Sarah looked after my son R (17 months) from August 2014- December 2014, 4 days per week.
I have been extremely happy with the care R has received. Sarah very welcoming and my child settled in very quickly. Sarah has a wide range of toys and equipment in her house for a wide range of ages to keep children entertained. Sarah also has engaged R in lots of different activities in order to keep him well stimulated. For example R was engaged in many Christmas crafts, has been taken to different toddler groups, been engaged in water play and has been taken to soft play areas.

Sarah has demonstrated a good understanding of child development and has encouraged R to gain age appropriate skills, such as encouraging him in his walking and helping him learn to put on his shoes. Sarah is very warm in her interactions with R and got to know his emotional needs well, for example giving him long hugs after his afternoon naps. I have found Sarah to be positive in her approach to managing children's behaviour however has also been appropriately firm with R so he has a clear understanding of appropriate behaviour.

R has loved being in Sarah's care and has also benefited from the interaction with Sarah's lovely children when they aren't in school. Sarah has been flexible and understanding as a child minder and has been very reliable, for example has not had a day off sick the entire time I have had R in her care. Sarah has kept up good communication with me through a diary and has also been good at responding to text messages and phone calls during the day when I have needed reassurance.

Having withdrawn R due to having another baby I would have no hesitation in recommending Sarah as a childminder and would definitely use her again for my children's care.