Every parent knows that your child is your most valuable and precious possession and so choosing the right person to look after them is essential. Not only essential in regards to them being well-catered for but so that you can have complete peace of mind whilst at work.

As this was our first born, my husband and I didn’t know what we wanted in regards to the setting: a nursery, childminder or a nanny and right up to the point if us booking an appointment to meet Collette, we were still undecided as to which would suit us best. Having family members (on both sides) working in the education sphere - from nursery and childminding, up to A-Level teaching - we weren’t short of opinions and guidance. However, we had to choose for ourselves with our son’s needs and happiness being paramount in the final decision made.

Collette’s profile stood out to us immediately - her having a family herself, a medical background, the warm and inviting tone - and so I messaged her to arrange to meet.

I’m sure you will understand what I mean when I say I was nervous; this was a big deal. However, as my husband and I were soon to learn, there was no need to feel nervous as we were greeted warmly and welcomed by Collette and her family, instantly feeling at ease. The setting was great and completely child-friendly; it was set up for play, fun and learning. At the time my son was 4.5 months old and hadn’t really experienced many other adults other than myself and my husband but Collette was keen to hold him and it was as if he’d known her his whole life! There were no pretences, this was genuine. Whilst we looked over paperwork and chatted about our needs etc., Collette played with our son-I was struck by how calm, kind and attentive she was; our mind was made up from then. We haven’t looked back since.

Our son is coming up to 20 months old and he is thriving, happy and part of Collette’s family. Not once has he cried when we’ve dropped him off (he is there 5 days a week full-time) - in fact, I often get offended at how readily he runs into Collette’s house, not turning back to say bye! He enjoys going out to various groups and soft-plays, taking walks around the picturesque village and playing in the garden as well as taking part in a full range of activities: painting, water play, making mud pies in the mud kitchen, reading books, building towers, pom-pom drops...the list goes on. I know exactly what he has been up to from the private, password protected online site where Collette post pictures and descriptions of activities (all of which are linked to the EYFS) to the daily journal noting the essentials - sleep times, food eaten etc.

We couldn’t be happier and it pains me to think of him ever leaving there to go to school. She is exactly what we needed and wanted; we love her and her lovely family as does our son.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication