Michelle F's Reviews

Amazing childminder

Both my children have attended Shells little stars with my youngest still there. Shell is amazing, she takes her time to get know the children and tailors activities to their interests. She take them out to the local library, playgroups, parks and for walks. Both my children were potty trained with Shell and both done in a week! I can’t fault Shell at all and feel my children are extremely looked after.

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by Lisa on 31/03/2023

Like part of the family

I've had two children that have been to Shell my first is currently 5 and my youngest is with her now.

I can't rate Shell highly enough, the kids adore her and would much rather go see Shell and their friends than be at home. Over the years she has become a friend and honourary family member, she even came to our wedding!

It is a friendly, caring and encouraging environment with both joining around 9 months old she made it a stress free process.

Couldn't imagine who my kids would be without her input. Great people mould tiny minds!

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by Jen on 31/03/2023

Happy place

My 2 mini humans have been going to shells for 18 months now full time!
They absolutely love her and their little friends. Both children were lockdown babies so struggled with people. Shell was patient with them and took them into different settings, introducing them to new surroundings and I now have 2 confident little monkeys! Both have been potty trained there too!
They are with Shell 4 long days a week, she is the 2nd mum and home to them! I trust this lady with them and nothing is ever too much trouble!
I couldn’t recommend her enough! Thank you from all of us xx

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by K cole on 13/03/2023

I don't know what I would do with out them

I found the first message I sent to Sharon in 2015.. Everything Tillymints say they offer for you and your family is true!
Hi Sharon,
I am looking for childcare for our 13 month old son, A lady called Joanne ( a friend of my mums, who I think lives close by to you) recommended you to me and then I have just came across your profile and it's extremely more impressive than the others I've been recommended, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed until you have the time to get back to me to see if you have any spaces available.
I am a first time Mum, I have been researching and searching for months not knowing what I was looking for or how I pick between child minding and Nurseries. I think Morgan would prefer more variety in his day, as we see a change in him at bed time if he's not been stuck in the house all day. So I think I'm definitely making the right decision by going with the service you provide. We are looking for...

Morgan grew in confidence, developed friendships who he still thinks the world of today, Sharon helped us with potty training, taking the dummy away! Any questions we had she always had the answers or would find them before tea time! Sharon would updated us with photos throughout the day (which help so much! Especially the first couple of weeks) Morgan impressed all of his family with what he was learning.

Tillymints are also passionate about bringing all of the children's families close together, I've become close friends with many of the children's parents.

Sharon and Michelle always invite us on days out, I don't work Tuesdays (it's my favourite day of the week!) We have always gone out to somewhere new with all of the Tillymints.

I had no idea how much of a huge part Sharon and The Tillymints would be to us over the last 4 years.

Our youngest son joined the Tillymint family in September and we now have 2 fairy Godmothers!Alexander had separation anxiety which I didn't experience first time round. We can both be upset in the morning Michelle has done everything she can to reassure Alex and myself (sending me a photo a couple of minutes after me leaving of him happily playing and he's settling in nicely he adores her.

Sharon and Michelle have created a home from home environment for all the children and always give support to all the families in their setting.

I'm so thankful of Joanne who recommended Tillymints.

I honestly don't know what I would do with out them.

Amy & Matty.

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by Parent on 04/01/2019

The best child minders you could wish for

Oliver has been with Tilly Mints for just over a year now and loves every day that he attends. Both Michelle and Sharon provide a caring, fun and educational environment for the children and Olivers progression since joining has been fantastic. Tilly Mints provides its parents as well as it’s children support on all topics and provides you with the reassurance and security that your children are well looked after, cared for and happy within the Tilly Mints environment. Oliver runs through the door to Michelle and Sharon every day he attends. There’s nothing more a parent could wish for

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by Donna on 04/01/2019

Amazing nursery

My little girl Mia has been going to Tilly Mints since February! Mia took a while to settle in but Sharron and Michelle never gave up and reassured me each and every day Mia went to Tilly Mints! I felt so much at ease going back to work knowing Mia was being well looked after as I was given regular updates (and still receiving updates) through out the day to let me know how she was getting on! Mia absolutely loves going to Tilly Mints and has come on leaps and bounds since and grown so much in confidence. Xxx

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by Lisa on 02/01/2019

Outstanding childminder!

Both my son & daughter attended Tillymints from the age of 10months with Sharon & more recently with Michelle joining the team.
The service that is provided is excellent. You enter a warm & caring environment with a purpose child friendly home. The children are all looked after so well as if they were part of their own family.
I would highly recommend to any parent looking for a childminder.

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by Parent on 28/06/2017

A Flexible Friend!

As a family we feel very fortunate to have had Sharon as our daughter's childminder. We have always relied on family members to look after our now 4 year old girl, so when circumstances changed and we needed a childminder at short notice, Sharon stepped in and put our minds at ease over having a non-family member being responsible for our daughter.
Sharon has a wonderful relationship with the children in her care, all of whom feel very safe and happy within her home setting. Sharon's family are very friendly and treat the children as extended family members!
Sharon has been very flexible in our childcare arrangements as my husband works shifts and so has sometimes wanted to drop off/ pick up at different times to those originally agreed and this has never posed a problem. Sharon has also been there to look after our daughter at short notice and at difficult family times, which we will always be truly grateful for.
As our little girl prepares to start 'Big School' our family looks back at our daughter's time spent with Sharon and the children in her care, with great fondness. Sharon ensures that the children have a balance between fun-filled days out and play-based learning within a family home setting. Sharon also made sure that our fussy eater daughter was always well catered for and I am pleased that during her time with Sharon, she became less fussy and more willing to try new foods.
Thank you for looking after Sophie so well for us Sharon! We will definitely be keeping in touch! x

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by Parent on 26/07/2013

One in a billion!

Sharon has looked after both my daughters, Gabriella (7) since she was 2 and Evelyn (3) since birth. Due to a change in career and my working pattern, I no longer require childcare, and my girls will have their last day with Sharon in at the end of the month.
As the title says- she really is one in a billion. Over the 5 years she has been working with us, she has become a part of our family and both my girls are so gutted to leave. We will however stay in touch, visit regularly and even join them on days out in the holidays!

Sharon is one of very few people who I trust completely with my children. I know that they are always safe and well cared for with her, and I know that she will make sure they have fun filled days, whilst ensuring that they learn not just about their ABC’s and 123’s, but also about how to grow up into good people. I am always complemented on how polite and clever our girls are, and I know that they wouldn’t be half the little ladies they are without Sharon in their lives.

As you can see from my previous review and what other parents have said, Sharon does so many different things with the children that they wouldn't get chance to do at a nursery setting or with most other childminders. I feel so privileged to have had Sharon look after my girls and they have gained so much from her influence on their lives

Sharon has supported our family through many difficult times and I know that if ever we needed anything, whether or not it is childcare related, she will be there to listen and help in anyway she can. She is really approachable and I feel like I can talk to her about anything. She has become so much more than a childminder to us and even more than just a friend!
Sharon- we are all going to miss you so much, but our loss is another families gain and you'll probably see just as much of us anyway! We love you millions xxx

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by Parent on 23/07/2013

A big thanks

I met Sharon over 2 years ago at a soft play in St Helens, and instantly took a shine to her enthusiam and love for the children in her care. I knew that when i needed childcare that she would be my ideal choice. Unfortunately, the distance between us didnt allow for a permanent arrangement but thankfully we did continue to become friends and she helps me out with my girls whenever i am in need, for this I am very grateful!

The girls absolutely love being with Sharon, as do the other children they get to meet whilst with her. She does not stop! Educationally she is amazing, always teaching the children something through play, role paly, or flash cards or by generally showing them new things.

THe girls love a trip out with Sharon, the variety of places she takes them is brilliant, from Acorn farm, to strawberry picking, play groups, soft plays, through to trapsing in the mud at Pennington flash (send in cheap shoes!!!)

I cant thank Sharon enough, the only thing Id ask is that she moved closer to the Eccleston area so that I can take full advantage of the love, kindness, enthusiasm and knowledge she has!

massive Thanks to Sharon, (and I hope she doesnt get too full so that I can still have access occasionally! :)

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by Parent on 19/07/2013

She's just brill!

I don't usually do this but i i'd like to say a great big thank you to Sharon.

She has been looking after my little boy for the best part of a year now, and every day is an adventure for him. He comes home telling stories of what he has learnt, where he's been, what he's done, etc every day.
We sought out a childminder that could look after Taylor whilst we both worked, and although I was a little apprehensive about the post(only because I didnt like the idea of someone else bringing my son up i might add)Sharon just fits into our life perfectly.

She takes the children far and wide, from adventures in Delemere Forest, to day trips to Knowsley Safari Park, or a picnic in the park or our local play centre Prendoolys. And to top it off hes learning as he goes, he can now understand and 'speak' in Sign Language! Yep, you read that right, he can Sign!! He paints pictures, makes things with leaves, pasta; all the things you expect but don't get from a nursery! And she keeps a diary of everything, she can tell you what he did, on what day and what he learnt at each stage...incredible that she can fit it in...i imagine late nights at the kitchen table.

She makes home cooked meals, her house is immaculate and extremely child friendly, and to be fair she's never given me any reason from day one to regret seeking her out.

Im only sad that were nearing the end of our sons' time with her as he starts school in September. The only reason I'm writing this is to help more local parents gravitate towards her, if you're looking for someone who will care for your child like she has mine then jump in, you will not find better around...believe me, we've looked!! So thanks Sharon, I hope you'll see this and smile, we appreciate every thing you've done for us and especially Taylor.

We will all miss you,

Mark

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by Parent on 14/07/2013

Fabulous!

There is only one word to describe my daughters childminder!

I can go to work safe in the knowledge that my daughter is being looked after and all her needs are being met.

having had a couple of different minders across newton through no fault of my own, I can honestly say that no one compared to sharon..
my daughter is 1 and has a better social life than me! she goes to the farm, the safari park, the beach and recently veen strawberry picking. she really does do an awful lot with the children. as well

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by Parent on 05/07/2013

Highly recommended

Sharon has been looking after my little boy 1 day a week for the past 12 months now & I cannot fault her in any way.
I feel very happy & safe in the way she looks after all the children in her care. She's extremely friendly, bubbly & always very cheery & most of all trustworthy.
My little boy is always well entertained, fed & looked after. I love seeing the smiles on his face when I pick him up & I know he's had a good day.
I would definitely recommend Sharon to anyone looking for a childminder in this area.

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by Parent on 21/02/2013

The best ever!

Sharon looks after my one year old daughter full time and my 6 year old daughter after school and during holidays. She has looked after my eldest since just before she turned three, so we have known her for quite a long time now.

I’ve always said she is just like ‘super nanny’ cause she is just so amazing with the kids in her care. My girls love her to pieces and Sharon has become another member of our family.

She always has activities planned out for each day and takes them on regular outings to a variety of places including zoos, museums, farms, beaches, playgroups, play centres…I could go on forever. My eldest’s favourite is when they go to Liverpool and have a trip on the ferry and go to see the ‘super-lamb bananas’.

If it wasn’t for Sharon being able to look after my youngest when my maternity leave ended, I don’t think I would have returned to work. She is one of the few people who I trust completely with my children. I know that they are always safe and well cared for with her, and I know that she will make sure they have fun filled days, whilst ensuring that they learn not just about their ABC’s and 123’s, but also about how to grow up into good people.

She doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour, but she is fair and listens to the children and explains in a caring but firm voice as to why the behaviour is wrong. She puts a huge emphasis on feelings and asks children how they would feel if it was them. This has left a lasting impression on my eldest, who I am told by her school teachers is the peace maker when her friends fallout.

She works very closely with her families to make sure that her childcare is consistent with how we do things at home. She keeps us updated with daily diaries, so that we know what they have been up to, how many naps they’ve had, any developmental achievements, what they ate and even how many nappy changes, so that we don’t feel we are missing out while we are working.

I also know that if ever we needed anything, whether or not it is childcare related, she will be there to listen and help in anyway she can.
My youngest gets so excited whenever I say that we have to get ready for Sharon’s. She will run to the front door and shout ‘aaarrraaannn’(her sound for Sharon) with a big grin on her face.

Over the years we have got to know her family very well. Her husband Peter is fantastic with the kids, both my girls love him to bits and my eldest always wants to go say hello whenever we walk past Prendoolys. The boys are an absolute credit to Sharon and Peter and are both like big brothers to all the kids Sharon looks after. They join them on daytrips and I have turned up many times to find them reading the kids stories and getting involved in games, no matter how babyish and they don’t care if it makes them look ‘un-cool’ in front of their friends.

I think that anyone would be hard pressed to find a childminder who loves her job as much as Sharon, she is just one of them rare people who can get along with anyone, no matter how young or old, no matter what background they come from, she just cares about people and especially children.
I feel extremely lucky to have Sharon look after my children.

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by Parent on 05/09/2011

Absolutely Recommended

Sharon is a natural with children, she automatically adapts her approach to best suit each child’s needs & engages at an age appropriate level.
She is a dedicated childminder, who is passionate to every aspect of the child’s development; emotional, physical, educational & social development. She provides excellent care to the children by way of educational toys, fun games, healthy meals & snacks, day trips out, singing songs in the car (although xfactor are not missing out!) and she keeps excellent personal records of each child’s achievements and development that are given to the parents.

Sharon provided care to my child whilst I studied at university. She was very flexible whenever I was in need of changing an arrangement. My son enjoyed the care she provided and thinks fondly of her.

Sharon always has a cheery disposition, she has a fair but firm approach to her work & as a busy working mum, it gave me peace of mind knowing my child was in the safe & capable hands of Sharon.

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by Parent on 03/09/2011

Highly Recommended!

Sharon looked after my first daughter, and I cannot fault her in anything she did!

As a single mum at the time, Sharon was always on hand with advice and support for me with regards to looking after my daughter, and my daughter worships the ground she walks on!

Sharon engages in many activities with the children and is very rarely in the house, come rain or shine, there is always an activity day out planned for the children, which caters for all ages of the youngsters Sharon looks after.
Sharon puts 100% into everything she does with the children. Any meals she provides are 100% fresh, home-cooked food, nothing is tinned or packet frozen food.

From day one of my daughter going into the care of Sharon, there was an instant connection/relationship between my daughter and my self, and my child knew within a matter of days of the boundaries that were in place.

I would highly recommend Sharon Prendergast to anyone looking for a Childminder, and I hope that once my new baby is here, I am lucky enough to secure a place for her!

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by Parent on 30/08/2011