activities. This helps me to feel involved with his care and that I can talk to him about his day.

All in all I am thoroughly happy with the level of care B receives and I’m certain that being in such a positive and happy environment is helping him develop into a confident and self assured little boy.

I would absolutely recommend Adele as a great and reliable childminder.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication