Lilybarn

Outstanding in every way

Both my children attended this childminders when it was based in Leigh. My children thrived in this environment both socially and academically. The day is well structured with a good routine, children got a lot of time outdoors, going to the beach, the woods, farm and parks. An online journal enabled us to see the range of wonderful things they were up to and most importantly my children both seemed very happy to go from early on, in contrast to another setting my child went to.

I visited a lot of other nurseries and childminders when deciding on this childcare and this one really seemed head and shoulders above the rest. There is amazing play equipment, toys and activities are displayed imaginatively and creatively and there is lots of opportunities for learning.

The nativity they did at christmas was just gorgeous as was the flier they created to promote it. Now we have to leave unfortunately due to the location change we and our children will really miss this happy, homely and positive environment.

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by Parent on 08/03/2019

Response by LilyBarn on 08/03/2019:

Thank you for your lovely review !

Childcare Dreams

Like most parents I dreaded returning to work and the thought of some stranger looking after my most prized possession was quite hideous. I had already visited a fair few childminders before arriving at Kathy's door and I have loved ringing that bell everyday since.
My son has been with Kathy and her team since he was 9 months old and even now at school (Reception) he still absolutely loves spending time after school and in the holidays. It really wasn't long before he was excitedly running through that door and I was the one chasing him for a kiss goodbye.
Kathy is entirely professional, prepared and truly passionate about what she does, everything is centred on the children's growth, development and well-being and her warm caring approach resonates through the confident, happy, inquisitive children she has thankfully helped us all raise. The environment she has created at Lily Barn is absolutely wonderful, not many people put this level of care and consideration into developing their space, along with crafting interesting and age relevant activities for the children to do daily.
I cannot recommend Kathy and her team enough!

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by Parent on 04/03/2019

Response by LilyBarn on 04/03/2019:

That is the most lovely review thank you !

Amazing childcare

My son has been going to Kathy since we moved to Southend in September 2017, and I could not wish for a better environment for my son. He has thrived in Kathy's setting and his confidence has come on leaps and bounds. Kathy and the team have always been flexible and understanding of mine and my partners working hours etc. and have been extremely accommodating. I receive daily updates and pictures which make my day. More often than not the children have been to the park, the beach, the library, created wood work, paintings... you name it, they do it. I most recently received a picture of the my son doing some painting based on Michael Angelo which is just amazing. Kathy is firm but fair with my son when she needs to be and he is taught right from wrong and how to interact with others alongside educational learning such as how to write his name, the alphabet, counting... the list really does go on. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Kathy and the team as a parent let alone the impact this setting has had on my son. This really is an outstanding childcare provision and I have never trusted anyone with my son the way I trust Kathy and the team.

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by Parent on 01/03/2019

Response by LilyBarn on 01/03/2019:

Thank You Kirsten thats a truly lovely review x

Wonderful Intimate Nursery

Kathy and her team came to me via a recommendation of an existing client and from the moment we met with Kathy, was the moment we knew our daughter would be well looked after whilst in Kathy's care. Both my husband and I were so impressed with the setting to the team looking after the children.
Our daughter started with Kathy at 9months old and is now 26months old. Her development has come on leaps and bounds and not to mention her manners to. She has made so many lovely friends and it's wonderful to hear her say that she's going to Kathy's and she then lists who she's going to see. Our daughter is very settled and looks forward to going into Kathy's setting and always has a smile on her face and now insists on pressing the "ding dong" bell. The software that is used to monitor our daughter's progress is a real bonus and I really enjoy reading our little girl's achievements, along with seeing the pictures of their daily adventures to. Kathy is a wonderful cook and ensures the children have a daily cooked meal from scratch, along with healthy snacks. That's a great benefit knowing our daughter has been fed appropriately and is one less thing to worry about when you get home.
We cannot fault the activities that the children get up to and it's refreshing to see that the children get to visit many different places, whether that be the local park, the beach, the woods and not to mention seeing some local businesses to. I honestly cannot recommend Kathy and Leanne enough and the things they teach the children. This fantastic start in life has set our little girl up ready for when that time comes to start school.

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by Sally444 on 25/02/2019

Response by LilyBarn on 01/03/2019:

Thank you Sally for your lovely review.

Super Childcare team

I can't say enough how lovely Kathy & Leanne are. My daughter has been with them for 17 months now and she loves it here,she has learnt so much from them and is very confident happy child, Sometimes I don't even get a goodbye she's too busy rushing in!!
The children get outside daily (weather dependent) go  on many trip's to the park to play and run about the beach and the wood's where they have lots of fun learning about nature ect which they all love and make up "forest names". They learn lots of different songs with actions and have circle time everyday where they talk about different things or read a story together. Kathy serves up some yummy meals for the children at lunch and tea  times and healthy snacks throughout the day. I get a daily diary telling me what my daughter has done each day which is great as i can then talk to her about it on the way home, I also get lots of pictures of her doing the activities that have been set up that day. The activities are changed daily and will incorporate special holidays ect. I'm kept up to date with her eyfs tracker so I can see how she is getting on and what she has accomplished and what her next steps will be. Im extremely happy that I chose Kathy and team to look after my daughter :)

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by cazzie on 20/02/2019

Response by LilyBarn on 21/02/2019:

Thank you for such a lovely review ! Its an absolute pleasure looking after your little one !