Bocanet's 5 Star Reviews
Childminder
5 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder is highly praised for providing excellent care in a safe, loving environment. Parents consistently mention the provider's kindness, patience, and professionalism. Children are described as happy, well-behaved, and making good developmental progress. The childminder offers engaging activities, healthy meals, and keeps parents well-informed. Many reviewers express deep trust and gratitude, calling the provider the best childcare option they've found.
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Showing only 5 star reviews
Below are the 5 star reviews for Bocanet. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
Marilena has been taking very good care of our twins. We are so thankful that we have found her. We cannot recommend Marilena enough. She is very kind, caring and understanding. She can accommodate our schedule if needed which is a big plus as we are both working parents. We have never had to worry when our twins are with her and the most important thing is that they love staying with her.
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Anh
on 03/02/2020
I can honestly say Marilena was truly amazing. I can never thank her enough for what she did for my daughter. My daughter adored her and she developed a close bond with both Marilena and her son Eddie.
My daughter loved going there every day, she was given kindness, affection, safety and warmth.
We have since moved away but even after my daughter left, she would return for play dates. If we hadn't left London I would send my second daughter to Marilena without hesitation.
The food she was given was excellent: homemade, organic and healthy.
All in all I can't recommend her enough. Your child is in very good hands!
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Laura
on 30/04/2019
Response by
Bocanet
on 06/05/2019:
Thank you Laura !I love you !Warm regards.
Marilena is a professional and passionate childminder. When I first went to see her and the settings I could tell how passionate Marilena is about her work and the kids in her care, and she has a beautiful set up in her house.
Since my daughter (19months) has been going to Marilena’s house I have been reassured that I made absolutely the right choice. My daughter made new friends there and has been taken care of really well by Marilena and her staff, she looks after all the children like her own. I go to work with the peace of mind that our child is in a safe environment, looked after and very happy.
We keep constant communication during the day. She gives updates regularly on my daughter’s progress and all the activities and she even sends me photos and videos throughout the day which is so lovely and reassuring for a parent.
I would highly recommend Marilena’s child-care service to all parents seeking a good quality childcare for their beloved children.
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Helen
on 29/08/2018
We are so glad and lucky to have found you as Ayaan’s childminder after trying so many others where we never could be at peace. You keep him and take care of him like your own child and that’s what gives us peace of mind when we are away, trust me it means a lot cuz our life is with you😊 and as he is our first child, you know how paranoid I use to be(u totally understood and asked me to stay positive). Thank you for all the hard work to keep him happy, healthy, entertained, taking him around in farm-library-parks and for the perfect timely updates about his growth and routine. The pictures you share brings a lot of joy to us and his grandparents😀 and I don’t think the little things you do to look after him can be put to words, the warmth can just be felt. He loves to be with you and we love you too😊
Thank You very much again.
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Priya
on 29/08/2018
Response by
Bocanet
on 29/08/2018:
Thank you.😘😘😘
My name’s Elena, Nicholas mother. Nicholas has started attending Marilena’s house in January 2015 after an extremely negative experience with a nursery.
Before starting, I had several meetings with Marilena during which she was extremely keen on understanding Nicholas background and past experiences in order to understand his needs and plan effectively his learning. When he first started attending the house, I used to have daily meeting/calls with Marilena aimed at understanding how Nicholas was progressing and how his learning was improving. Specifically, Nicholas was very shy and he was struggling to be together with other children, especially because he was very attached to me and he had a traumatic experience at the nursery. Nicholas’s social and cognitive skills have improved consistently since he has joined Marilena’s house and I like to think that this is due to Marilena’s ability to address my son needs as well as working on his weakness in a very natural manner, without Nicholas feeling forced to achieve results at a pre-determined point of time. Marilena is fully aware that very children have different timing for progressing, and certainly she has been very much focussed and keen on Nicholas’s development.
Nicholas speaks fluently Italian, while the learning of the English language is less developed. This is because we speak Italian at home . Being aware of this weakness and being worried that Nicholas could be penalised by the English being his second language, I explicitly asked Marilena to speak English to Nicholas, although Marilena can speak Italian fluently. I strongly believe that education should promote equality, and certainly my son needs to work on his English language in order to be able to communicate with other people in a country where English is the first language. I would not expect my son to speak Italian at school/nursery, as our goal is for him to improve the English language. Frankly, I would send him to an Italian school/nursery if I wanted him to improve the Italian language. Thank you for everything!
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by
Parent
on 06/07/2018
Marilena has a really lovely manner with all the children in her care, creating a safe and happy environment for them. She always seems kind, calm and patient with them and all the children are happy and well behaved and know what’s expected of them. She keeps the kids entertained and stimulated to develop their creativity no matter the weather outside while providing a wide, fun range of activities including plenty of outdoor exercises. Highly recommend her,
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by
Parent
on 05/07/2018
My son is 3 years and 8 month old, I can see my son has big different changes after i bring my son to Marilena for few days. eg my son can sitting on the chair and waiting for dinner, he never did it before, he always running around at dinner time. Marilena always cooks nice home made fresh food for my son, my son loves it and eating very well! My son changes a lot! And Marilena always pays more attentions to my son, and telling me what happened during the day. She is very friendly , helpful ! My son loves to go her home and he is looked after very well, eg I found my son wear new trousers or hat, Marilena said she put it on my son to keep him warm in the cold weather. I really cannot say any more, she just so good! Marilena is five star childminder!
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Hai
on 12/04/2018
I would highly recommend Mari. She is an amazing child minder. She is nice and kind person. My daughter never stayed without me. Our experience with Mari was wonderful. If you are looking for the right child care for your children then I would strongly recommend her. The very first moment I met her I felt that she is the right person for my daughter. Her place is very welcoming. She has a variety of toys. She involves kids with different activities. Takes them out for visits too. My daughter was a very clingy child and now my daughter is so happy to go there. She cooks nice meals and sends you a report every day. For me she is an angel who helped me at a time when I was desperately looking for a good child minder. I had visited quite a few but as soon as I met her I got a positive vibe and I straight away realised that this is the right place for my daughter. She also sends pictures and keeps you updated during the day. I am very happy and relaxed now. My daughter is now more confident plays around without me and is happy to see other children.
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fara
on 12/02/2018
We brought our Beatrice when she was just a toddler to be with Marilena full time and now she is 4 years old. After the journey with Marilena, Beatrice is a happy little girl, has very good manners, she is respectful of other kids and she can speak English (both parents are Italian). I observed Marilena's work with the kids and I am not surprised of the achievements my little girl did because I could see how passionate, careful and proactive Marilena is with the kids. I would recommend Marilena to any parents looking for cozy and familiar environment for their little ones. On a personal level, at the beginning the idea of leaving my daughter for the whole day to go to work made us feel guilty but I could see how happy she became with her friends and Marilena which in turn made us feel relieved.
Francesco
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Fran
on 26/07/2017
Response by
Bocanet
on 28/07/2017:
Grazie Francesco!!!Vi auguro buone vacanze!!!!baci
I was cautious about getting a childminder, but I have to say finding Marilena was the best thing I've ever done! My son loves going there, she is lovely, kind, helpful couldn't ask for more from her!
Kids are well looked after, in a caring and safe environment!
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milena
on 18/03/2017
Marilena had my daughter for 2 years. I have never met someone as lovely as Marilena and I can honestly say she is the best. She kept my daughter entertained everyday with trips to the farm, play groups and many more destinations. And also quiet time for a nap if needed.Antonia was always excited to see Marilena and never wanted to come home! She is one of a kind. Id recommend her to anyone.
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by
Parent
on 09/12/2016
I cannot recommend Marilena highly enough. She is a warm, loving, fun and very experienced childminder. She helped make the settling in process as easy as it could be. My son has been attempting her setting for almost 3 years and he has always been happy there. I also felt very well knowing that David is in a safe and lovely environment. Unfortunately my son is now big enough to go to the nursery so I am very sure that he will miss a lot Marilena and also all the children that he has been playing with. Lots of love, Irina Roxana Popii
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by
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on 08/12/2016
After I had a bad experience I am extremely lucky to meet Marilena!
She is excellent and professional also very warm manner with the children.
She is providing very clean well maintained rooms and healthy nutritional food for the children. Also the children buildup a lot for their general knowledge same time enjoying playing games and going to parks and farm.
My son loves and trust Marilena like his one of the family member.
I can recommend Marilena to all the parents, I am more than satisfied with everything Marilena doing with my son!
Thank you Marilena again!
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by
Parent
on 10/06/2016
Response by
Bocanet
on 13/06/2016:
Thank you darlig!I am glad that you and your son are happy!love Mari
My son who is 8 has been attending since June, he loves it here. From the moment you walk through the front door you can feel that's its a fun,loving place. Activities include going to the park (near by),library (near by), and baking. Would definitely refer to a friend.
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by
Parent
on 14/12/2015
Response by
Bocanet
on 14/03/2016:
Hi,
Thank you very much for your review!
Kind regards
Marilena
I'm writing once again, just to say how pleased I am with Marilena and the care she has provided to my children. As I mentioned in my earlier review, she is attentive and balances care, safety and discipline in equal measure. I would not hesitate to recommend Marilena if you are looking for a kind, caring and trustworthy carer.
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by
Parent
on 24/05/2015
Response by
Bocanet
on 25/05/2015:
Darren and Lili thank you very much for your considerations,I am really touched!warm regards.Marilena
I am very happy to recommend Marilena as an excellent childminder. She has been introduced to us by another parent from my son's school. We have been dearly welcomed. I was impressed how quickly our little one, Eloise, made Marilena's home as her second home. As any mother I was worried how she will accommodate as my daughter can be very picky whom she will befriend and whom she will keep at distance yet Marilena proved great skills to help my daughter integrate without any issue.
During the time spent at Marilena of over 10 months Eloise’s proved a great progress academically. She was all time encouraged to express her personality. Marilena is very natural with children while demonstrating a high level of professionalism in her approach to lessons and parental connection. I loved she always keeps the children in a good routine, teach them the good manners from young age with focus on social skills and not only. Marilena has shown a great understanding and flexibility couple of times in emergency situations related to my older son.
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by
Parent
on 23/04/2015
Since my daughter has been going to Marilena’s house, I’ve been reassured that I made absolutely the right choice. Marilena has a really lovely manner with all the children in her care.
Marilena has been very patient and helpful throughout the settling period, making the entire experience smooth for my 18-months-old daughter who was traumatized from a previous nursery experience. Since my daughter has started attending Marilena’s house, she has become much more confident and independent. She has never cried and got used to the new environment nicely.
The food is cooked on the premises, and high quality ingredients are used since my daughter has never had allergic reactions to food, as previously happened at the nursery.
Whenever I’ve visited the place, I’ve seen all the children happily and safely engaged. The premises are also very clean.
I would definitely recommend Marilena as a trusted childminder.
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by
Parent
on 24/03/2015
Marilena have been my son's child-minder near 2 years. Unfortunately we moved out of London- we never would leave her loving care and educational support. My son still remembers her -each time we are traveling to London-asks: can we visit Marilena?
She is really gifted educator-as well as a loving mothering personality:
She is very creative-engaging children in various activities and outings .Providing only healthy meals, only organic juices and snacks for all kids,
Always considering child and family needs first priority.
As a single mum-I could rely on her help,asking to take care of my son on late hours or even overnight. She is never let me down-I trust her 100%.
I have been very lucky having her as my son's educator and
will highly recommend her to every family , needed support with childcare.
Ingrid-Valentine
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by
Parent
on 13/03/2015
It has been 14 months since our son started going to Marilena's house and I have never regretted it. In fact, I feel really comfortable and sure that I made a good decision by choosing her. I definitely recommend her. I feel really confident about leaving the little one with her and her team. My son is always smiling when he arrives, happy and ready to dance, play, jump and enjoy the day with the other children. In fact, sometimes when I go get him he wants to stay! I guess that is a good sign. If my son is happy, then I am happy. It is like a family, there is no way that a nursery could give my son what he gets with Mari. Thanks a lot for taking care of him with so much love!
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by
Parent
on 08/03/2015
I am please to have found Marilena to take care of my 15 months old daughter. From the very first day, Elena is at ease when we I drop her for the morning. walking around, playing with other children and all the toys.
Elena nerved cry when I leave her, which is exceptional. She is greeted by the little ones, by Marilena, by a smile and cuddles. I am no worried no I feel guilty knowing that Elena is having a fantastic day and she is well looked after.
Marilena is very organised, professional and know how to make little ones comfortable. She has a clean and funcional home, with organised Montessori style toys. I would recommend her eyes closed. The children spending their days at Marilena are lucky.
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by
Parent
on 30/10/2014
Marilena is just the right for us. My doughter is 14 month and we are going to Marilena's for the second mounth already and are very happy. Previously we tried to go to a regular nursery and spent 50% of the time at home since my doughter was constanly sick, but at Marilena's my daughter didn't miss one day so far and we are glad we did this change from nurcery to childminder. The food is fresh cooked and thoughtfully made to be healthy. The rooms are very clean and mantained, full of toys that are in a good shape and getting renewed. Marilena and her team are always very polite, dedicated to the children and attentive to the parents´ needs. Marilena is very streaght forward person, flexible, explains everything clearly and deffinitely knows how to deal with children. I highly recomend her as a childminder.
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by
Parent
on 23/10/2014
I was looking a person who was able to do the school both drop-off and pick up for my 2 children. I'm thankful that I found Marilena as she is a wonderful carer. My children took to her immediately with absolutely no problem on the very first day. Marilena balances play, learning and discipline with my children so they are also engaged, happy and most importantly well behaved. My children love her and I'm very happy with the care Marilena has provided to them.
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by
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on 23/10/2014
I am very happy with Mari, shes always smile, very flexible yet punctual. Her environment is very friendly and safe. Her school drop of and pick up is great as well. She will never let you down. I am very glad to have her looking after my kids.
you dont always find the 5 starts one for ur kids..she is.
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by
Parent
on 16/10/2014
thats all what i can say about marilena,,my daughter has been with her for the last 14 months ( since she was 1 month ) ,,and she is been very friendly and so kind to her ,,my daughter loved her from day 1,,
mary is very flexible and coperative when it comes to dealing with parents,,
i dont think we will ever think about moving our daughter to different carer!
highly recommended
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by
Parent
on 09/10/2014
Mari has been an incredible discovery. She was recommended to me by a young couple I met one Sunday lunch at my local pub. I was desperately looking for someone to loo after my 6 month son and I couldn't have asked for any better. Since Leo started going to her, he has become a much more sociable baby and has grown incredibly. Mari treats him as if he was her son and has the love and care that only a mother would have. But she is also a great friend to me now, and I know that I can always count on her. As all "new" mums I am very protective of my child and I am thankful to have encountered someone like Mari that I can fully trust. I only wish there were more Maris' out there...
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by
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on 14/09/2014
Mary took care of my children as part of after school provision. She also looked after them during school holidays. At the time my kids were 3 and 5. I can highly recommend Mary as a child minder. She has a range of activities for the kids, allowing them to be creative indoors and accessing local resources to play outside. I was able to trust that my kids were safe and happy in her care. Mary was always easy to speak with and listened to any of my concerns, she also provided a flexible service which was great as a working parent. I can highly recommend Mary as a childminder and wish her well in the future.
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by
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on 10/07/2014
I can honestly say that my 2 boys love being looked after by Marilena. They never cry when I leave them with her and when I collect them I always find them playing happily!
Marilena is reliable, honest and genuine person. She is very creative and very engaging with children, very playful and caring.
My husband and I are very happy with her and we know our children are in good hands when with Marilena.
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by
Parent
on 28/05/2014
My daughter was turning one year old and I really wanted to come back to work but looking around I couldn't find anyone and anyplace good enough for her. I was nearly giving up , when the childminder coordinator met at the children centre gave me her number. What a relief after having met her I knew she was the ONE for me and for my daughter, Sara. She is sensible and passionate about her job and always ready to meet your needs. She loves my Sara as she was her daughter and my Sara loves her too. This is challenging , anyone else could give to her learning activities and funny games but no many in this way. I could say much more about Mari like her amazing handmade lunch , the best trustfull women I never met .....
So after 2 years when I think of her I have got a clear picture of Mary Poppins coming in my mind and I smile!!!
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by
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on 27/05/2014
Marilena looked after my two year old for over two years. I found her to be caring, attentive and she educated my daughter.
Even now 2 years on my daughter uses words or does something and will say ''Mary taught me that'.
I had a very clingy child and visited 3 nurseries and 4 childminders before choosing Marilena. It was the best decision I ever made as my daughter still asks to see her now.
Her home and attitude is centred around children. She simply is the best!!
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by
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on 26/05/2014
I am a single mother, working full time. I was looking for someone for my son Ethan to be picked up to and from school, who would be reliable, flexible and I could count on.
A friend recommended Marilena. She met her when 'Mary' was running a pick-up or drop off at the school our children go to.
She has turned up to be the perfect choice. I am especially happy with a variety of after-school activities she organises for Ethan such as crafts and painting, picnics in the park, trips to the local farm and various games appropriate for his age; also helping him with his homework.
Ethan is always kept very busy at Mary's, leaving her place with lots of stories to share every day. It's nothing better than seeing your kid happy and excited like that. I would recommend Marilena without a doubt to anyone looking for a competent and reliable child care.
Anna, mum of Ethan aged 6
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Parent
on 26/05/2014
I found Marilena after trying several childminders before. My daughter Alex, just turned 2. After an initial meeting with Marilena at her place, I decided to leave Alex with her on the part-time basis (2 days a week) for the whole day. Marilena's child-minding work exceeded all my expectations in all aspects I can think of. Being the first and only child, Alex was quite a demanding child (from my perspective). She had been always quite disciplined, but would not allow me to leave her for even a very short time with someone else. When left with previous childminders, she would be distressed, crying all the time. Marilena helped me understand that there is nothing wrong with Alex (or me) , that Alex is a very bright child, who just needs to develop trust in other people. I never had problems leaving my daughter with Marilena. Alex suddenly behaved like a different child - letting me leave her without crying. I would whole-heartedly recommend Marilena to anyone looking for more than a child-minder focused purely on basic needs of the children but who also passionately cares for their personal development and education. Her experience and knowledge of child psychology are impressive. Alex was childminded by Marilena for 2 years and is now a confident child who enjoys socialising and interacting easily with various children. Moreover, considering that English is not her mother tongue, Alex has now an impressively high level of communication skills in English. Thank you so much, Marilena.
Kaya, Mum of Alex
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by
Parent
on 26/05/2014
I was stressed about having a childminder for my son, who turned 4 when he started going to Marilena, but she has been amazing, and the whole going back to work experience has been made much easier by having her as childminder.
She is very reliable, and is always on time to pick up my son, gives him breakfast and takes him to school. She picks him up and looks after him in the evening too, always providing activities and fun for him. He loves it at 'Mary's' house, and is happy to go there. He probably has more fun with her than he does with me! I feel secure that he is in safe hands with her, and that she loooks after him well.
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by
Parent
on 22/05/2014
When I had to go back to work I was worried at the thought of living my daughter with someone new, but Marilena is extremely reliable and trustworthy and my daughter loves her. Marilena does her job with passion, always finding a balance between fun and learning, with lots of activities and tending care. She communicates really well with my daughter and cooks her delicious meals.
I go to work every day knowing that my little one is going to be happy!
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by
Parent
on 19/05/2014
I would like to share my experience for Mary. Since we shifted for a project from India for 9 months to UK, we were searching for a good childminder for our 17 month old.
Mary has been a fantastic care taker for my kid. Not only he enjoyed his day but also he learnt quite a few things to become an independent kid. Mary also used to take very good care of his food requirements.
My son is so attached to her that he remembers her even after coming back to India.
If given a chance, I would like to go back to her to take care of my kid. With fond memories and love - geetanjali.
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by
Parent
on 16/05/2014
