Amy has cared for my daughter Cara since September 2018 when she was 2.5 years old. We had recently moved 200miles to live in Warrington, leaving all our family behind and Cara had never been cared for by anyone outside of the family. From my first meeting with Amy it was clear that she really cared for the children she looked after and got to know them very well. She created a real “home from home” feeing, which was a key part of choosing her over other childminders.

Amy suggested a well planned settling in timetable for Cara, but was also flexible to my work needs. We communicated easily through this period and made adjustments to better suit Cara as it progressed. Cara very quickly formed lovely friendships with the other children in her setting and still refers to them as her best friends. Given the huge changes our whole family was going through, my confidence in Amys provision was a huge reassurance to us all.

Over the last 16 months Amy has got to know Cara very well. She had encouraged her in areas she is less confident (such as joining in with groups of children) and allowed her to explore areas she enjoys (such as crafts and imaginative play). I have confidence that Cara is really known and understood by Amy. She is quick to notice when Cara is unsettled or worried by something or if there are any changes from her usual behaviour.

In September 2019 Cara started attending preschool 3 days a week and continued to be cared for by Amy for 2 days a week. Amy helped me to decide how to structure this new routine, using both her knowledge of Cara and her own experience of the preschool. Amy has helped prepare her for this transition and has supported me in managing Caras struggles with it. Amy has helped to prepare her well for the routine, self care, listening and mark making she needs for preschool. Cara is struggling with separation anxiety around preschool and this further encourages me that choosing Amy to care for her was a great decision and that she feels very safe with her.

Amy gives regular feedback to me at our morning and afternoon handovers in the school playground. We also communicate by WhatsApp if there are any specific details such as changes to our usual routine or unfolding situations such as illness. Amy regularly WhatsApp’s me photos of their time together. I have also looked through Caras folder and seen the great things they do together. Cara often brings home crafts she has made with Amy. On occasion I have also met with amy for coffee or spoken on the phone if there is something specific I need support with. I know this would be available more often should I need it. I have also called Amy if I need emergency childcare or help with school pickup due to unforeseen circumstances. Amy communicates easily with both me and my husband, as well as having a good relationship with my older child. She communicates well with Caras preschool, enabling them both to support her as she looks forward towards starting reception in September.

I am already sad that Cara will be leaving Amy's care this summer. I have recommended Amy to those I know looking for a childminder and will continue to recommend her. I am so grateful that we found Amy and for the huge positive impact she has had on Cara, along with the rest of the family.

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