Kate

Great Setting, Room for SEN Improvement

I visited Kate with my son while looking for a childminder. Kate has a beautiful clean home, with good access to her garden, and lots of Montessori toys. We discussed food and numerous activities, while other children present were playing nicely and quietly together. I was very confident that Kate had exactly the setting that I was looking for. I had informed Kate in advance that my son was hyperactive and had some challenges in his previous setting which we were confident would dissipate with a smaller ratio, new setting, and routine. He would in theory only be attending a few days a week due to Kate' availability, and she had the support of an assistant for most of these days. I also expressed my flexibility in supporting with any potential rough days, including early pick-ups. This particular day, my son was having the worst day emotionally that I had seen in a very long time, which I advised to Kate, and he did become overwhelmed (pulling out numerous toys, jumping off the sofa, running upstairs to explore). Kate managed well and despite his rough first impression, gave me forms to complete for the setting to start him the next week. However, the next day Kate sent me a lengthy message stating that on review she would be unable to offer a place and went into negative detail about my son's behaviour for her reasoning. As a parent already struggling through a difficult time this was devastating to read and hurtful. My son has since started in a new setting. He runs his energy off outside all day, and as predicted, his challenging behaviour has evaporated. While I appreciate this may not have been the setting for him and this would be an ideal setting for others, I think communication could be improved and I would caution parents with SEN children who apply.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Hannah on 27/06/2025