Louis started at Jane and Geoffrey’s childminding just before he turned one. Like any parent, I was incredibly nervous to leave my little one in a new setting and wasn’t sure how he would react. Jane and Geoffrey reassured me every step of the way and Louis settled in quickly in their setting.

They have a lovely play area for the children where they can all enjoy some structured play time, as well as lots of books for story time. If the weather is nice, there are also lots of outdoor toys like a slide and football. There are toys and activities catered to the different ages, but most often the children play nicely together no matter their age. Parents receive photos a few times a week, when the children stop to pause for the camera! The children have a dedicated dark room where they can take their afternoon nap and toilet seats for potty training.

As well as home cooked meals (Jane is an excellent cook!) the children get involved in cooking themselves and the parents get to sample some of their creations. To mark special holidays and religious days, Jane makes traditional food with the children and teaches them all about different cultures. There are also a few days each month where the children do something to mark a day in the calendar, for example world gardening day.

There are lots of activities and crafts that the children can get involved with and I have a huge folder with all of Louis’ creations. Jane and Geoffrey also provide mums and dads with something special for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day which is always really lovely and thoughtful.

What makes Jane and Geoffrey’s setting so special is them as people, they welcome the children into their home like family and it certainly feels like Louis has a second home rather than a childminder. I got lots of advice and support with regards to speech development and potty training and they are both more than happy to assist with any questions from their years of expertise.

All in all I couldn’t be more pleased that I found Jane and Geoffrey, they have been brilliant for the last two years and I’m so sad to be moving or I would have kept Louis there until school. Cannot recommend highly enough!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication