Highfive's Reviews

We feel so lucky to have found Sharon and Geoff

I can't speak more highly of the care that our daughter receives from Sharon and Geoff. From a professional perspective Sharon has an wide ranging and impressive knowledge of child development and her ability to build secure attachments to the children she cares for really impressed us. But far far more importantly than that - it is so clear that Sharon and Geoff genuinely love and care for all the children they look after and we feel so very lucky to have found them.

After so long in lock down I felt nervous about how my daughter would adapt to being in childcare but it turned out I had absolutely nothing to worry about! Sharon was so reassuring with me and the gentle settling in approach worked so well. Her caring nurturing demeanor meant me and my daughter instantly relaxed and I feel so lucky that my daughter was happy to be there right from day one.

My daughter is always so excited to see Sharon and gives her a massive hug every morning! It makes the world of difference knowing that your child is happy and well looked after while you're at work.

Sharon has listened carefully to the ways that we prefer our daughter to be cared for, even cooking her absolutely delicious fresh vegan food every day.

Sharon and Geoff have created a family style childcare environment that is so lovely and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Emma on 11/11/2021

Response by Highfive on 11/11/2021:

Thanks for taking time to write this review 'E', it's so much appreciated. It's lovely to read your richly detailed comments, which are always so helpful for parents and carers as they start their own search for childcare. We feel privileged that you chose us to work with you both as we help to care for your gorgeous baby girl :)

A wonderful extension to our family!

It’s hard to really describe in words how fantastic Sharon and Geoff are!
When we first had our little boy back in 2017 we started asking around for recommendations for childminders and nurseries and we were soon put in touch with Sharon and Geoff and we were invited to visit their home.
With this being our first baby we really didn’t know what we were really looking for but from the moment we stepped foot in their house we were welcomed with nothing but kindness, reassurance and friendliness and we knew from then that a childminder setting was what we were looking for and that this is where we wanted F to go.
He was only very young when we reserved a place for him as we didn’t want to lose out as they were so highly in demand.

He first started with them when he was 11 months old and I can honestly say we have never ever looked back. At the time of him starting I lost my dad so not only did I have the nervousness of leaving my first born child but I also had a lot going on personally but Sharon and Geoff couldn’t have put my mind at ease any more and went out of their way to make us feel as comfortable as possible.

F settled very quickly and has honestly become such a wonderful little boy. I genuinely believe that a lot of this is down to them and the fact that they provide such a loving home and teach them everything that they could possibly need to know means that they have become an extension to our family. Every day he goes in with a smile and comes home telling me how much fun he has had that day. He has made some wonderful friends and now at nearly 3 he has come on so much not only in his own personality but with his development in terms of speech, language, relationship building etc etc and this is all part of the fantastic service Sharon and Geoff offer.

They genuinely care and love for all of the children in their care and to know that your child is happy, having fun but also being taught all the necessary early years foundation skills makes you relax and be able to get on with work or whatever it is you need to do.

I really struggled at first with feeling guilty that I had to go back to work as I felt I should be with my son but I have now grown to realise that by sending him to Sharon and Geoff I have given him more than he could ever need. He has his mum and dad but also an extra family that he sees daily and has the most wonderful time.

They have fantastic home cooked meals daily and they keep you up to date on their activities via an app so you can see what they are up to.
When F started there he had a dairy allergy and severe reflux which meant he was on a specialised diet. None of this was ever a problem and we were kept up to date with what he had eaten on that day and he was always catered for so he never felt left out at meal times.

I can’t recommend them enough and can guarantee that your child would be in the safest of hands here.

The only downfall is that he can’t stay their forever and will eventually have to go on to school but if I had my way he would stay with Sharon and Geoff until he was ready to leave home 😊

Thank you Sharon and Geoff for everything you do for F

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Jess on 06/11/2019

Response by Highfive on 07/11/2019:

Thank you for your lovely sentiments, your feedback is so very much appreciated. It's an absolute pleasure looking after your little man and working in close partnership with both of you to support him.

So…. the time is nearly here....

….for our daughter to fly the nest & leave Sharon & Geoff to start primary school....what a fantastic 4 years it has been.
Having initially visited a number of local nurseries in the area, deciding that these settings were not suited to our requirements in terms of the care of our only daughter, we were looking for a more home-from-home setting with a strong family feel and Darlings and Brown & Questingmoles fits the bill perfectly.
As soon as we all met Sharon & Geoff for the first time and even before A had started her settling in sessions we knew immediately that their setting was the perfect one for us. From the amazing level of support and reassurance, the daily diary reports & pictures in the early days right through to now, we cannot begin to describe the fun and brilliant times that A has had & she will be very sad to leave.
At the start of every day, A has whizzed through the front door, with a beaming smile, often welcomed with a big hug from Sharon. Whilst she is pleased to see us at the end of the day, she is never desperate to be going home (sometimes even being a bit upset when she leaving) – I have always thought how brilliant it must be here for us to barely get a bye bye in the morning as she can’t wait to get in!! She has made many amazing friends too during her time here who we hope will be friends for a very long time.
Every child follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and we are truly delighted with A's progress whilst in their care, which has also provided her with a fantastic foundation for starting school.
There is a wide range of fun, outdoor activities with plenty of outdoor exercise too, which is brilliant & an important requirement for us. Sharon is a fantastic communicator and has had no trouble in gaining A's self-confidence, always encouraging good behaviour & ensuring that A shows kindness and compassion to other children at all times.
Sharon provides a wide and varied range of healthy and home-made meals & snacks – A certainly is a big vegetable fan for sure & some of these are even homegrown.
When A has been under the weather, Sharon has been very comforting & we have had the upmost confidence in her brilliant standard of care. We have always been confident that she will administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records to ensure health and safety at all times. The exceptional standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene for all the children must also be mentioned.
We have been absolutely delighted with the level of care A has received during the last 4 years. We are certain that, being in such a positive, nurturing and happy environment has ensured that she has developed into a confident and self-assured little girl who is more than ready to take the big step in to the next chapter of her life, thanks to the superb quality and standard of care that Darlings & Brown / Questingmoles have provided.
If you are considering Darlings & Brown / Questingmoles as your childcare provider, we all have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending Sharon as a brilliant childminder, she & Geoff really are like an extension to our family. Thank you both so very much for everything x

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by LCP14 on 03/09/2019

Response by Highfive on 03/09/2019:

Bless you! Thank you so very much for trusting us to help look after your funny, clever, caring and gorgeous girlie - I could go on but the apple never falls far from the tree. We'll never lose touch and that's the biggest comfort for us. We've been a good team haven't we xxxx

Darlingsandbrown, Questingmoles - same thing :)

Wonderful Times!

We feel so lucky and privileged to have found Sharon and Geoff to look after our son, Michael. We both work full-time and were anxious about leaving him in full-time child care, because he did not enjoy the noisy and busy nursery he was in previously.
Our worries were dispelled straight away when we met Sharon as we could see the environment was positive, caring and lots of fun for children! Sharon’s qualifications, experience and professional approach was very reassuring to us, and we loved the updates, pictures and videos we received during the day! The support we had when we were held up in traffic, or train delays, picking Michael up was amazing!

Michael was with Sharon and Geoff while he was 3 and 4, and now he is 5, and at school, he still talks fondly about trips to parks, Bluebell Railway National Trust and Tulley’s Farm, as well as favourite phonics songs, games and books he read. He misses Sharon, Geoff and the friends he made very much, which speaks volumes!

I would add that Michael has adjusted to school life very well and his teacher tells us how impressed she is with his reading and maths, and that he is so confident in making friends. This is in no small measure down to the support and encouragement from Sharon and Geoff. We couldn’t recommend them enough!

Thank you!!!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 01/02/2018

Response by Highfive on 02/02/2018:

Thanks to both of you for your lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure to have had M in our lives and it's good to hear how well he's settled at school. It sounds like he's reveling in this exciting new chapter in his life xxxxx

Like an extension of our family!

I cannot praise them highly enough. Our son has been going to Sharon since he was about 9 months old, and from the moment we met them we knew they would be perfect! They handled the settling in process brilliantly, gradually building up the time Leo spent with them until we got up to my full four day working week. Leo loved it from the first day!
He gets fed home cooked lovely meals, and although we've had some battles with his eating, Sharon has been very patient and worked with him to the point where his eating is a lot better now - and I genuinely feel a lot of that is to do with her kind and loving nature. If I ever have questions or concerns with his development, she gives us great advice, and tips which always tend to work.
We get daily updates on what he's been doing, and photos so that we can see how much fun he's having.
I don't know what we would do without them!
Thank you Sharon and Geoff for all that you do for us xx

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by NSR1 on 04/12/2017

Response by Highfive on 30/01/2018:

Thanks for taking the time to write this review 'N', your kind comments are so much appreciated. You know how much we love your little man xxx

We're so lucky to have found Sharon and Geoff

We feel so lucky to have found Sharon and Geoff. Our daughter has been going to them for nearly a year now and she absolutely loves them and going there. From the first time we took her for a settling in session, Sharon was very gentle and kind and eased her in seamlessly. It gave me the confidence and reassurance as a new mum that I was leaving her in safe hands.
She has done such a variety of activites that I would never have got round to doing if I was at home with her all day myself. I'm a creative person, so love all the creative activities they encourage. They have a great imagination and cover a spectrum of holidays and themes. All healthy homemade meals everyday including breakfast, lunch and dinner. While i'm at work I get updates via an online diary about what they've been up to, meals they've eaten and naps had.
Sharon has not only been a childminder encouraging our daughter to develop but also a great support for me as a new mum, always there with advice for me at any time of day!
My daughter loves Sharon and Geoff which says it all! Thank you both for everything! xx

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Emmab on 12/03/2017

Response by Highfive on 10/04/2017:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review. We're so happy you chose to come to us and look forward to sharing J's learning and development with you.

Outstanding childminder & excellent care

We started using Sharon as a childminder in August 2015. I would say that I'm quite a fussy mum. Before signing up with Sharon I had actually tried 2 other childminders, 2 nurseries and a babysitter! Finding the right care was critical - I knew as soon as I met her that she would be the right fit for us. Knowing that A. is with Sharon means that I can focus on my stressful job during the day and come back home to pick up a happy little boy. I cannot recommend Sharon enough - she provides the children with a truly supportive environment, great food, exercise, and a daily diary so I can keep track of his activities and follow up with him later. She's organized and has never once let us down which as a working mum I truly appreciate. If you are lucky enough to get a space with Sharon, don't hesitate. You will not regret it.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by tinakiss on 08/04/2016

Response by Highfive on 28/04/2016:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an eloquent review. It's really good to know how you feel. It's an absolute pleasure to have A with us.

Amazing...A is so lucky :)

Our 8 month old baby girl has been going to Sharon & Geoff's now for only 3.5 weeks & already she is blossoming. A's face lights up as soon as she gets to the front door & Sharon answers - I love to see the beaming smile on her face when we get there - it gives me lots of confidence & we always know that she'll have the best day doing all sorts of activities & having fun with her lovely new friends (even if she's been asleep in the car on the way she wakes up in a good mood as she knows exactly where she is!). Sharon's setting is perfect, with the most gorgeous garden & excellent facilities & Sharon has already helped immensely with my confidence with weaning & I'm sure I'll be asking lots of advice in the future. Everyone is so happy. We love the daily updates we get & the pictures too - they always cheer up a day at work. Thank you so much Sharon & Geoff xx

• Overall

by LCP14 on 19/06/2015

Response by Highfive on 21/06/2015:

We're so glad you're happy. She's an absolute joy to look after and I love to see her smiling little face when she arrives every day - and yours too! Thanks for a lovely review xxx

Brilliant Childminder Highly recommend

My son started when he was a baby, and he is now 2 years old. I can highly recommend Sharon. To describe Sharon as a Childminder is woefully inaccurate. She is simply the most wonderful person you will meet who intrinsically adores children. We have increased days and hours, and I have been able to concentrate on my work. You can't put a price on good childcare, save to say that it has enabled me to work harder without any feelings of guilt. Its never easy leaving your little one, especially when they cry, however Sharon is very reassuring and has a magic way. Always communicating exactly whats going on, and there is a fab online diary you can log into to read about your little ones day, including photos and videos. The best part of Sharons care I believe is the 'Memory Bus' they go out most days, up to Wakehurst or to Sheffield Park to see the trains. This is invaluable and provides my son with a varied fun filled day. He is always shattered, well fed (all organic, homemade and non-homogenised!) and very content after his day in her care. I believe in Sharons abilities so much that I have delayed his start date at Pre-School, as he follows the EYFS under her care and is doing so well there. Sharon's husband Geoff is a registered helper and my son is also very fond of him too! One of my other children (5yrs) has also been there on inset days, and he had a great time too! If you are lucky enough to have found Sharon, and she has a space go for it! Thank you Sharon for all you have done for our family, without you and your care we wouldn't be where we are today.

• Overall

by Parent on 18/04/2015

Response by Highfive on 20/04/2015:

Thank you so much for your review. It brought tears to my eyes, you are such an absolute treasure, so kind and thoughtful. You mean so much to me and it goes without saying how much we all adore B. I just wanted you to know - xxx

Outstanding!!

Our son has been with Sharon for six months now and he has loved every moment, with lots of giggles, smiles and let alone the development has been outstanding and the best decision we have made as parents.

Sharon has so much love and care to give. Seeing how happy the children are makes us feel very privileged that our boy gets to share these precious memories also.

Any doubts any concerns we had of putting our son into childcare were gone as soon as we found Sharon. She makes you feel at ease, has tones of experience, and is great to recommend new ideas, or different approaches we may not have thought of.

Seeing the smile on our little boys face when we arrive and his eagerness to get in the door to see Sharon and play with his friends makes us feel extremely happy and proud parents.

We couldn't ask for a better childminder, and would highly recommend!.

• Overall

by Parent on 25/02/2015

Response by Highfive on 26/02/2015:

Thank you Laura for such a lovely review and for trusting me with his care. His winning smiles and cuddles make him absolutely irresistible! xx

Out of this World

Words cannot express how lucky I feel to have found Sharon and to have her looking after my daughter. I never dreamt that I would feel this level of confidence in leaving my child with anyone other than family but Sharon has surpassed all my expectations and both myself and my daughter are extremely happy.
The care and support she provides are outstanding and I know that Sharon has my daughter's very best interests at heart at all times. I have watched her blossom under Sharon's love and guidance and she is so excited to arrive at Sharon's house in the morning.
We are eternally grateful Sharon and look forward to many more years of sharing our daughter's memory making, with you.

• Overall

by Isamegte on 05/01/2015

Response by Highfive on 06/01/2015:

Thanks so much, it's lovely to know how you feel. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous girl with us.

The childminder you always dream of finding

Sharon has been looking after our twins for 6 months and we are absolutely delighted with the care and support she has given not only them, but also us! She has also provided useful tips on how to handle my 4 year old's challenging behaviour, which I have found invaluable. Thanks you Sharon!

• Overall

by Parent on 23/07/2014

Response by Highfive on 25/07/2014:

You're so welcome. It's lovely to hear you're happy, that's all that matters xx

excellent childminder

Sharon is one in a million! My son started at 4months old he is now nearly 10months. She is totally brilliant in everyway. Highly recommend.

• Overall

by Parent on 19/12/2013

Response by Highfive on 05/01/2014:

Thanks for taking the time to write your review it's so very much appreciated xxxx

Highly recommended, excellent childcare

Our son has been with Auntie Sharon for about four months now. Harry absolutely loves his time there and he's been made to feel like part of the family. Consequently, it's meant as a mum I've been able to focus on integrating myself back into work, whilst knowing he's in a safe, loving environment.

We were apprehensive about choosing the right childcare for Harry as he's our world. However, from the moment we met Sharon we knew she was the right person to care for our little boy. As others have said here, she provides much more than care, she really nurtures him and supports his development. From the daily diary updates we receive online, we can tell she already knows his personality as well as we do and it's lovely being able to read about everything he's been up to, which means we don't feel as though we're missing out.

We love the fact that Sharon makes sure Harry is continually stimulated and often takes him out on lovely trips. The homemade food was an important factor for us and Harry absolutely loves it! We both always look forward to coming home each evening and reading about what he's been doing as well as the delicious food he's been eating at Sharon's.

Due to the time and care Sharon took to to get to know Harry, as well as her calm and loving manner, he settled in quickly and every morning he arrives with a great big smile as we pull up at her house.

All in all we thrilled to have Sharon looking after our precious little boy and can't recommend her highly enough.

• Overall

by Amycuthb on 15/12/2013

Response by Highfive on 05/01/2014:

Thanks so much for your review Amy and thanks for sharing Harry with us xxxx

A wonderful childminder

I knew when I met Sharon that she was the right choice for my family. She used all of her experience to support us during my difficult decision to go back to work. She made me feel so confident in her abilities during our visits that I was happy to leave my daughter with her.

Sharon does so many fun activities throughout the week with our daughter that we don't feel guilty if we have an occasional lazy weekend. They spend lots of time playing outside which was very important to us. Sharon has a great communication system that includes everything they've been doing.
Our daughter loves to go to her house and she gets excited, waves and kicks her legs as we pull onto her drive.

As parents we couldn't ask for more than that.

Word can't really express how much we value her.

• Overall

by Parent on 04/06/2013

Fantastic, supportive childminder

Sharon has been looking after my son for just over six months now and I still can't quite believe how lucky we have been to find her! Noah loves his auntie Sharon and really enjoys the days he spends with her. Sharon is loving and patient and provides much more than care for Noah while I am at work, she is focused on the individual needs of each child in her care and supports development and learning at the same time as making them feel very secure and much loved. Sharon also provides much needed support for me as a first time mum, explaining the different stages that Noah is going through and how he reacts to play and other children. Last but not least is the incredible food that Sharon provides, I am usually very envious when I read his diary at the end of the day! I don't quite know how she does it but I do know we would be lost without her!

• Overall

by Parent on 19/10/2012

Response by Highfive on 22/10/2012:

I'm so pleased you're happy. I love sharing the pictures with you showing you all the things we get up to in the day! Noah's settling really well, and I'm enjoying seeing him grow and develop with his little friends! xxxx

Absolutely excellent!

My daughter has been with Auntie Sharon for a month now following my return to work, however it feels as though Eleanor has already become an integral part of her family and her a part of ours! The whole experience from the day we met her has been thorough and reassuring (making my return to work easy) and the attention Sharon gives to our daughter's needs is second to none. She is calm, patient, loving, provides fabulous home cooked meals that I can only aspire to and undertakes such a wide range of activities with Eleanor that she comes home exhausted! Sharon is more than a carer, she actively encourages Eleanor's development in a fun and inspiring way. She also provides excellent, timely and constructive feedback and information to us so we don't feel as though we are missing out on Eleanor's achievements and experiences, and we all pull together in the same direction for Eleanor's benefit. I can't praise Sharon enough and would highly recommend her. We are very lucky to have her!!

• Overall

by Parent on 03/10/2012

Response by Highfive on 05/10/2012:

Thank you Sara for a lovely review, I'm so glad you're happy. Your kind words are very much appreciated xxx

A comprehensive childcare package

We looked at several options before we chose Sharon to look after our son Henry. We preferred the smaller and more personal family home environment that she had to offer. From the start Sharon was welcoming, friendly, professional and extremely supportive throughout the childcare process. We particularly like the way she keeps us informed at all times whilst she is caring for our son and keeps us involved at all levels of decision making. She has been very patient with Henry and has managed to persuade him to try new foods which has been helpful at home. Henry gets very excited when it's time to go to her house and this in no small part due to the very loving attitude she has towards him. We are happy to recommend her as a childminder to any other parents who may feel daunted by the childcare process. Sharon has given us a comprehensive package and we are still finding nice surprises inside.

• Overall

by Parent on 06/02/2012

Response by Highfive on 21/02/2012:

Thank you so very much.

Amazing!

Leaving my little girl with Auntie Sharon was easy, I felt confident and comfortable with Sharon as soon as we introduced her to Ellen, who thrived in her loving care. Ellen was soon weaned onto amazing healthy food, Sharon even shared recipies with me so Ellen was getting similar food at home. More than this sharon became a much loved friend to me too. She was supportive and caring and helped me get back too work.

If you have a chance to have Sharon as your childminder grasp it with both hands, she is amazing in every way you really can't get better anywhere.

• Overall

by RSH Elle on 20/11/2011

Response by Highfive on 21/11/2011:

Thank you Sarah for taking the time to write a review. You are much loved too xx

Simply the Best

Auntie Sharon was the first person I contacted from the list of childminders provided by our Local Authority who met my criteria and as soon as I met her I knew she was the perfect person to look after my first born.

Auntie Sharon is a very loving and caring person who provided Ben with a safe and healthy environment for over three years. Auntie Sharon tracked my sons development in many different ways including a daily logbook to help us feel included in his daily activities.

We had no reservation in then placing our second child with Auntie Sharon two years later.

We highly recommend Auntie Sharon to any one who is looking for the best care possible for their child.

• Overall

by Parent on 01/11/2011

Response by Highfive on 03/11/2011:

Thanks Jo xxx

A truly outstanding childminder

I used a nursery for my eldest son Michael because a couple of my friends did and it seemed the right thing to do at the time. When Thomas was born I decided to look at a few childminders because he was so clingy and was lucky to find Sharon (one of the older children was going on to school). All I can say is that the difference was beyond compare. She carried Thomas around with her - they were practically joined at the hip - whilst he got used to her and he became secure and settled very quickly. She made lovely meals for him and he ate and enjoyed everything she made. She did lots of real boys own stuff with Thomas and would play cricket, badminton and football as well as making these really huge superstructures from the recycling box - he got so carried away making them that I had to downsize a few of them so they would fit in the car! Each morning he would get his coat, try to put it on and then go and stand by the front door ready to go to her house. I found that very reassuring when I was frazzled and trying to get out of the house in the morning. When we got there she had to open the door really slowly to stop him falling in!!! My family wish her all the best in her new life in Hayward's Heath and wholeheartedly recommend her to parents looking for someone who will lovingly care for their child and help build some really strong foundations

• Overall

by Parent on 05/09/2011

The best!

Sharon looked after my daughter for four and a half years and choosing her was the best decision I could have made. She provided Charlotte with the love and attention she needed whilst I was at work and my daughter reminisces fondly about the lovely time she had at 'Auntie Sharons'. I can't recommend her highly enough - she always went that extra mile to help and I quite honestly couldn't have carried on working if it hadn't been for her constant support.

I thoroughly recommend her to any parents looking for loyalty and top notch childcare.

• Overall

by Parent on 12/08/2011

One in a million!

Where do I start with a review! Sharon is an outstanding childminder and I can't imagine leaving my little boy with anyone else! Sharon has cared for Leo for nearly 2 years and he adores her. From the day I met her, I knew that Sharon was the person I would feel confident and happy leaving my (then) baby with. (I actually left smiling on that first day because Leo looked so happy!) Her home is welcoming and she creates an environment perfect for bringing up children.

Whoever is lucky enough to get a space with Sharon, grab it with both hands!!!

• Overall

by Parent on 02/08/2011