Duaa

Great experience with Duaa

Our daughter started going to Auntie Duaa’s care in June, when she was around 2.5 years old, and continued until October. This was her first experience being looked after by someone outside our immediate family, so it was a significant step for all of us. During our initial meeting, our little girl felt immediately at ease. She opened up quickly and even initiated play—first at our home and later at Duaa’s place.

Duaa’s home is exceptionally welcoming, far better than other childminders we considered. It’s clean, well-organized, and not overcrowded with toys—just like a “home away from home.” The environment feels calm and inviting, with thoughtfully arranged toys and tidy spaces.

The transition was initially tough for our daughter, who struggled with separation, but honestly, it was even harder for us as parents. Duaa’s patience, understanding, and reassurance were invaluable. She gently guided us to keep goodbyes brief, which made a world of difference. She never rushed us, allowing us to take things at our own pace until we were ready. After just a few short goodbyes, our daughter adjusted beautifully—soon running in excitedly without a second thought.

Every day was filled with engaging activities: free play, simple cooking, time in the garden, or outings. The variety kept our daughter entertained and happy throughout her time there. We also appreciated Duaa’s flexibility with drop-off times and occasional schedule changes. While we understood it depended on her availability, she always tried her best to accommodate us.

Our daughter loved her time at Duaa’s so much that she would ask every morning if she was going back, and on days she wasn’t, she’d be genuinely disappointed. Those few hours each day were filled with joy and fun for her.

Unfortunately, our daughter no longer attends Duaa’s care as we are traveling away for an extended period. However, the few months she spent with Duaa were invaluable to us. As first-time parents leaving our child with someone else, Duaa made the experience a positive one, setting a very high standard. We highly recommend her to any parents looking for a caring, patient, and reliable childminder.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Zuzana about Duaa on 24/11/2024

Duaa has been a life saver!

I was so reserved about leaving my twins with anyone before I started work. I met Duaa alone first and she comforted me by saying the children will be safe with her. I felt comfortable so I went ahead and she looked after my twins for 3 months and also covered holidays for me. She has been nothing but a blessing for me and my twins have asked about her ever since they stopped going as I changed my shifts at work. My twins haven't seen Duaa for a few months and remembered she has a baby and we are due to visit her soon! She's really lovely and kind. Always goes the extra mile and makes sure she provides everything the children need!
Thank you Duaa ❤️

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Nureen about Duaa on 23/11/2024

great professional, wonderful person

Me and my children are with Duaa since July 2024. At first I was really concerned about them as I never left them with anyone else. Meeting Duaa was the best thing that happened to us. She not only takes a good care of them, but they are always coming back home happy, asking to go back in her house again as they always have different activities and lots of fun. Duaa is a professional in her area who has a lots of experience and provides a great service, she is kind, understanding, considerate, and always tries to support me and my kids in any way possible. As we are with her for quite awhile we know her family, and they are all lovely. For my children going to Duaa’s house is like a second home. I trust her completely, and I know in a time when I am not with them, they are with someone who will not let anything bad happen to them, and react in the most adequate way possible in urgent situation.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Svet about Duaa on 23/11/2024

visit

I initially visited Duaa’s setting as I needed a new childminder. Her setting was very clean and child friendly, and while she has a two month old baby I do feel she would be capable to look after the children.

My child seemed comfortable and didn’t want to leave as she felt settled on the first visit and wanted to come back straight away. While we didn’t initially go with Duaa due to distance I do feel that any child would be very well looked after and cared for. We spoke for about an hour and she was very thorough with everything I asked.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Sophie about Duaa on 23/11/2024

Stay clear

I visited Dua’s childcare setting and, at first glance, found it to be clean, organized, and welcoming. Dua was friendly and professional during our meeting and mentioned that she had multiple spaces available for my 1-year-old daughter.

However, I ultimately decided not to go ahead as I didn’t get a good vibe from the setting. One concern was the presence of a large glass fish tank, which I worried could pose a safety hazard if my daughter accidentally tipped it over. Additionally, Dua has a 2-month-old baby herself, and while I respect her ability to manage both roles, I had reservations about whether she could provide the focused attention my daughter would need.

Shortly after my visit, Dua contacted her mother-in-law, Iris (another childminder who had cared for my daughter earlier that day). Not long after this, I received a message from Dua saying, “Sorry, another child has filled the spaces.” While this is understandable, the timing and circumstances strongly suggested that this decision was influenced by Iris, rather than availability.

This situation raised serious concerns about professionalism and confidentiality. By discussing my private situation with another childminder without my consent, Dua may have breached the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which require childcare providers to handle personal information securely and respectfully. This left me questioning the safeguarding standards of the setting.

While there were positives about Dua’s setting, these issues ultimately made me uncomfortable proceeding. I encourage parents to carefully assess both the environment and the provider’s approach to confidentiality before making a decision.

• Overall

by Rabeeah about Duaa on 22/11/2024

Response by Duaa on 23/11/2024:

Hi Rabeeah,

I do not know who you are but I assume you are Iqra’s sister as she is the lady that came to visit me.

You visited my setting for only a few minutes and I never met your child nor did I look after her.

I don’t know what GDPR breach you are talking about but it is clear you do not understand Data Protection Law.

I hope that you are able to find a childminder that is able to accommodate both you and your child.