H. has been caring for M. on two days a week since March 2014, when he was 12 months old.

She has gone out of her way to make us both feel comfortable and at home and has been incredibly flexible. It wasn't a problem when I changed my working days, and she has often offered to work on different days if we are ill - despite no contractual obligation to do so.

She has a welcoming home, which is bright, cheerful and spotlessly clean, with lots of books and toys to play with, both inside and in the garden. They make regular trips out to play groups in term time and they also visit an assortment of local parks nearly every day. I'm confident he gets plenty of attention, but also gets to mix with other children of a similar age.

She provides healthy meals and snacks for a reasonable extra cost, and I'm very happy with the choice and variety. She has even persuaded him to eat bananas! His eating and sleeping have improved immensely in his time with her, and she is also great at encouraging his emerging speaking skills, and his enthusiasm for climbing and being outdoors.

Matthew took a long time to settle in, as he had never been cared for by anyone other than his parents previously, but she has worked hard to help him feel happy with her - and we were both equally delighted when he started to genuinely enjoy being with her, and with her family. While he was settling in she kept me updated regularly through the day by text message and email both to reassure me and to check on the best ways to soothe him. She is very open and up front - and warned us before we even signed up of her summer holiday plans. She also keeps me updated with what they have been doing each day, and has sent me some lovely photos.

I'm very happy with her care, and would not hesitate to recommend her.