Rachels Little Stars

The most amazing start for my little girl!

My little girl currently attends Rachel's Little Stars and is now 2 years 4 months old. She began her transition visits when she was 10 months old as I was due to start back to work as a teacher and knew she would have to build up to long days. From our initial contact through to today, I cannot sing anything other than praises for Rachel and her setting.

There were a LOT of boxes I wanted ticking (being an Primary teacher) and Rachel has surpassed all that I could have expected. I was THAT parent that trawled through her policies, folders and reviews and her attention to detail and understanding of safeguarding was outstanding. She was patient with my questions and understood that I was preparing to leave my most treasured possession with her. At no point did I feel I was being silly for all my prep or requests. She established a positive relationship with me quickly and I felt at ease in her company at once- this has continued to this day.

She got to know my daughter very quickly and clearly loves being around small people. Her understanding of the roller coaster of emotions I was going through at having to leave my daughter really helped me feel safe to say exactly what was on my mind. I needn't had worries though because my little one slept and ate straight away and I had quick updates to put my mind at ease on those first few days. Even on 'Velcro baby' mornings now I get an update before I get to work to say she has now settled and what she is now up to. It's all these thoughtful little details that make us so grateful Rachel had a space for us!

Her communication is outstanding. We get daily updates with photos that literally make my day. We regularly look at them as a family and it is clear what amazing experiences are on offer. Now my daughter talks more, she often says how she loves Rachel's house and talks through the pictures in her own cute way.

Each week Rachel sets up a range of activities that help develop the children across all learning areas. I always want to come play when I see what's on offer! Outdoor learning happens regularly and she has really helped develop a love of nature in our daughter; this is embedded further with the trips to the park, woods and farms. It is also lovely to see Rachel meet with other providers so provide more opportunities for socialisation.

The progress my daughter has made astounds me and Rachel is always identifying next steps that are targeted in a play-based approach. Her setting is well resourced and encourages independence. My daughter is often praised when out and about for politeness, table manners and turn taking - this has come largely from the nurturing at Rachel's as she consolidates anything we want to work on at home. Right now she is supporting us with getting ready for a dentist visit!

At this point I'd like to add how lovely Rachel's children and husband are. Her three children have developed a fantastic relationship with my daughter and they are just the most well-mannered and kind young people. It really is like she is an extra member of their household! I love the videos she send of them all having fun or snuggling up with a book.

I am so thankful that we found Rachel and she really has got it right at Rachel's Little Stars! Rachel: you are an angel!

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by Keeka4 about Rachels Little Stars on 23/04/2023

So grateful we found Rachel!

Our little girl started going to Rachel's when she had just turned 1. Like most parents we were quite nervous but Rachel put our minds at ease from the day we met her!

Rachel's setting is brilliant and our little one seemed to settle very quickly there! The communication has been brilliant from day 1 and we look forward to receiving daily updates and pictures. Our daughter looks so happy and relaxed there, and is always busy doing something!

Rachel's resources are amazing, there is always an activity or theme for the children to enjoy and learn about and they also attend play groups and other outings.

It's been such a relief to find someone so welcoming and that we trust with our child. Thank you Rachel.

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by Catherin about Rachels Little Stars on 05/03/2023

Highly Recommend

Our little boy has been with Rachel for just over a year, starting just after his 1st birthday and we couldn’t recommend her enough!
Rachel is very professional and from the moment he joined, he was welcomed with open arms by Rachel and her lovely family.
Her setting is fantastic! She not only provides an environment where our little boy can have fun enjoying a variety of indoor and outdoor activities but she also helps and supports his development as well as taking him out on day trips!
Rachel has also been really flexible on a number of occasions where we have struggled to make up pick up time, due to running late from work which has also been a huge help.
We receive daily updates which are fantastic and help us see what he has been up to throughout the day as well as what he has eaten, when he’s slept and nappy changes. We’ve been over the moon since day 1 and the bond our little boy has with Rachel and her family is amazing!

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by Collette about Rachels Little Stars on 01/10/2022

Excellent

My daughter who is now 4 has attended Rachels little stars since she was 1 and I couldn’t be happier. Rachel is an absolutely fantastic childminder who provides a great caring environment which my daughter feels totally at home. My daughter loves attending and has formed a great bond with Rachel.
Rachel is very understanding and has been very accommodating during the pandemic. The daily diaries we receive are always a great read and include photos of the many creative activities the children get up to including crafts, garden play, trips out, reading and walks.
Rachel has a lovely home with dedicated areas for childminding. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending Rachels little stars.

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by Kilmo about Rachels Little Stars on 22/02/2021

More than just childcare

Rachel has looked after my little girl since she was 11 months old, she was welcomed into Rachel's home and treated as one of the family where she has blossomed into a confident, happy, independent 3 year old under Rachel's care.

As the Early Years Foundation Stage Leader of an 'Outstanding' infant and nursery school my expectations were high and Rachel has exceeded these expectations on every level. I have been very impressed by the activities and education that my daughter has received at Rachel's Little Stars in such a fun, safe and nurturing setting.

As a baby she settled quickly and soon became happy to be left. I knew that she was well cared for and happy with Rachel. I was worried about finding the right childcare provider as she would only nap by being rocked to sleep and I couldn't bare the thought of her being left to cry. Rachel has such a kind nature that she was able to meet my daughter's needs and respect my parenting style so that the transition from me to Rachel was smooth and a strong bond was quickly formed.

Rachel plans her activities around a weekly theme, incorporating the children's interests and differentiating the activities for the different ages of children. She uses high quality books and resources to support the learning across all 7 areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Her knowledge and experience means that my daughter has enjoyed learning about different celebrations and cultural traditions, about the changing seasons, animals and their habitats and about the world around her. She has also developed many independent, self help skills and always talks with enthusiasm about the things she has done at Rachel's house.

I will forever be grateful for having chosen Rachel as our childminder. She has been more than just child care. She has built firm foundations for my little girl and created lasting memories.

I would highly recommend Rachel's Little Stars.

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by CMurrell about Rachels Little Stars on 13/02/2021