Sam is without question an outstanding childminder. She is highly qualified, dedicated, caring and thoughtful. With her amazing help we have watched our son grow from those first unsteady days of settling into a confident, well-mannered, intelligent and emotionally balanced child. Academically, our child has excelled.

We started our journey with Sam in early 2017 and during those 3.5 years we have experienced only the best for our child. Every day spent at the setting is an adventure; through a structured routine and creative planning the children hardly realise how much they are learning about themselves, the world they live in, and both socially and academically. So much thought and preparation goes on in the background; where many practitioners look to achieve the standards laid out by EYFS and Ofsted, Sam is always looking at where she might exceed those expectations for the child as appropriate and finding creative ways to do so. We have also appreciated the online diary system of reporting our son's day, milestones and achievements and looking back at photos now we see how many incredible trips and adventures outside of the setting he has experienced in her care.

Sam works with parents to ensure that their values and standards are matched in the setting. Through every developmental stage we have had her full support: from walking, talking and potty training to reading, writing and preparing for school. We have been happy with her approach to behaviour management and how she encourages the children to have respect for themselves, to show kindness for others, to appreciate and enjoy the setting itself and to trust and respect her, with a variety of calm and sensible approaches. Our child trusts her completely and has built a lasting relationship with her and her family.

Which leads to the most important factor of all. Leaving your child with Sam is like leaving your child with family. Your child will feel valued, loved and safe in Sam's home. She will always be "Aunty Sam" to us! We recommend her most highly as an outstanding childminder who is always going above and beyond expectation.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication