That is a question that all parents ask themselves. For me, when it came to making the decision of whom to entrust the care of my (now 11 month old) little boy, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. My son has now been looked after by Claire since May 2011 and I would like to share my experiences.

Although cost was never an issue when factoring the well-being of my son, Claire offers a rate that is very competitive compared to other childminders. I pay one rate, and everything is included so I know where I stand. He gets taken to many playgroups, and has so far visited a restaurant, a farm and is due to visit an aquarium next week. He is able to interact with many children on a weekly basis and gain socialization skills which will come in very handy in a few years time.

The flexibility that Claire offers is second to none. In the industry that I work in, I sometimes have to work into the evening which no-one else was prepared to cater for. Claire is happy to work with us and offer the flexibility that we need (be it an early start or a late finish).

Claire provides a wide variety of toys for my son, and has a dedicated playroom which is a veritable treasure trove for young children. She also provides us with a daily update in a special diary of his progress.

Finally, and most importantly, my son adores both her and her family who have all welcomed him with open arms. I couldn't have made a better choice for childcare for my boy, and if you are looking at this page as you need a childminder, look no further.