Clarisse looked after my son Harrison full time Monday to Thursday when I returned to work following my son, Harrison's first birthday. Prior to that we had a few months of settling in sessions where Clarisse would collect Harrison from my house and take him to hers for a couple of hours each week. I even went with her to the playgroup once (at my request) to aid a smooth transition! As time went on his sessions with her became more frequent so that I was confident when my maternity leave had finished.

On a day-to-day basis Harrison was very happy at Clarisse’s home. When he was dropped off there were bigger children there and I loved that Harrison was able to interact with them socially and to build relationships, while still maintaining the intimacy of a childminder setting over a nursery. We had a family WhatsApp group (Clarisse, Daddy and Mummy) and regular updates are sent throughout the day – concerning nappies and food, and photos of him painting, playing music etc.

Roughly every half term Harrison came home with a written report. I love that it is hand-written with photos stuck in; it’s a real event for us and taken to all the grandparents! It’s a nice addition to see the progress he makes from a professional perspective, rather than from a parent’s. I love seeing the ‘targets’ that are set! It also shows how well she has listened to things I have said, perhaps as a passing comment (for example about how he likes to try and fit into small gaps!) that are mentioned in the report.

I am so happy that we found someone as good as Clarisse to look after Harrison. I hate that have to be away as much as I do, but it is such a relief to see how excited he is to be dropped off and his little games and rituals (waving to everyone, hiding from me!) when I pick him up. I love that she takes him out practically every day so he does get that all important social interaction and stimulation and know how well she knows him and likes him too!

Due to a change in my work my son now comes to work with me, otherwise he would still be with Clarisse. We still use her to babysit and for childcare in the school holidays - and Harrison still talks about her! I whole-heartedly recommend her to look after your children!

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