Jak is an outstanding childminder, I originally found her when I was searching for childcare with my oldest son - through local recommendations. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any space available at the time.

However, when we had our second child I was lucky enough to reserve a space. However, due to issues around a feeding aversion, allergy and reflux we postponed our little boys start date slightly, this was not ideal but Jak was understanding. As parents we were naturally apprehensive about him starting childcare and wondered how he would respond to another care giver feeding him/ helping with his milk - we even wondered if this care arrangement would work out longer term due to the issues faced as a baby. However, this did not phase Jak at all, she bonded with him and he did with her, they have a lovely relationship and he feels safe and secure in her care. Our oldest son also knows Jak and has known Jak since he was very small too (through other childminders) he always seeks a cuddle from her when seeing her and since having our youngest who is in her care she is able to help, where possible with school holiday cover.

We get regular updates (whether she just has one or both of our children), we get sent photos of our children who are very happy in the environment/ her home and enjoy the activities she does and we never have any issues with not wanting to go or any problems at drop off - which proves to us how happy they are in Jak’s care. The children do a variety of activities which are local or require travelling - such as playgroups, farms, aquariums, woodland walks, dog walks and even just home days in the garden playing doing various activities, crafting, messy play or stories. We have seen masses of development in our youngest boy since he has started with Jak and she encourages his development, she updates us on which developmental areas they are working on together and we then encourage this at home too. She also works on areas of development with her mindees such as road safety or first aid (for the slightly older children to name a few), which are great educational themes to start giving them a basic understanding of. Jak also works with us and facilitates the needs of our child/children, she respects his sleeps times and makes sure he has the opportunity to nap in a safe environment, so that he returns home well rested and happy.

We are so happy with the level of care, support and love that (both) children get from Jak and we are so incredibly lucky to have managed to get spaces. I will be forever grateful for the incredible start to life that my little boy has had. Thank you Jak.

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