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JackandGill
Childminder
Rudgwick

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5 stars

Extremely happy (me and the children)

Reviewed

Where do I start?
My daughter went to Tonia from 13 months to starting school last year, my son from 5 months, and he is just about to leave to start school in September - the end of an era.
Both children received their EY funding in this setting - I didn't see the point in taking them out to nursery as they were mixing with a number of other children of varying ages, so were socialising well, being careful with babies, but able to be adventurous with older children; able to undertake activities to their own ability; and my son in particular, who is 4 at the end of July, is already reading simple words and blending phonics, so I have no doubt that his transition into school, even at the youngest end of his school year, will be as comfortable as his sister's, who was one of the oldest (and SO ready!)
A potential concern was that they would know no-one at school, as Tonia is about 5 miles from our home, but they are confident enough to make new friends easily (not something I find easy, so credit to Tonia).
People are constantly commenting on how well-behaved and courteous my children are (although they have their moments) and I have to again give credit to Tonia and her team, as I don't recall teaching this myself!
Tonia has been very supportive to me as a mother, and is much-loved by both my children, as are her team of assistants. They all know each of the children well, and give them individual attention as well as the freedom to explore and find out for themselves (and they do a sterling job of keeping up with my son's stream of superheroes and invented power ranger toy names).
I cannot praise Tonia highly enough, and would (and regularly do) thoroughly recommend anyone to get in touch with her if looking for childcare.