I was offered a job at the beginning of this year, when my son Spencer had just turned one. As most parents experience I felt very anxious about returning to work, and finding a childminder where Spencer would feel settled and happy.

I found Zoe on Childcare.co.uk even before we had met Zoe and I exchanged long messages about my start date, hours required and she was reassuring from the very beginning. She suggested little settling in sessions, where she had Spencer for an hour or two a couple of weeks before my start date to get him used to her and the change of environment.

She supported me to set up a Childcare tax account as I had never used one before, and discussed other options of payment the first month before I was paid from my new job such as Universal Credits. This was incredibly helpful, and I did manage to get one month paid for by Universal Credit before I received my first pay check.

It took Spencer a couple of weeks overall to get used to the change in routine. Zoe always sends little updates over WhatsApp ,with pictures and videos of his day, and regularly attends musical play groups, goes on outings to the beach, sea life centre and the park.

Once Spencer had settled in he started getting genuinely excited to see Zoe and her children, especially on Monday mornings when he hasn’t seen them all weekend he squeals with excitement when we pull up outside and reaches out for Zoe. It makes the morning routine and going to work so much easier and less stressful having a happy send off.

Zoe’s children are a testament to how she raises children, they are so polite when you drop off. Her older daughter especially waves at Spencer and I on her walk to school, or if she is still at home she takes Spencer by the hand and he beams up at her. It’s very sweet!

Zoe has a very caring nature and understands the pressures of motherhood. I’ve called her before and let her know I’m running late because of work commitments or a accident, sometimes these things can’t be helped and Zoe is always reassuring and supportive.

If you contact Zoe, she will always answer promptly and is helpful if have any enquiries or issues.

Going back to work and managing childcare is stressful for all parents, I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Zoe's support these last few months. I really value her as our childminder, I recommend her highly.

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