Caitlin's Reviews
Parent
Below are the reviews that Caitlin has written.
Ashleen has looked after our 2yr old son Harry since August 2020 3 days per week.
We are so thankful we found Ashleen amidst all the chaos and upheaval of the pandemic. Harry had been settling in with another childminder when I returned to work just before the first lockdown who sadly had to close her business so it was a really stressful time. As soon as I met with Ashleen, I felt like we were on the same page immediately and I was surprised how at ease Harry was there from the first meeting when usually he'd be stuck to my side. I could see straight away how attentive and caring she was with Harry and it was clear that she really loves both of her roles as a teacher and a childminder and is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about early years development. I also loved that her house seemed like a home away from home and the children had access to the garden and weren't confined to one room as I'd seen in other settings.
She was really supportive and reassuring during the settling in period which Harry found a bit difficult initially but it didn't take long for him to greet her with a big smile and run in without a backward look! Ashleen always sends feedback and photos of Harry's day, how he's been and what they've been up to and is really responsive and communicative with letting us know of any feedback, concerns, illness, things to note etc.
Obviously things have been a bit different this past year with Covid but it has been lovely to see that they are always doing things out and about, either at a park, visiting the garden centre, adventuring in the woods or playing in Ashleen's lovely open garden. This was really important to us as Harry is defintely at his happiest when he's outside exploring! Now that things have opened back up again, they've been to some lovely music and theatre sessions which Harry has really enjoyed and Ashleen is always on the lookout for new activities for them to try out. She plans such fun activities for the children at home too based on different themes - baking/cooking, crafts, tuff tray set ups, story sessions, and always has a rotating selection of toys for free play.
Harry has really blossomed in her care and has grown in leaps and bounds in all areas of his development since he started with Ashleen. It has been so nice for us to see the lovely friendships Harry has made with Ashleen's girls and the other minded children and he talks about them all regularly at home. Harry is treated like a member of the family which we are so grateful for and we know Harry will really miss Ashleen and her family when we move back to Australia.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ashleen to anyone looking for a childminder and would be happy to speak to any interested families about our experience.
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