Darina is the most wonderful childminder. She looked after my son from for two and a half years. It is hard to believe he was just 10 months when he started and is now a confident and kind boy of three years. In all this time, Darina loved and cared for him in what truly was a home from home.

Darina plans her days with great care. My son had home made, nutritious meals which he really enjoyed. Importantly to me, Darina kept to his routine with a nap after lunchtime. When the time came, Darina was also very supportive with potty training at her house. This routine and regularity certainly contributed to my son’s happiness.

Darina is also extremely creative. My son made a whole host of craft projects, often to celebrate important dates in the calendar. In my home we now have his Chinese New Year lantern, Mother’s Day hand painted cards and Christmas trees he created - the list is endless. Darina also encourages a love of nature: they regularly visit the local farm and park, plant and eat vegetables in her garden, breed butterflies from caterpillars and grow watercress. My son loves being outside and he had plenty of opportunity to do this in her care.

Darina always kept me fully informed about my son’s progress. She kept a beautiful book of his activities (which we now have and treasure in our own home) and would send my daily updates and photos. In these messages, I could see how happy he was and his close friendships with her daughter and the other child in her care.

As said before, Darina is a truly special childminder who will take absolute care of your little one in her own home. I would highly recommend her to all parents looking for someone to care for their children.

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