Our son started with Deborah when he was just four months old. At the time, we urgently needed childcare as I was returning to work, but we weren't quite comfortable sending such a young baby to a nursery. Our original plan was to find a good local childminder and start researching nurseries once he was a little older.

Our son is now nearly two, and we have no intention of moving him from Deborah! And here is why:

1. Our son absolutely adores her. He genuinely looks forward to going to her place and gets on wonderfully with the other children.

2. She provides an incredible variety of activities and outings. The children are regularly out and about visiting different stay-and-play groups, parks, zoos, museums, splash pads in the summer, and so much more.

3. When they aren't out exploring, she keeps them busy with hands-on activities at home, such as painting, arts and crafts, and other creative play.

4. She puts a lot of effort into their development through reading, singing, teaching new words and sign language.

5. She is also excellent at setting boundaries and teaching the children good behaviour in a positive and consistent way.

6. She keeps us updated with photos and videos daily.

What we particularly love is the balance she provides. Our son benefits from being cared for in a small, familiar group where he receives plenty of individual attention, while also having regular opportunities to socialise with a much wider circle of children through stay-and-play sessions and other outings. To us, this really is the best of both worlds.

Above all, Deborah is such a lively, warm and caring person. You can genuinely see the affection is mutual between her and the children.

We feel fortunate to have found her and would wholeheartedly recommend her to any parent looking for a loving, stimulating and nurturing environment for their little one.

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