From the moment I met Nicola in March 2021, I knew she was the perfect person to care for my little girl while I went to work. If I could have stayed at home to care for Freya myself I would have but as I couldn’t, Nicola was Freya’s perfect option. Her home is warm, fun and caring and Freya loves going there every day.

Freya immediately settled well with Nicola due to her additional settling in sessions. She found out what Freya enjoyed and incorporated this into Freya’s day and made sure she settled smoothly.

Nicola has struck really amazing bonds and friendships between all children at her setting, and this helped Freya settle in and thrive with her. The children there have developed close and secure bonds with one another and have so much fun every day. Often Freya calls me Nicola which is a very clear sign Freya loves her time at Nicola’s. The last thing Freya talks about at night is her friends at Nicola’s. Lots of very positive signs that Freya loves her time with Nicola in her home.

Everyday Freya goes somewhere fun and exciting, and Freya comes home talking about all of the fun things they do in the community. At home Freya regularly brings home artwork and does lots of her favourite things there such as baking. I know from the daily communication and photos Nicola send that they are having a superb time. I wish I could be there too.

As a mum who was relatively new to the area, Nicola has also recommended lots of things to help Freya’s whole development such as sharing details of classes at the local children centre, the local fayre last June and inviting us to her son’s birthday party. Because of these things, Freya has made additional friends by meeting children locally and has generally been more integrated in the community. This is due to the kindness that Nicola has shown by going above and beyond to support Freya and we are very grateful for this.

Since Freya has been with Nicola, I’ve noticed Freya has made heaps of progress and particularly socially and emotionally. She is more confident, has toilet trained, she’s more confident in the community and listens to and follows a wider range of instructions.

Nicola also goes out of her way to make celebrations such as seasonal events and birthdays special for each of the children.

I am so delighted that Freya and I were lucky enough to find Nicola and I would recommend her to anyone as she’s such a natural at what she does.

Kyra, Feb 2024

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication