Carol

Great Childminder

My son has been with Carol for over a year now since he was 8 months old. My son enjoys going to the setting each week and it’s lovely to see how he’s getting on through updates in his daily diary, 6 monthly progress reports, pictures sent to the parents and crafts he brings home. It’s always a nice special touch when Alfie brings home a homemade gift at special times throughout the year such as Father’s Day and Christmas, very thoughtful! The variety of activities both inside and out tailored to his development along with homemade food and always a friendly update on collection, reassures me my child is always in good hands!

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by Laura about Carol on 28/02/2020

Outstanding childminder; Highly recommend

Our 2 y/o daughter Saoirse has been with Carol for childminding since August 2019. As an expat Australian couple who had only recently arrived in the UK when having been referred to Carol, we were unsure as to how childminding operates in the UK.

Carol has been brilliant with Saoirse - her dedication to ensuring she receives the highest level of care and attention shows through in how happy Saoirse is each morning to attend. As Saoirse also attends a day nursery part time, Carol has incorporated the split care arrangement by staying abreast of Saoirse’s educational development and aligning her learning and care requirements accordingly.

Carols communication with parents is exceptional - clear, concise and relevant. The quality of care our daughter receives is of a standard that leaves us with no hesitation in standing as a reference for Carol and the service she diligently provides. Would highly recommend to others the same that we were recommended in turn - the proof is in the results and we have a very happy daughter.

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by Kara about Carol on 27/02/2020

Lovely and amazing childminder

My little boy is been coming to Carol since he was 10 months old and I couldn’t be more happier that we found her. Carol is kind, understanding and easy to talk to.
I would highly recommend Carol.
Carol provide many activities, outdoor play as well as home activities such as arts and crafts. She made sure my son feels safe, happy and healthy. Carol also send photos of what my son is doing.

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by Mcook about Carol on 27/02/2020

Wonderful Childminder

My now 22 month old has been with Carol for almost a year now for 3 full days a week and he is really thriving. He always happily goes in to the setting and is perfectly happy when we pick him up again.
I have found Carol to be truly flexible for our needs (for example if needing to change a day with notice). She always fills out the diary diary so we are kept up to date with food, naps, activities and nappies for the day, along with any “wow” moments.
She was instrumental in getting our son to nap in a cot during the day rather than on us when he first went there too!
My sons speech and language is incredible for his age (recognised by my health visitor friends)! And I really believe carols setting has been so helpful with this.
I couldn’t ask for a better childminder!

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by KLG10 about Carol on 27/02/2020

Disappointed

Carol has looked after our son since September, at the beginning she was very helpful, friendly and flexible. As time went on, particularly from December this has been totally the opposite. Carol sends generic emails out to all the parents so your not sure what's aimed at you and what's not. She implemented a new rule of £10 per 5minutes of dropping off early or late, I was charged £20 for two ocassions for only being a few minutes early. I didn't know about these charges until the end of the month when an invoice came in. I didn't agree that I was early but I had no proof and had to still pay even though I hadn't signed the new changes. We had no prior conversations to this that there was an issue. Parents are not allowed in the setting so I'm unsure of what the setting is now like. We do not receive regular pictures when she has the children I had to asked 4 times before I got any. We received emails late at night to cancel childcare with immediate effect with still a day to pay on that £20.
Carol has advised due to her circumstances she cannot deal with stress, she's blocked my partner from making this review so I've had to. It seems to me children are just a number there and based on everything our son will not be returning to Carol and her mum's setting regardless of the 4 week notice. It's worrying enough leaving your child with someone, added stress and worry with this communication style is not acceptable.

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by Antony about Carol on 27/02/2020