Would not recommend, bad communication.
Would not recommend. Very unprofessional. I arranged summer childcare cover in April for this 6 weeks summer holidays. arranged the home visit, filled in all the paperwork which I have copies of, multiple text messages and Facebook messages regarding to the summer holiday cover, the kids even went during a half term for thr week to get used to it.. 3 days before the sunmer holidays last week... (after ignoring messages) let me know she did not put my kids down for the summer holidays... 3 days before I needed to work with full medical clinics all week with patients. I felt sick to my stomach. I still have all the messages and paperwork that ensured my kids places for the summer but she didn't book them in then ignored my further 2 text messages to gather and understanding om what had happened leaving me in the lurch. what good is paperwork signed if its not honored. I wouldn't be able to trust her ever again.
when the kids went during half term I showed up 2x to collect the kids from her house on time and she wasn't home and hadn't told me she would be late and left me waiting 20 mins infront of her home and didn't answer her phone so I had no idea where my kids were. I don't want to get into more specifics but there were other issues. my main upset was the summer holiday cover or lack there of.. but I found this a very upsetting experience and I wouldn't recommend her services after what I have went through with it all.
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Response from ButterfliesChildcare
Responded
I am sorry that you feel this way. As you can see I have some fantastic reviews from past and present families, my parents and children are very happy with the service that I provide, as are Ofsted and the Quality Improvement Team at Barnsley Council.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of miscommunication and misunderstanding on both parts as I did explain that I needed the contracts back ASAP to secure your children's places, which you did not return. In your message on the Thursday, the day before the children broke up for the summer holiday, you were checking to see if they were booked in for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the following week, you then let me know that one of your children would be picked up about 12-2 as they have a dance exam, (but didn't say which day) and that you would let me know what other dates and times you wanted for the summer holiday ASAP. It does state in the contract that I need at least four weeks' notice for bookings and making changes to bookings. I did reply to you, explaining that you did not confirm the days you wanted, and as such there weren't any places available the following week, but I gave you details of other childcare settings who had availability to try to help you.
It has been pointed out to me that if anyone felt that they had such a bad experience with childcare in the spring bank holiday, why would they make further contact to arrange childcare for the schools training day, and when the teachers were on strike, and want to book children in for the summer holiday. Instead of finding out about what other childcare options are available.
I have followed my complaints procedure and have contacted Ofsted, my Quality Improvement Officer, and LADO (the Local Authority Designated Lead) who have all said the same thing, that I have nothing to be accountable for. Nonetheless, I would also like to address your other comments. I did explain to you that we do go out, especially if the sun is shining, and I take note of when children are due to be collected, so that we are back for the time that they are booked in for. However, if parents turn up early, without notice, we may not be in, and parents would have to wait for our return. You must not have noticed that my car was not on the drive, or you would not have been knocking on my door for ten minutes like you said you were in your message. On the other occasion, when we were a few minutes late back, I had text you before setting off to say where we were, and that we would be late, you then replied asking where we were. I try to take into account how long our journey will take, but due to unforseen circumstances, such as traffic lights stuck on red, following a tractor, road works, etc. also I have young children who are toilet training, so we may need to make a 'pitstop', so there could be delays. I do not answer the phone when I am driving, nor do I reply to messages, especially abusive messages. I do send messages before setting off apologising to parents if I know that we are going to be late back.
I am sad that you felt that you had such a bad experience when your children attended during the spring bank holiday, so it is best that you go to somewhere else. I hope that you do not let this bad experience put you off other childcare settings.
