Joy has been the childminder for three of my children for over 14 years. I wholeheartedly recommend her. Our youngest son is starting school in September and we no longer need a child minder so it is with great sadness that we no longer need Joy’s support.

Joy is the most amazing childminder in every way. A short review cannot do justice to how we feel about the care and love she has given to our family. Going back to work after maternity leave has been difficult each time, but Joy’s support has made this an easier step and it is lovely to see how happy our children have been in her care, having fun, making friends and trying new things. Joy uses an online diary and whats app to send us pictures and details about what they have been up to, so it is lovely to see their smiley little faces while we are at work.

Some of the most important elements of our time with Joy…

SAFE:
She has kept our children safe and provides us with piece of mind. We know that our children have been well looked after and have felt secure. We completely trust Joy and know that she takes great care when the children have been involved in activities where there are risks, such as crossing roads, cooking and using playground equipment. Joy has assessed different situations and has supported our children to be independent and learn new skills, appropriate to their age, whilst maintaining a safe environment both inside and outside her home.

FUN:
Joy does fun things with the children all the time. Her house is full of a variety of toys for different ages and our children have had fun rummaging around in her toy box and discovering new toys as well as playing with old favourites. Joy creates themed activities for different events, such as St George’s Day, Easter, Christmas, Diwali, mother’s day, father’s day etc and the children make different craft things and bake food. She helps them to learn about these events and have fun making something they can bring home. Joy spends lots of time outside so they get plenty of fresh air and exercise in various different parks and playgrounds. She also takes them to local soft play, song times and other events so they can meet the other children and enjoy a different environment.

LOVE:
Joy and her family are just lovely. They are the kindest and sweetest family who are very caring and loving. My children have all felt loved by Joy and think of her like they do about their aunts and uncles. Joy cares for them beautifully when they are sad or get hurt and they feel comforted by her until they can see us. The children also love Joy’s husband, children and pets and feel at ease and safe in their company. They feel part of the family and are valued members of the household for their time there.

EDUCATION:
As the children have approached school age, Joy has helped them learn and develop following the early years foundation stages, helping them with numbers, shapes, colours and letters. She reads to all the children whatever age they are and helps them learn at the pace they are able using their skills to help make learning fun – for example weighing ingredients for cooking, counting the days in advent etc.

SUMMARY:
Our children have always been happy and comfortable going to Joy’s. They have seen her house as a place of happiness, love, safety and security. Most mornings they have waved goodbye to me and gone into Joy’s house smiling – straight away going to play with toys and their friends. If, for any reason they have been unhappy when we arrive, they have soon settled and forgotten their tears, comforted by Joy. As parents we have felt so happy and reassured that Joy is looking after them. It is so sad for us that we will no longer be able to have her as our childminder. Our older children always give Joy and hug and tell her all about what they have been up to whenever they see her, either picking up their younger brother or at another setting. They remember their time with her fondly and our whole family considers Joy an important person who has helped shape our lives and will always be in our hearts. I hope that if you are reading this review and want a childminder you chose Joy because you will not regret it – it will be the perfect place for your little one.

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