Helen Hornsey

Truly grateful

Jack spent a few years with Helen and Jo. Helen and Jo went over and beyond to ensure Jack settled in quickly. Jack absolutely loved all the days out they went on. I can’t recommend Helen and Jo enough-we will be forever grateful for them looking after Jack for us.

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by Sophie on 11/09/2024

Better than we could have ever hoped for

Helen and Jo have exceeded all of our expectations as childminders to our son, Ellis. It's no exaggeration to say that he wouldn't have grown into the child he is today without the environment they've created and the support they've provided. So much imagination and attention to detail goes into every activity, we're always blown away that they have enough hours in the day (with enough time to spare to make a roast for the kids every week!). The countless days out to the zoos, parks and farms have been an incredible opportunity for Ellis to learn more about the outside world and we credit us being able to take him into any setting to these outings. We write this on Ellis's last day before starting in reception, something that we feel he's in a great position to take in his stride, given the foundation they've provided him.

If you're looking for an environment where your child will be looked after developmentally, emotionally and physically, we could not recommend Helen and Jo highly enough. We can't think of a better pair to have entrusted with our son over the past 3 years or a better group of children for him to spend his days with, it really has been a home away from home (with the added bonus of a playroom that Ellis wishes he could take with him).

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by Greg on 22/08/2024

You won't find better than Helen & Jo

Helen and Jo looked after our little boy Oscar from when he was 14 months to 2.5 years. They were simply amazing. I met them for a chat in advance to Oscar starting and they did everything they could to reassure me (a first time anxious mummy) that they would do everything to make sure Oscar settled in well with them, and he did very quickly as they said he would. They have a very effective structure to their day to allow for them to cater to all the kids needs including nap & meal times. Their setting is wonderful, with a fantastic selection of indoor and outdoor activities for babies through to preschool aged kids. Helen and Jo put so much thought into everyday; trips to the park and zoo, walks in the woods, crafts, baking, messy or imaginative or educational play, the kids meals etc. They go above and beyond. Oscar loved his time with Helen and Jo and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thank you Helen and Jo for everything but especially for taking such good care of Oscar and helping nurture him into the amazing little boy he is today Xx

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by Milly on 04/10/2023

Brilliant childminder

We've been incredibly lucky to have Helen and Jo as our son's childminders. They are the most wonderful people and go above and beyond caring for the little ones. Our son would always be so excited to spend the day with them. It's a home from home with amazing activities set-up everyday and even special themed lunches such as Halloween and Christmas, which were a favourite. The children go on regular days out to the farm, zoo, parks etc. They keep us updated with photos of their days out and activities they've been engaging in.
I really couldn't recommend them highly enough!

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by Hannah W on 22/02/2023

The best you will ever find!!

Helen and Jo looked after my daughter for a long day 4 days a week for just over 3 years and we could not have been happier with the care and love she received whilst we were at work. They are amazing with children and my daughter absolutely adored them both - it really became a second home for her very quickly which was a huge weight lifted when leaving your little one going back to work. My daughter got to experience so many fun trips/days out/activities and exciting adventures each day with her friends and amazing Childminders. They really do put so much effort in to each day which is amazing. She even now loves to look at the pictures of the fun things she did years ago and still talks fondly of all the fun she had during her years with them both. Even during the Pandemic Helen and Jo were amazing whilst I worked from home and helped keep all the children and setting safe and as normal the little ones as possible which was a huge help. They have been a huge support system for myself and cared for my daughter like she was there own. I cannot recommend Helen and Jo as a childminder enough, your little ones will be in the best hands and you will not be disappointed! We were all so sad to be leaving for my daughter to start Reception in September and honestly we feel lost without them!! Thank you for everything Helen and Jo you are both Superstars!!

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by anny13 on 08/11/2022

Super special childminders

My son has just left the care of Helen and Jo after being with them just over 2 years. I always felt very nervous about leaving my baby with anyone but Helen always made this easy. It is like a home from home for my son. He enjoyed every aspect and always came home happy. Helen and Jo go above and beyond and seriously care about the children they look after. They communicate regularly and are flexible. I would highly recommend them to anyone that asks. I will always be grateful for everything they have done to help us with the care of our boy. Charlotte and Ed Barnes

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by Char on 23/09/2021

The best of the best

Our 4 year old daughter has been going to Helen and Jo since she was 1 and I can’t even put into words how much my partner and myself love the care they provide. They are both so loving, caring, kind and wonderful - my daughter loves them both and has so much fun with them! The kids go on fun days out, do exciting activities and are constantly learning key skills as they go!
My daughter is going to school in September so unfortunately has to leave but luckily our son will be starting with Helen and Jo next year!
We never leave our children with anyone except Helen and Jo and we trust them whole heartedly.
They keep us updated with photos of the activities they get up to and the communication is second to none.
I’m so grateful we were recommended Helen by a parent friend as I cannot imagine sending my children anywhere else.

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by KellyM on 03/08/2021

Incredible childminder

Our son started with Helen and Jo when he was just 3 months old and very sadly will be leaving almost aged 5 in August 2021. As a teacher I knew I was always going to be particular about who looked after our son. Cliche or not I literally just knew when I first met Jo and Helen that they were ideal, what I didn’t realise was how they would quickly become an extended family for our son. They have such an incredible way with children, from caring, listening and understanding to guiding, developing and shaping. Their Instagram account (helenandjo_childcare) will show you some of the play and development activities they do, often centred around a theme which really helps engage and make it memorable. If the school our son was going to was near Helen and Jo there is no way he wouldn’t still be there everyday for after school care. It will be an extremely sad day when he says his final goodbye to Helen and Jo as I couldn’t have asked for better people and they truly have helped raise our son, for that I will be forever indebted! Our son wouldn’t be the little man he is without their care. When looking for a childminder, in my opinion, you won’t find better, they are trustworthy, reliable, experienced, knowledgeable, caring and quite frankly absolute diamonds!
Mr and Mrs Ridgeon

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by Mrs R on 05/05/2021

EXcellent childcare

My daughter has been with Helen and Jo since she was 4 months old. I was reluctant to go back to work so early but Helen definitely put my mind at ease and my baby was most definitely in safe hands. They do so much for the children - they are always out and about learning and playing. My daughter learnt so much in preparation for nursery and big school - probably more than I could ever teach her at home!
We have some absolutely wonderful memories and miss Helen and Jo very much :)

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by SMitchel on 03/10/2020

Thank you so much!!

I honestly don’t know how I would have coped managing a busy job and raising two children if it hadn’t been for Helen and Jo. They have been incredibly professional and reliable for the whole three years we’ve been with them. Both of my children formed strong bonds with them and it’s been very hard to say goodbye, now that my eldest has gone to school and my youngest is starting nursery next to the school. I really feel the excellent care Helen and Jo provided has made both of them confident resilient children who have not struggled to make the leap to school/nursery. Thank you again so much, we will definitely be calling lots for babysitting!

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by Corun on 06/10/2019