Due our second child imminently and new to the area, we were looking for childcare for Theo – our then 20 month old – for a few days a week. I came across Neil’s profile on Childcare.co.uk website and enquired about availability. At that time, he didn’t have any space available so had to look elsewhere. However, I came across Neil at a local National Trust property soon after the enquiry when I was with my son and was able to observe him with the 3 boys he had in his care when he was unaware that I had recognised him. I was immediately impressed with him – he was excellent with the boys, immersed in different games, reminding them of their manners and helping them develop their creativity outdoors. After the chance encounter I was set on putting our son on Neil’s waiting list. We did visit other settings in the meantime but Neil was worth the wait and incredibly glad that we did.
Theo has thrived under Neil’s care. Being a relatively shy boy, he became settled pretty quickly with Neil and the other boys. Over the last 6 months our daughter has also been with Neil and loved it. We absolutely loved that Neil took the kids out every day, something nurseries/preschools can’t do as easily. Neil mixes up locations each week, which are mainly outdoors based and include the woods, horse yards, different local parks, hobby farms, local marinas and walks by the river etc. He also takes them to garden centres, trampoline parks, soft plays and more. Neil has a group of other childminders that he meets up with from time to time and goes to a weekly playgroup with them all – so the kids get to socialise regularly with a larger number of children.
We like Neil’s set up with it being separate to his house – with an indoor area including toilet and outdoor area with an abundance of toys. At his settings, the kids play with the toys, make up games with each other, dance to songs, do arts and crafts and baking and much more. If the children nap still, they can do so in the main house in peace and quiet being monitored on a baby cam. He has a lovely wife and child that are great with the kids too. His son sometimes spends time with the children in the holidays and our two absolutely adore him.
Neil has built up a wonderful rapport with our children and us and we view him as an extension of the family. He has open and honest communication with daily updates of the children and pictures on whatsapp which we love to receive. He is flexible when needed and provides plenty of notice if required. We've been with Neil for over 2 years now and sincerely wish the kids could stay with him for longer but we now have 3 children and our eldest is starting school outside of Neil’s local area meaning we’ve had to get a nanny. We could not recommend Neil enough.

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