We feel very lucky to have Olga looking after our son. He started going to her 3 days a week just before he turned 1, and has been with her 5 days a week since he was about 18 months old. He is now 27 months old. Olga was very patient and supportive while we settled him in (this was during the pandemic, and so he wasn’t really used to unusual people or locations when he first started at her setting), and before long he was happily waving us off in the mornings. She and the other children at the setting are a big part of his life now – he talks about them at dinnertime and is excited to see them in the morning.

We feel our son has thrived in Olga’s care. She has focused on his interests, building on his love of books and vehicles to scaffold his development. He can count, read numbers and knows a number of phonics. Olga has been thoughtful about his development and responded to him as an individual. When he needs support to try something new, she thinks of things he will enjoy and finds ways to encourage him. She has helped build his independence – he has learnt how to put his coat on by himself and how to eat without making (much!) mess by himself.

Olga is very gentle and I feel all the children in her care seem kind and well-mannered due to her influence. She has a nice relaxed approach in her dealings with our son and also with us. She keeps us up to date with what happens throughout the day, as well as chatting to us at the end of the day.

Although our son has been with Olga through much of the pandemic (starting in July 2020), she has found ways to keep the children entertained and happy. Her garden has lots of toys, a mud kitchen, a big table for play with water or sand, and lots of ride-on toys. Her home has a dedicated space with lots of books and room to play. I feel this has been a challenging time for childcare providers, and Olga has really impressed us with the care she has provided throughout.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication