Jo took my son at eight months of age on a full time basis until I was able to reduce my hours about six months later. She has now looked after him for about two years. He was a very difficult baby (cried a lot, had reflux) and was very attached to me.
Jo was absolutely fantastic at caring for him. She is a very energetic person who sincerely loves little children so responding to his need for affection was natural to her. I could go to work knowing he was getting the attention he needed. Over time she has taught him so many manners and trained him and tamed him making my job that bit easier. It is clear she has a wealth of experience with children and she goes to great length s to give them individual attention and encouragement.
She has always communicated well with us both with written records and through conversations. She has managed his routines around those of the other children she cares for successfully so that at home his eating and sleeping patterns work for us too. She has become like a family member and our son no doubt has a strong bond with her. She makes her job look effortless taking the children out and about to a range of interesting places appropriate to their development ( garden centres/farms/parks/toddler groups). Our little boy can be very challenging but with her he behaves like an angel. I am not sure there are many childminders in the same league as Jo and I would like to recommend her especially if you are nervous as about returning to work or worried about your child not settling. Jo is real life baby whisperer. She is completely reliable and incredibly helpful.