Where do I start with Helen........ there is no words to express how thankful I am to have found Helen. I, like most parents was worried about leaving my 1 year old with someone I had never met. We went to visit Helen and the setting that he would be in and instantly felt reassured he was in good, safe hands. We had a few settling in sessions which she kept me informed on his progress the whole time, the fact he was never bothered about us leaving him there from his 2nd session spoke volumes, I knew instantly Helen was the childminder for us.

She has now had my son for 3 years and I know he will be as upset as me that his having to leave for school. She and her whole family treated him like their own, always went above and beyond in daily activities to keep him engaged, he was never bored and frequently asked to go at weekends or days he wasn't due to go.

We had a terrible health scare with him in Helens care (which could never have been prevented, was just unfortunate it happened in Helens care), when he was nearly 2, I am so thankful he was with her and not at a nursery or bigger setting. Helen knew exactly what to do and whilst talking to emergency services was still in contact with us to keep us updated on the situation and remained calm throughout. Without her quick thinking and knowing what to do I dread to think what could have happened and for that I'm forever in Helens debt! She continuously kept in contact with us during his stay in hospital. I feel this isn't just a job for Helen, its a real passion and treats all the children like her own.

Thank you Helen for giving our boy the best start to life, I wish we had found you for our 1st child. His manners are second to none and a lot of people comment on how great they are for his age and that is largely down to her. His leaving her with the best memories any child could ever ask for and the things they have done I never expected any childminder to do but Helen just does it. Any interest a child shows she really tries to encourage and help further the interests in there day to day activities. She allows children to just be themselves, from puddle jumping after the rain clears to making a mess with paint and educational fun play so they don't even know they are learning, he amazes me with some of the things he knows which we didn't teach him. We always got daily photos and updates which is so nice to see and reassures you they are having a great day. Nothing is ever a problem. His a very fussy eater and always accommodates but encourages trying new things, his eating has now improved a lot. She also meets other childminders in the area frequently so they have interaction with other children not just the children in her care, which is lovely and helped his social skills.

We couldn't recommend Helen enough and there will be no one I trust more with my children than her and her family!!! Thank you all for being so amazing with him. Forever grateful we found you

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