Birt Bun

Outstanding

Where do I start?

Vicky has become a valued member of our family.

Ruby, who is soon to be 3 started with Vicky when she was just 9 months old, I had to return to work earlier than planned and as you can imagine this can be a stressful time at it's best.
Ruby is my second child so I have used childcare before but chose nurseries over childminding, but I wasn't working so the days were few and not as long as I was at college.
I was recommended childminding by a friend, and Vicky was recommended by another friend.
We met briefly in the school playground where Vicky, as usual, was surrounded by children, 2 of her own and friends alike, they all just warm to her. This was comforting.
I was worried about the hours as I was going back to work 30 hours, long enough for a baby. But I had to as I was facing redundancy, if I didnt return, I would lose my maternity pay and redundancy, but Vicky reassured me every step of the way.
We went through Ruby's routine and her concerns, she had a milk intolerance at the time and there was a bit more detail than usual I guess, having never had issues or allergies before this was all new for me as well, but as usual Vicky helped and provided perfectly. Those who may be familiar with allegies that children do grow out of you have ladders, trial and error, for a mum this can be testing, for a childminder with many children you can only imagine. Vicky was brilliant, she bought things specific for Ruby to try and went along with this ladder. Ruby did later grow out of this, but with great patience and support from Vicky.
We've been through a lot of the developmental stages, from crawling and walking potty training and it has all been so much easier with Vicky on hand to support us. Ruby has had her reports and her developmental reviews with the health visitor and Ruby has been where she should be on the development tables if not exceeding.
Ruby loves to go to Vicky's house, she is her 'best friend, her favourite, she loves her' these are just some of the things Ruby tells me. Ruby always checks her day's she is with Vicky, and because of work commitments this is every day.
If I was a stay at home mum, or even part time working, I couldn't give Ruby even half what Vicky gives her, they have such a fun packed week from toddler group, Zoo visits, Woodlands, Aquarium, pic nics, soft play, parks, fairy hunting, woodland walks and so much more. Even a chilled out day at home in the cosy with all the toys that fill cupboards and drawers, sensory and messy play, paddling pools, dolls, hair dressers, the activities are endless.
Vicky always feeds Ruby lunch and Tea and there is always so much variety, home made.
Vicky has a huge impact in Rubys life as she has her so much, she is almost like a second mum, Ruby feels safe and happy at Vickys and we 're dreading the years for school, but im sure she'll make plans to stay with Vicky, even though the local school is no longer in my catchment area.
Ruby sometimes gets 1-2-1 with, just with the way the schedule works out and Ruby loves this.
Vicky really has a beautiful bond with Ruby and I trust her 100%. Ruby has a family home set up with Adam and Lillie and Nanny and Grandad, it really is lovely.

I cannot reccommend highly enough. 5* plus from us.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Lauren on 04/04/2019