Zulekha

Attentive, caring and kind

Zulekha was an outstanding practitioner. She drew from her many years experience as a childminder and mother to ensure our children were extremely well cared for. She gave them love, security and dedication- reassuring them emotionally, taking them out to places they loved and following their interests at home. She always ensured they were safe and healthy- cooking delicious homemade meals and being attentive to their needs. She was incredibly warm, welcoming and nurturing- my children loved her like a family member. She regularly communicated with us about their wellbeing and development and supported us on our journey raising them from babies to school aged children. Without her they would not be the children they are now! We valued her so much, and will miss her care and her presence in our lives as we have moved now out of the area. Thank you for everything Zulekha!

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by Kate on 10/08/2025

Response by Zulekha on 10/08/2025:

Thank you so much,, it is and was a pleasure to look after your children. Parents like you are the reason why I have been able to be a childminder for this long ❤️. I will miss you and your children very much.

Disappointing and Unprofessional Experience

At first, she presented herself as warm, attentive, and appealing — the kind of caregiver any parent would feel lucky to find. Sadly, with each passing day, her behavior became more problematic and unprofessional.

She seemed more focused on money than genuinely caring for my child, frequently disturbing me during my work hours for non-urgent matters, despite being fully paid a handsome amount for her services. She even sent me messages about my baby passing a normal poo — something any trained childcare provider should handle calmly without interrupting a parent’s workday.

Her abrupt withdrawal from her duties came without proper notice, using false health concerns about my baby to justify leaving. In reality, my baby was simply teething — a completely normal stage that any experienced caregiver should know how to manage.

If she finds a child she prefers to care for, she will suddenly accuse you and your baby of fabricated “problems,” turning everyday occurrences into exaggerated issues.

What’s worse, she failed to disclose that she had recently undergone surgery, limiting her ability to lift or care for an infant. This was dishonest and unsafe. She even denied that I had signed the contract, despite me having provided all required documentation.

My baby returned home with his first-ever diaper rash under her care, a clear reflection of neglect and poor hygiene. During my hospital shifts, she repeatedly contacted me for trivial reasons, showing no respect for my professional commitments.

I strongly advise parents seeking reliable, sincere, and professional childcare to look elsewhere. I would not wish for any parent to go through what she put me through.

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by Bisma on 08/08/2025

Response by Zulekha on 10/08/2025:

I'm very sorry you feel this way about your experience, and I’d like to provide a clear and professional response, as several key details have been misrepresented.

Firstly, it's important to note that your child was in my care for only two weeks, during a settling-in period — not under a full-term childcare contract. You signed a settling-in agreement, which, as outlined in my policy, allows either party to end the arrangement at any point during that time. As someone with over 17 years of professional experience, I acted fully within my rights and responsibilities.

Regarding payments: My policies were shared with you before care began, clearly stating that the settling-in period is charged at my standard hourly rate. You were never told — nor was it stated anywhere — that this period would be free. Despite this, you refused to pay me on two occasions, forcing me to issue two formal written requests. Even then, I received only partial payment, and I have not been fully compensated for the care provided.

You accused me of raising unnecessary concerns, but that is not true. Your child experienced an episode of an upset stomach, which I reported to you immediately. As per UK childcare guidelines, I took all necessary and appropriate steps to ensure your child’s wellbeing. The resulting skin irritation was a common side effect — not evidence of neglect or poor hygiene.

You also complained about me contacting you during your hospital shifts. want to make it clear: I only reached out when it was necessary and appropriate, and I do this for all families in my care. You had no issue contacting me while I was working — including video calls and messages — but became upset when I shared anything other than positive updates.

Regarding my own health: At the time, I was recovering from a leg injury, and I had been informed by you that your child did not need to be held for prolonged periods. Therefore, I did not see the need to disclose full details, especially as my qualified assistant (my daughter) was present and actively involved. Your child was always cared for safely and attentively.

The real reason I ended this arrangement, however, was your unacceptable and aggressive behavior in my home. On the final day, you shouted and screamed at me in front of children — something I have never experienced in 17 years of working with families. It was deeply distressing and
inappropriate, and I had no choice but to end the arrangement immediately for the safety and wellbeing of everyone in my care — including your own child.

Lastly, you brought in non-prescribed medication and asked me to administer it, which I declined in accordance with UK childcare regulations and my safeguarding policy. Your response — “I’m a doctor” — does not override the legal and professional standards that I follow for every child in my setting.

This is my business and livelihood, and your review is not only inaccurate but also unfairly damaging. I’ve provided trusted, professional childcare to many families over the years, and I take great pride in the quality and integrity of my service. While I sincerely wish you and your child well, I must also set the record straight for future families who may come across your comments.

thank you,

Zulekha.

Wonderful Childminder

Zulekha looked after my son and now looks after my daughter- both from around 12 months of age. We have known her for five years and feel so lucky to have met her and for our children to have been in her care. She is incredibly warm, kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable. Both my children absolutely love her and going to her house in which she provides a safe and stimulating environment. She takes them out to a range of interesting places and playgroups and I can’t stress enough how much we value her! It is so heartwarming to say goodbye to my daughter in the morning when I see how happy she is at Zulekha’s. Thank you Zulekha!

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by Kate on 21/06/2023

A brilliant childminder

We are thrilled to have found Zulekha! She and her family are all great, and our son has had a great time with her over the past 14 months. We get regular updates on how he’s doing and he comes home happy and smiling. We would highly recommend Zulekha to anyone looking for childcare.

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by Kayleigh on 14/06/2023

Response by Zulekha on 14/06/2023:

Thank you Kayleigh for your feedback, I really appreciate it

Fabulous!

Zulekha has been looking after my daughter for over four years and has been wonderful. She’s very caring, nurturing and loving towards Martha as well as practical and flexible for us. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone.

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by George on 12/06/2023

Response by Zulekha on 14/06/2023:

Thank you so much for your kind review, it's a pleasure to look after Martha.