I first met Natalie in April 2016. I had been looking for a childminder for my daughter, then aged 20months. With another baby on the way I wanted somewhere my daughter could have her own experiences, fun and care while I had a little time with baby alone.
I visited several nurseries and childminders and AUS was the place that I just felt in my bones to be the right choice. Warm, welcoming, plenty of toys, role play and craft items out. Natalie is one of those people who you can tell Is pure, kind and trustworthy.
My daughter settled so well and was very quickly off and playing and not bothered to see me leave. Natalie had managed to fit her in during the summer holidays so that there was continuity for her when her little brother arrived. In the run up to due date, Natalie was focusing on role play with dolly and talking to her and showing what baby will do and how to treat baby. I really feel this had a big impact on how wonderful and caring my daughter has been with her brother from birth onwards.
The experiences gained at AUS are plentiful. Playgroups, music classes, lots of craft, day trips out to farms, parks, soft plays, and even palaces. Natalie has lots of annual passes to utilise. I always felt confident that even my escapee was safe out with her, as she has all the equipment and in great condition. A big 7 seat car, new car seats to cater for all ages, double buggies with ride along seat and lots of reins. Having seen Natalie out and about with three in tow on days my daughter is not with her, I can vouch that she keeps a close eye on all mindees and is a wonderful juggler.
We have received some beautiful gifts from my daughter for birthdays, xmas and mothers day etc. Natalie takes a lot of time, care and creativeness to make sure they have lots of wonderful makes to bring home.
With regard to records and diaries, I absolutely love the online system they use, called Baby Days. I can log in online and see what my daughter has eaten that day, a diary piece of what has happened, pictures and even nappy change detail! There is also sections on next steps and progress in huge detail, in line with Eyfs. Billing, health and safety and all the paperwork is also there in one place.
So 14 months on and we are now so sad to be saying goodbye due to a move abroad. My daughter always looks forward to going to Natalie and will miss her and all of her little friends very much.
Thank you so much for all you have done for us Natalie. I don't know how I would have coped without you. Xxx

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