Maria's Reviews
Childminder
4.67 out of 5
Parent reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Maria. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
We have been using Maria as our childminder since April 2021, and we couldn't be more pleased with the care she has provided for our two boys. Our eldest started at 20months old and youngest at 10 months, both up until they were 3 years old. From the very first day, Maria made us feel comfortable and reassured by her warm, professional, and caring approach. She is incredibly reliable, punctual, and truly understands the needs of each child.
Our boys have developed a strong bond with Maria, and it’s clear that she genuinely enjoys spending time with them. She provides a wonderful mix of structured activities, free play and trips out, ensuring they are both entertained and learning at the same time. Her home is always clean, safe, and welcoming, with plenty of toys, books, and outdoor play areas.
Maria keeps us updated regularly with photos, videos, and feedback. It’s clear she goes the extra mile to make sure they feel happy and comfortable in her care, particularly in providing them with vegan food and using resuable cloth nappies at our request.
We have complete peace of mind knowing that our boys have been in such capable and loving hands. We highly recommend Maria to anyone looking for a trustworthy, kind, and dedicated childminder.
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Shirleys
on 16/12/2024
Maria has been our son’s childminder for the last year and is wonderful, so warm and nurturing, I couldn’t recommend her home enough! We’d had H in a nursery around the corner and he’d cried every day for hours, we were finding it so hard to settle him so made the decision to leave the nursery and start with Maria as our childminder, our baby was like a different child.
Maria looked after him and engaged with him so well that he was settled within a couple of days and has been so happy there since. It’s felt like he’s part of a wider family. Thank you
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Caitlin
on 26/07/2024
Our daughter loved her time with Maria & Co so much. Every morning she was happy to run in and 'see her friends'. Maria, Carlos and Furdosa took exceptional care of her and all the other children in their care, creating a supportive and strong little community. They take the kids out daily on fun excursions, do all sorts of fun sensory activities and make delicious and nutritious meals for the kids. They build string connections with the children and it is clear they understand child development. Maria's house is a happy, warm environment where we saw our daughter flourish-- we truly miss them and recommend Maria's without hesitation!
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Lisi
on 27/05/2024
Response by
Maria
on 28/05/2024:
Lisi thank you very much for the lovely review I really appreciate.
For 2 years Maria provided supportive and loving care for our son. He left for Preschool 6 months ago and still speaks of her and her home very fondly which is why she is still doing some babysitting for us.
Her home is welcoming and full of activities for the children. She also has 2 gardens which are in full use for the kids. However, they go to different parks and farms,if not every day, multiple times a week. So it's a very stimulating and fun environment.
Maria also organises a few events each year which allow the parents to get to know each other better as well, which creates a great sense of community.
All in all its a fantastic home away from home.
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Maria
on 16/04/2024
Response by
Maria
on 16/04/2024:
Thank you so much for your review
I cannot recommend Maria highly enough! We've been entrusting her with our child's care for over a year now, since she was just 5 months old. Maria has been an absolute godsend. Leaving your baby with someone new can be nerve-wracking, but Maria immediately put us at ease. She's incredibly caring and attentive, creating a safe and loving environment for our child to thrive in. Kids simply gravitate towards Maria! She has a knack for making them feel happy and engaged. Maria also prepares nutritious and delicious meals for the children, and she's fantastic at accommodating any dietary requirements.
Overall, we are beyond grateful for Maria's dedication and warmth. Our child absolutely loves going to her home, and we have complete peace of mind knowing they're in the best possible care. If you're looking for a fantastic childminder, look no further than Maria – I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her 100 times over!
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Amina
on 18/03/2024
We are incredibly lucky to have found Maria.
An exceptional childminder whose dedication and warmth have truly transformed our son Eli's life. From the moment we entrusted Eli into her care, Maria has proven to be amazing, ensuring not just in his safety, but also nurturing his growth and happiness in the most remarkable ways.
It's clear that she sees her role as more than just a job – she genuinely cares about each child under her watch. Her ability to connect with children on a personal level is nothing short of remarkable.
Maria's approach to childcare is not just about supervision; it's about fostering an environment of creativity and learning. Every day, she engages our little ones in a myriad of stimulating activities, from arts and crafts to ensuring that their curious minds are always challenged and inspired. The joy and excitement on Eli's face when he arrives at Maria's everyday is truly priceless.
Communication with Maria is seamless and transparent. She keeps us updated with daily pictures. This open line of communication has not only provided us with peace of mind but has also allowed us to actively participate in our children's development, creating a strong sense of partnership between us and Maria.
In conclusion, We feel incredibly fortunate to have found her, and we are endlessly grateful for the positive impact she has had on Eli. If you are searching for a childminder who goes above and beyond, and who creates an environment where they can thrive, Maria is the perfect choice.
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George
on 15/10/2023
Response by
Maria
on 15/10/2023:
George thank you so much for your lovely review, I really appreciate.
Our son was with Maria for almost 2.5 years(6m to almost 3 years), and we cannot say how happy and grateful we were to have found Maria. The children go out daily for various trips, have multiple activities during the day and eat amazing home made food!
It was amazing watching our son exceeded all milestones, thanks to Maria!
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Joanna
on 04/10/2023
We struck absolute gold when we found Maria. Due to the Pandemic I ended up needing to return to work a little earlier than I had wanted and our initial plans of having Grandparents take a role in childcare was also thwarted. I decided to contact the local Council asking for support in finding someone quickly and Maria was at the top of their recommendation list. As soon as we met her my gut instinct told me that this was a safe, loving and homely environment that my son would thrive in. My son (who at that time was quite wary around new people) appeared instantly comfortable with Maria, giving her big smiles and giggles, more each time we met her!
We have now been with Maria 6 months and my son could not be happier. Maria and her team provide a happy, exciting environment with ever changing activities and outings which stimulate, stretch and engage my son. Maria really knows her stuff and I am impressed again and again by her knowledge of Child Development and how she is able to challenge and aid him in reaching new milestones, whilst giving him the most fun day ever! Maria is constantly refreshing and rotating toys as well as making sure they are diverse, multicultural and foster inclusivity. Maria understands the importance of starting this at a young age.
I am impressed with his fine motor skills development, beginnings of imaginative and projective play and very happy with his speech and language - Maria has even taught him the words for 1,2 and 3 in Spanish, which we have all been having fun with. My son is developing relationships with the other children at Maria's, which she encourages and he races in to see them and her, grinning from ear to ear on Maria days!
We are really pleased with Maria's communication, especially enjoying the photos she sends us showing u what our son is doing throughout the day. Maria seems to genuinely care about our son and is so accommodating and flexible to his and our needs, we don't know what we do without her.
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Sophia
on 25/05/2021
We've been with Maria for 2 months and there is not a bad word i can say about her as a person and her service, our daughter has settled from day one and we've had nothing to worry about. Its clear Maria is all about providing the best for whoever she is looking after. She gives us regular updates and does cater for all needs when it comes to our very picky eater! On top of everything our daughter always looks forward to going to Maria's and we have had nothing to worry about which has been a big relief
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Pedro92
on 22/05/2021
Response by
Maria
on 22/05/2021:
Thank you so much for your lovely review
We unexpectedly found the most wonderful child care for our daughter when we managed to get her a place with Maria. Our little girl is thriving. She arrives excited and leaves happy. I feel so relieved and lucky to have Maria and her team look after our little one with such warmth and complete competence. It’s a happy place to be! When I collect my daughter all the kids are having such fun. They eat well and do all sorts of great activities and I get photos and updates throughout the day which is very reassuring. I can’t say enough how glad I am to have found such a superb and yet very professional childminder.
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Cath
on 20/05/2021
Response by
Maria
on 20/05/2021:
Thank you so much for you wonderful review.
At first we were quite worried about leaving our little one with a person which wasn't myself or her daddy as she wasn't used to other people . ( she was born only few months before the lockdown)
But I must admit, my daughter clicked immediately with Maria within a week and we were extremely please with that.
The food is excellent and you can always smell that Maria is cooking something nice every-time you step in :)
The house in nice and cozy with tons of toys and activities inside and outside with a designed area for sleep.
Maria is super sweet and caring and my daughter absolutely loves her and she so happy every day to go there and doesn't give a crap about me waving on the door step as she wants to go and play :D
Maria also sent us regular foto and updates throughout the day which is greatly appreciated.
Definitely I am happy to recommend Maria to other parents !!
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Rob
on 18/05/2021
Response by
Maria
on 20/05/2021:
Thank you for your kind comments
IF I COULD GIVE NO STARS I WOULD. MARIA AFTER HAVING MY CHILDREN 4 MONTHS DECIDED THAT SHE HAD MADE A MISTAKE IN OUR HOURLY RATE AND WOULD NOW NEED TO CHANGE IT. NOT ONLY DID SHE INCREASE IT BY 35% BUT SHE WOULD NOT HONOUR THE 4 WEEKS NOTICE OUTLINED IN OUR CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT. LEAVING ME NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE MY CHILDREN AND FIND SOMONE ELSE WITH NO NOTICE, LUCKILY SHE GAVE ME BACK MY MONEY. HOWEVER SHE HAD NO INTEREST IN WORKING OUT THE 4 WEEKS (CONTRACTED) TO GIVE MY 3 YR OLD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY GOODBYE AND MOVE ON. I'VE BEEN STUCK TRYING TO FIND CHILDCARE FOR THE NEXT DAY. NO INTEGRITY, CLEARLY ONLY ABOUT MONEY. GRANTED SHE PROBABLY HAD OTHER CHILDREN LINED UP THAT WOULD MAKE HER MORE MONEY THAN MY 2, HOWEVER SOME TRANSPARENCY AND HONESTY EASIY FIXED THIS SITUATION.
BEWARE!!!!!
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Elena
on 16/05/2021
Response by
Maria
on 17/05/2021:
Hi Elena, sorry to say but I don’t understand this review but what I remember I did offer to you the 4 weeks notice period but you ask me for the deposit back so your children not need to come back to me.
