I have been extremely happy with the care Lottie has received, and the speed with which Lottie has settled into Clare's care. Clare's home is always welcoming, clean and well organised, Lottie has great fun playing with all the toys available and with Clare's daughter. Lottie smiles as she approaches the door, is keen to press the door bell and always has her arms open for a cuddle.

Beyond all this though, it is Clare warmth, her friendly and practical nature that help us to settle her to care for Lottie. As a new childminder Clare is keen to offer a bespoke service to fit a families needs and to provide a home from home. She has certainly achieved this for us, with a flexibility allowing us to have continuity for Lottie when family members who do our additional childcare have been on holiday.

She provides a wide, fun range of activities including plenty of outdoor adventures, particularly at the local nature park. Lottie always has a section of the morning outside, on a walk or at an activity class. Clare meticulously lets us know the plan for the session via email but is also pragmatic and I afraid to make changes when needed. Recently in very hot weather and again when Lottie was teething.

Clare provides a healthy and balance menu of main meals and snacks, communicating via email the menu for the week and also feeding back at hand over how Lottie has eaten. Clare was thorough and attentive in find out your and Lottie's preference as she weaned.

Handover with Clare helps me to feel involved with Lottie's care and to plan the remained of our day according and means that I can talk to her about her mornings activities. This is in additions to the work Clare completes in-line with the early years guidelines both independently and through activities with Lottie. This is shared timely with us and will be a lovely record of their journey together.

All in all I am thoroughly happy with the level of care Lottie receives and I’m certain that being in such a positive and happy environment is helping her to develop.

I would absolutely recommend Clare as a excellent and reliable childminder.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication