Mamabear 121

Always helpful

Our son is been with Tina and Paul since he was 9 months old. He's now 3 and a half.

Tina is always helpful, responsive and accommodating.

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by Lavinia on 17/01/2025

Safe and friendly environment for kids

Our son (now 2) joined the setting when he was 12 months old. It didn’t take long for him to settle in and he’s still very happy going each day.

We are sent regular videos showing his progress and at play with his friends. We are kept well informed of his progress.

We are advised well in advance of any closures which as working parents is invaluable to allow for planning ahead.

Vanda and her family are thoughtful, friendly and have clearly created a comfortable environment for children to thrive in.

We have full peace of mind when he goes to Vanda’s that he is well looked after. We would happily recommend her childminder services to other families.

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by Ckelsey on 15/01/2025

A warm, energetic, fun experience

My daughter (just turned 2) has been going to Vanda’s for a little over a year, initially 4 days a week, but has since moved to full time. Finding someone we felt comfortable leaving her with was a challenge - we don’t have family nearby so she wasn’t used to being with anyone other than us. She warmed to Vanda and Paul straight away, and has absolutely thrived in their care. She comes home happy (and tired!) and is excited to go each day.

As a psychologist I was particularly concerned about the initial settling in period. I found that many settings had a very abrupt transition, with only one settling in session. Vanda herself suggested a very gradual introduction, with my daughter initially attending a few hours a few times a week, working her way up to full days. I found this extremely reassuring and evidence that Vanda works in an attachment focused psychologically informed manner.

More recently Vanda’s daughter Jess has joined the team and this has been beneficial, both in ensuring continuity of care, but also an additional injection of energy and a new person for the children to bond with. My daughter absolutely adores her.

Vanda’s communication is always timely and she is happy to provide updates and reassurance when required. I would not hesitate to recommend Vanda and the setting, and intend for my son to attend once he turns 1.

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by hj12 on 03/01/2025

Communication Skills Need Work

At first glance everything seemed to be going well. After a year, the hourly rate went up which is understandable however, be prepared to hear about the cost of living increase (seemingly just for mamabear 121) and the rise in energy bills.

The setting is spacious and the home occupied by the business owners (husband and wife) alongside their two grown children - which may or may not contribute to the increase in energy bills. I cannot say.

It was not communicated that their daughter was now working within the business/setting and training to become a childminder assistant however, the rate increase was communicated by email therefore capabilities are there to do so - but they clearly didn’t think it was important to let us know about the additional staff member. This also coincided with the rate increase. It would have been great to receive these comms so that as a parent, you are up to speed with who is looking after your child.

Video footage of my child having a shudder episode was taken and not shared with me (not even verbally) until some 2 weeks or so after the event. It may have been longer. I will be discussing this with Ofsted.

The owner will happily text you over the weekend as she is oblivious to boundaries, but complain if you respond as she is “away from the setting” or something along those lines. It may be an idea to not text parents over the weekend if you do not want responses…or get a work phone! I have had to raise issues after pickup which is 6pm to query issues with my child noticed after pickup - as any parent would. If this is inconvenient then you are in the wrong business. It may also be an idea to put clothing/items back in his bag to avoid me needing to query with you where things are.

On the basis I am now a stay at home mother, it was agreed days would be reduced from 4 days to 2 days until February which, at that point my child would be removed from the setting to join a nursery. Vanda made so many stipulations around this and could not establish whether a Monday or Friday was or was not included in those days. As mentioned, I am a stay at home mother so this made no odds to me, but due to her inability to communicate effectively, it took numerous texts back and forth to work out what was being said - which is a waste of my time on the basis I am not the person getting paid here.

If you don’t want texts outside of working hours, don’t text parents outside of your working hours.

You are expected to stand on the doorstep in the rain whilst personal and private information about your child is discussed in front of other parents, with your child also in the rain. This does not make for a comfortable environment.

All of the above has severed the relationship from my point. I will not be held hostage over childcare that essentially is not needed. Hence me needing to raise some home truths. These home truths led to a 30 day notice which, is a relief on the basis my child was leaving in February anyway. Further, I have had concerns that I have discussed and raised with my partner on numerous occasions.

There is no malice or retaliation in my review. I was no longer comfortable with my child attending this setting hence reducing the days. Unfortunately opening the door when stepping straight out of bed with the smell of bed head doesn’t paint the correct picture.

The language and tone of texts I have received definitely comes across as rude (using capital letters) belittling and insulting (we are talking adult to adult, not adult to child) and paying for the privilege to be spoken to in such an ill mannered way is totally unacceptable.

Needless to say, communication skills need work.

Nappy changes - I would pack 4/5 nappies each day yet return with at least 2 on pick up. So 2/3 nappy changes for the entire day… luckily my child has never ever suffered from nappy rash but if he did, this could be concerning.

I hope this review will prompt some positive change in attitude towards those who are paying you, and choose not to be spoken to like something you have stepped in.

I am happy to discuss further with anyone who is considering using this childminder to provide an honest and open review of my experience, especially considering the misinformation that will be posted in response no doubt.

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by SOR on 30/12/2024

Response by mamabear 121 on 30/12/2024:

Unfortunately this review is a retaliation to a 30 day notice given by me 1 day prior to this review.
Yes I have been unable to communicate with you , as you are unable to respect others or boundaries , i was being bombarded with text messages from 6am to all times of the night; week days or weekends , due to your inability to respect my open times and the running of my business i had to give you notice. I do agree we have not been able to maintain a good communication relationship as you was unable or unwilling to listen to anything unless it would favour you as such; all updates and communication shared was between myself and the dad during pick up( who made 70% of the pickups ) dad was very involved and keen to give 5 minutes to listen to any development or concerns , unlike you many times were very brutally rushing thru the collection

regarding nappies i change nappies as needed despite following your instruction on how to secure a nappy , on the triangle, over the triangle , on the circle, if not on the precise point of the day i would get a message reminding me where to adjust a nappy but many times i would explain that the nappy was to big but i did follow yours instruction never the less till your little one developed a rash on his back due to the loose nappy where you than changed the nappy to a smaller size , never the less your little one is 22 month and was with me for 13 months never once he had a nappy rush or went home dirty ( after 14 years i do have some experience but sometimes 1st time parent are egger to be right so i let them , because i respect individuals and eventually they learn ) In regards to the video this was a cause for concern which was spoken with dad at the time of occurrence whom shared that he has witness himself; so no further comment was needed as he has asked for a healthcare review. i have followed every policy and procedure as required.

in respect of rates i increase my rates every 12 month just as wages do , i don't need to justify it, i just need to inform , update my agreements and follow the guidelines however you always question why the rates increase. i change my rates yearly but this remains extremely compatible for the areas and offering ( i work 55h per week )

i cared for your child as every caring childminder would I just cant no longer tolerated to be treated as I'm beneath you and here to serve you , i believe that i work with parents and not for parents.

in regards to my daughter (age 28) i did inform everyone and every parent including your husband in person that my daughter was registered a an assistant and would be working alongside me as she aims to register as a childminder , which he presumed she would be just helping me other than a assistant in my setting , this change was informed and complied with Ofsted requirements ( Ofsted has issue my daughter the childminder assistant certificate )

i apologise for the Capital Letters ( NO FRIDAY) this was last resort as repeated various times that i would be unable to care for your child on Friday but you continuously messaged me and attempted to manipulate by changing the Friday for a day of the calendar (3rd January) so you would get your way without the respect or regards for ratios and my availability , I felt I was in a tag of wars but only when I wrote in capital letter you than understood that i was not responding to your manipulative method and i gave you the 30 day notice and i have a great relationship with all other parents and i am no longer able to fester this situation or lack of respect .

it is sad that we reach the end of our dealing but i wish you and your little one the best of wishes and luck.

Dynamic, reliable and flexible childminder!

Vanda and Paul have been my son’s childminders practically since birth for the past 2 years. We are now moving overseas and my son will surely miss them both very much. He made his first steps and said his first words with them! For the past 2 yrs Vanda has been looking after my son with great care and much adaptability/flexibility, considering both his needs and our own - as parents - were evolving very quickly. She always demonstrated much responsiveness to our changing situation and requirements which is highly appreciated. The fact that she and her husband were able to do the pick up/drop off by car all this time also means we saved precious time in public transport, which is vital in a busy city like London. I know my son got a caring, warm and disciplined environment for the past 2 yrs; at 26 month old he now appreciates and values sociability, affection, healthy food and dynamic physical activities while developing all other intellectual capabilities in a stimulating environment. Thank you both Vanda and Paul for your critical help and support all this time!

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by Lea H on 16/09/2019