Our daughter has been with Victoria since she was 11 months old. Five and a bit years later we couldn't be happier with how brilliantly Victoria takes care of her when she is there. Victoria genuinely cares for the kids in her care, and I know that our daughter truly loves her in return. In the school holidays, I'm pretty sure that our daughter prefers going to Victoria's to staying at home!

She has created a brilliant, fun but safe environment for the kids who seem to be having a great time whenever I come to pick them up. And even though the kids span a number of different ages, they all have been encouraged to play well together. Frankly I find it amazing! I think it is partly because Victoria's own children are treated indistinguishably from the rest, and so everyone feels like family. Sometimes there have been assistants in the setting as well, but because of Victoria's attention to detail in hiring them, these carers have always been a welcome addition to the gang and the kids have really enjoyed having them there as well.

Victoria ensures that all the kids play outside as much as possible and get out and about whenever they can, I never have to worry that they are stuck in front of the TV all afternoon. Again I don't know how she does it, but she gets our daughter to walk way further than we can ever persuade her to do!

I also am always reassured by the quality of food that Victoria puts in front of the kids (and ensures that they eat). I know for a fact that our daughter's repertoire of foods has been expanded by being there which has been brilliant for us.

Victoria is more than just a childminder to us. She has been such a help and support to us as first time parents throughout our daughter's early years. For example potty training was done in partnership with her and was so much easier as a result of her experience in spotting when kids were ready to start. Victoria has bent over backwards to be flexible and help us out when our needs have changed due to different life circumstances. We will always be so grateful for everything that Victoria has done for us, and I can wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who is looking to start their child with a new minder.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication