After initially hiring Joanna to help with our two young girls (3 and 5) for a short time whilst we settled into a new home and routine, she stayed with us for over a year as we couldn't bear to part with her! From the minute she met the children it was clear that she is a natural carer. She has infinite patience and makes everything fun for them. I worked from home a lot so could often hear conversations and Joanna was able to diffuse any escalating argument or situation between the two girls in a firm yet playful way.

Joanna picked both girls up after school and every day, would come with a new activity prepared for them to try - from messy play in the garden, to arts and crafts, baking or dressing up. In good weather she always made sure to take them outside or to the park - she is also an athletics teacher so is great at encouraging physical activity.

The girls absolutely love Joanna and when I asked them to describe her they said "kind and fun"which pretty much sums it up. I myself would add "reliable" as she was always on time and communicated with me via whats app on the days when she was working. We'll all miss Joanna hugely on a day to day basis (I have left work so no longer need regular childcare) but we will continue to ask her to babysit and stay in touch as she's too wonderful to lose completely!