We use Monika's wonderful setting for both of our girls - our eldest is in year 1 and attends the setting before and after school, and during school holidays when required, and our youngest is two, and attends the setting full time.

We couldn't be happier with the setting we have chosen. Our youngest has shown huge development in her colours, counting, fine motor skills and her social skills. The range of activities provided is broad and exciting – painting, sorting, patterns, water play, baking, dressing up, dancing, singing, reading, to name but a few. Our eldest is supported in learning her spellings each week, and working on her reading, as well as arts and crafts and the chance to play with the other children to keep her busy after school.

In the setting the children learn about all of the religious festivals and other key events (recently this would include the Queen's Jubilee, for example) and the staff in the setting celebrate these things with the children (music, dancing, special food where relevant, costumes) which they all enjoy so much. It’s also a testament to the fantastic diversity of the children and families who use the setting and it’s wonderful to see our children learning about and celebrating other cultures and traditions. The Christmas celebrations were amazing, and Santa even came to visit the children to sing carols and have a Christmas party!

There is a wonderful outdoor space, including a huge covered area so the children get out every, single day regardless of the weather. The summertime was especially brilliant for our eldest who enjoyed playing in the paddling pools after school to cool off from the heat.

The staff are beyond brilliant. Kind and caring but also upholding gentle and appropriate discipline. The bond between our girls and the staff is very clear with cuddles at the end of every day, and my eldest is always keen to share her achievements and news with them. We receive photos every day of what our children have been up to, as well as a short written report about how they have been, what they have eaten, nap length and anything else to note.

The food is of exceptionally high standard and quality – and I think the staff must be miracle workers given that they get our girls eating everything from tuna to beetroot, which they will now eat happily at home too (and wouldn’t have touched before they started at Monika’s!) Junk food is kept to a minimum and only provided on special occasions, but the girls always enjoy the home made cakes, fresh fruit and yogurts as their treats.

Every single child is made to feed extra special on their birthday when the front door is decorated with their name and age. There is then always a birthday cake and all the children and staff sing happy birthday.

We honestly couldn’t be happier with this wonderful setting and would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending it to any parent looking for a kind, caring, nurturing and developmental setting for their child.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication