Francine's Reviews
Childminder
5 out of 5
Parents say
The childminder provides a warm, loving environment where children thrive. Parents praise her energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the children. She offers varied activities, outdoor play, and learning opportunities. Children develop close bonds with her and make friends. Parents appreciate her communication, flexibility, and the home-like setting. Overall, families highly recommend her services.
Summary generated by AI from the text of most recent member reviews
Parent reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Francine. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
Our daughter was with Francine from the age of 12 months to 2.5 years, and she really loved her time there. From the start, Francine was incredibly warm and loving, which helped so much with the settling process (both for our daughter and for us as parents). She gave our daughter lots of time and attention as she gained in confidence in a new setting, and always made for a very fun environment for all the children - lots of laughter and games.
Her home is really well set up for the kids, with a big, jam-packed playroom and a lovely garden full of different toys on rotation. We also really appreciated that Francine spent time on age-appropriate learning activities, including counting in English and French, and lots more. Francine was very attentive to how the children interacted with one another, which meant a lot to us. She was also so helpful with potty training - our daughter showed a willingness to get started pretty early, which Francine was keen to support. As a result, our daughter was comfortably out of nappies around her second birthday, and the whole process was really positive.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Cailin
on 11/09/2024
Both of my daughters have been with Francine since they were babies and they are now 5 & 7. You couldn’t want for a better experience for your children. Leaving your babies for the first time can be a bit nerve racking but Francine puts you at ease with her warm, friendly and motherly nature.
My daughters learnt so much while with Francine and were perfectly set up for the transition to primary school. They still love seeing her and she is now just an extension of our family.
I couldn’t want for a better childminder, her energy is contagious and I cannot recommend her enough, any child would love being with her!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Colette
on 28/08/2024
Our daughter has been cared for by Francine for 3 days a week over 2.5 years, and we are very satisfied with the whole experience. She developed a close relationship with Francine, and always enjoyed going to spend the day with her and the other kids. Francine has a very personal approach to working with each of the children and their parents, is always reliable and a great communicator. The time spent at the daycare includes play and learning and development exercises, and we were impressed with how much our daughter developed under Francine's care. Francine has energy, enthusiasm, and a really positive outlook on life, and we highly recommend her to other families.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Lotte
on 10/09/2023
Francine is the most wonderful childminder you could ever hope for. She looked after our daughter Cassie for 18 months and we wish it could have been longer. Sadly we moved house so had to say goodbye and my partner and I were just as bereft as Cassie to leave!
Francine is like no other, we are in awe of her energy and her positive attitude. She always has something fun planned for the children and they all completely and utterly adore her. Cassie learnt so much from her time with Francine, and made so many new friends. It really was the perfect setting for her, especially starting at a young age.
Francine makes such a huge effort to plan a variety of activities, from days out to playgroups and trips to the farm. Her house is well equipped with plenty of things to do for the children, she has an amazing garden and lots of books and toys.
Francine always kept communication open and updated us regularly with how Cassie was doing, sharing photos of her day and what she had been up to, which was really important to us, especially at the start as she was settling in.
We could not recommend Francine more, our whole family love her so much!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
sydneync
on 07/09/2023
Francine has been minding our son since he was 12months and we could not recommend her more highly.
From the first day we met her she showed such love and warmth and joy for her role. She clearly loves the kids and they love her. Our son has the most wonderful time with her and has developed into such a characterful and chatty, outgoing boy, which we know is down to Francine's joie de vivre. He has learnt so much with her and is so happy and comfortable in her presence. Caregivers are co-parents to an extent and I could not have imagined finding someone so lovely who I trust to help our little boy develop.
Francine also has such a great set up, with a dedicated space for the kids, the perfect garden to play in, and she regularly takes them to playgroups or days out which mean they get great variety in their days.
I honestly have never felt more bereft to say goodbye to someone and will miss her myself as much as my son will miss her! If you lucky to get a space with Francine, you'll never regret it.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Lianne
on 30/05/2023
Our 7 month old Aoife spent a couple of very happy days over the summer with Francine when we needed some last-minute childcare. She was fed properly and thoroughly entertained by Francine, who kept us updated during the day of what Aoife was getting up to in the well-established childcare setting. If we need someone again, Francine would be our first port of call.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Frankie
on 01/09/2022
Francine has been our 18 months old's childminder for 4 days a week since he started in childcare at 12 months old. We have been so lucky finding her.
When looking at childcare options, we wanted our son to be in a family environment with people who love and care for him and with other children of a similar age to interact with. Francine is incredibly warm and loving, always giving cuddles and reassuring words. Rex has made lots of friends with the other, all pre-school aged children in her care. She is clearly motivated to provide the best care, doing a range of daily activities including visits to playgroups, circle time, reading, painting...the list goes on. My partner and I are in awe of her energy. She also has the loveliest family who clearly love having the little ones around - her teenagers are such fantastic role models for the little people (and great for fun games in the evening!).
Our son has thrived during his time with her. He absolutely loves going to Francine's, often taking his bag to the door and grabbing his shoes long before it is time for us to leave in the morning. When he arrives, he always gives Francine the biggest hug and in the evening sometimes doesn't want to leave. We try not to take it to personally!
Finally Francine is an absolute baby magician. Our son is a super energetic ball of energy and she's managed to channel this so that he loves doing things that can be a struggle with toddlers. He happily walks along the road holding our hands, loves showing us how to put his coats and shoes on, is always ready to brush his teeth and even doesn't mind getting his nappy changed.
Thank you so much Francine for all your love and support with our little man!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Maia
on 07/12/2021
The first thing that strikes you about Francine is her enthusiasm and energy. She is so warm and bubbly and her genuine love of children really shines through. Her setting is homely and organised and she makes a real effort to provide varied activities, whether it's counting in French or baking. Our son loves the time he spends with Francine - we are very lucky to have her.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Christin
on 23/11/2021
We left our 9 month old son in Francine’s care full-time after an incredibly short settling in period, due to having postponed his start at nursery because of Covid fears. It was an emotional time for me, going back to work and changing childcare plans last-minute, and Francine couldn’t have made the transition easier. She sent updates on the first day, with pictures, and continued to provide daily pictures and summaries for the three months our son was in her care.
Francine is so warm and caring and the kids feel safe and happy in her presence from the start. She is creative and inventive with activities, and encourages learning and fun, and plenty of outdoor play, which our son loved.
The meals are varied, home-cooked and wholesome, and the environment is warm and loving. Francine’s kids are brilliant too, and it was lovely to see them also looking out for our son. We were gutted to have to finally switch to the nursery and wouldn’t hesitate to work with her again.
Can’t wait to have her babysit!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Katie
on 01/04/2021
We found Francine more by luck than judgement and we couldn't be happier with the care she provides our 17 month old son. She is an amazing mix of warm and caring, but full of fun and energy as well. Our son loves the time he spends with Francine and has developed so much whilst in her care. From the very beginning we knew she was special and would become more than a childminder to us. She spent lots of time getting to know us before I went back to work, and I had absolute confidence that he would be fine once I left him. Leaving your child with someone who you know truly cares about them is so important and we feel incredibly grateful for Francine every day! We cannot recommend her enough.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Amy Ryan
on 13/11/2020
I cannot recommend Francine more if I tried. From our first meeting, my daughter basically ran to her and never looked back. Francine provides such a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts both parent and child at complete ease. She is amazingly patient, provides nutritious meals and educational play and most wonderfully for parents, sends pics and videos with updates throughout the day.
She was amazingly accommodating to our changing needs and her support through tough times was so helpful to us. My daughter misses her terribly and if not for a change in personal circumstances, we would have happily continued on with Francine for many more years.
Cannot recommend enough!!!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Corinne
on 08/11/2020
Francine is brilliant- she accommodated my request for emergency childcare last minute and was extremely accommodating. She is very kind and understanding. She gave me updates on how my son was getting on during the day, which was very reassuring. My son is often shy in new places, but he settled in quickly. The most important feedback of all- my son said that he really enjoyed his time with Francine and asked when he could go back to play at her house :)
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Emma987
on 20/07/2020
I had to find a childminder at very short notice returning to work after my maternity leave as a key worker in the NHS and Francine was only too happy to help.
My daughters have quickly adjusted to being in her care and that is testament to her caring and warm manner and the fact that she cares for them as she would her own children.
I was nervous about leaving them after being home with them for so long but with the daily updates on what they’ve been up to along with the pictures of them looking very happy indeed, my mind was quickly put at ease.
My experience with Francine has been second to none and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Colette
on 01/06/2020
I had to find childcare at short notice and I had been introduced to Francine. Well what can I say I was afraid to leave my daughter with anyone but with Francine she treated my daughter as if she was her own and made me feel so at ease. Francine has been a godsend for us and I can not recommend her enough, you know that your child will be cared for.
-
Overall
by
Gina W
on 18/05/2020
We are so so grateful to have found Francine!
We were originally going to put our little boy Theo into a nursery but started the settling in process and just didnt feel happy with it.
We wanted him to be with someone who genuinely cares about him and his development and we have found that in Francine a million times over.
Francine is so focused on giving the children in her care the best day and Theo is truly thriving.
He has only been going for 3 weeks and has settled amazingly well, is now eating 3 meals a day with her, having naps and has grown in confidence already.
They spend lots of time outside, go to play groups or soft play, the library, farms, painting, songs, learning circle...the fun is endless!
Francine has also taken on using reusable nappies which is fab!
So very happy to have found a genuinely lovely, motivated and driven childminder.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Rebecca
on 28/01/2020
Francine is great! Our 15 month old son has been going to her 3 times a week since November and settled in quickly. He now happily waves us off at the door in the morning! Francine is very warm and caring, and naturally great with children. She makes a real effort to take him to different classes and does so many activities with him. He has lots of food allergies which made me very nervous about leaving him but Francine has been great, always sending updates and making special meals for him.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Tiff
on 09/01/2020
Francine has been looking after our little Charlie (13 months old) for about 3 months now and it already seems she is part of the family !
I was worried I could not find someone available on short notice and professional at the same time. And there she was, very smiley and skilled and she made us feel comfortable straight away !
Francine has a very professional approach: we were invited to visit her place and have free play before signing anything. Her priority was to create a bond with Charlie and make sure he would familiarise with the place and herself first. Her house is clean and safe, she has a garden with toys and a sandpit and regularly takes the children for a stroll in the park, to the library and many other child friendly places. When Charlie spends his day with Francine I know he will have fun and do a lot of activities.
She makes sure playtime also develops their motor skills and creativity. Charlie has been painting, drawing, baking and playing outdoors with other children - she meets with other childminders and all children play together.
She treats him like if he was her child (and her own children are very well mannered and sweet): her and husband Darek dressed up for Christmas time and organised a party with Christmas gifts (parents were invited), she celebrated Charlie's 1st birthday with cake and even invited us all for diner.
Also, I am French and very happy that Francine speaks regularly French with him :)
Charlie goes to Francine's twice a week and each time, she sends me a full report of the day (type of meal, description of activities and nap pattern etc.) + a lot of pictures, which is lovely !
Charlie arrives in the morning with a smile and actually seems a bit sad to leave her in the evening :) I cannot recommend enough Francine and Darek's daycare
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Sophie
on 30/12/2019
Francine is very hands on and caring my son had a great time, makes you feel at ease she takes pleanty pictures and keeps you informed throughout the day xx
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
by
Marlene
on 09/12/2019
Francine makes my children feel
Like they have not left home and she also is supportive and loving and genuinely cares for the well being of the children and of the parents as a whole.
She takes time to know the children and is passionate not just a job to her. She cares about what the children eat and accommodate my strict healthy diet without complains.
As a single mother I needed flexibility and she was willing to go extra mile for me. I value her not just as a child minder but as somebody in the community who is doing good for others and she really should be honoured with a medal of nanny of the year.
I have had many nanny and bad experiences and she made me trust again in people with her loving gestures and big heart!
Her family and children are also amazing and I can’t recommend her enough. I trust that she takes care of my children like her own.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
RABIA
on 23/10/2019
Francine looked after my son for about a year for half days while I was studying and needed someone to pick up my son from preschool and look after him until the end of the day. She contacted me promptly when I posted on a local forum and we spoke on the phone shortly after that.
She is bilingual French and English which I loved as I am French myself so was looking for a french speaking childminder. She sounded very kind and professional. We met with her at her house and my son and her clicked right away. I have experienced nursery and preschool and have to say that Francine definitely stands out as she is the most caring affectionate and skilled person with little ones ever. She genuinely cares and is interested and passionate about her work and she has a great way of bonding and connecting with babies and young children. She clearly knows how to help them develop through lots of amazing creative activities. She has a really great experience and knowledge.
She is also surrounded by the loveliest family, her children are absolutely wonderful and her house is set up as the most adorable nursery ever. She has a great sense of detail and is instinctively good with setting up routines and combining creativity and fun altogether. Great cook as well.
She always stayed in touch with me sending regular updates throughout the day as well as a full report and pictures afterwards. She is clear, easy to communicate with, reliable, professional, extremely friendly. She takes children outside a lot, to parks, activities.. Etc, she is so full of energy and dynamic and always have a big smile on her face.
I can only say how positive it has been for us to have met her and we were sad that time to start reception meant the end of all the amazing days with Francine.
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
VKay
on 12/09/2019
My son is 5 years old and has been under Francine’s care for 2 month now. I am so happy and blessed to have come across Francine in my search for someone to look after my son full-time over summer, whilst I am at work.
I am a single mother and she has really helped support me in every way, she’s more than a childminder, I now consider her a friend. She has a fantastic way with children and you can tell that she is truly passionate about what she does. She loves them as her own and I believe she has a gift, in how patient and understanding she is with children.
She treats my son with love and care and ensures he is always happy and smiling. She plans his day out carefully with frequent visits to the park and library as well as day excursions to the farm, fire station or museums! My son always has a great time, he can’t wait to share it all with me when I pick him up. The environment Francine has created in her home is safe, clean and fun and my son really loves spending time playing outdoors in the garden with Francine’s wonderful children, who are all so very well brought up.
If you are looking for someone to care for your child that is trustworthy, kind, polite and joyful then I guarantee you Francine ticks every box and your child will thrive under her care!
-
Overall
-
Setting
-
Cleanliness
-
Food
-
Communication
by
Sarah
on 19/08/2019
