Ama

Doesn't deserve a star - incredibly unreliable.

Fatou accepted a role to cover the evening school run hours with the week I would be traveling abroad for a week. With just a few days to go, she sent a message that she couldnt do role with a very flimsy excuse . This on the day she was due to visit to meet my son who I had prepared for her visit. I questioned why she had left it so late to pull out of the job - she didnt bother to reply.
I spent alot of time chasing her references- which were fought with problems. Her time at Southfields was as a placement so they declined to give her a reference. And the rest were provided by her friends who said she looked after their siblings. All in all I feel let down and disappointed. I will now need to make alternative arrangements with 4 days before I travel. Shes a real let down!

• Overall
• Communication

by Ama about Fatou (Nanny) on 28/09/2026

Response by Fatou on 28/09/2026:

Hi, I have just seen your review and I feel that some of the comments were quite uncalled for, particularly referring to my university timetable as a “flimsy excuse.” My timetable is not something I have control over. I was given my timetable at the start of the year, and at the time it aligned with the schedule we had agreed on. It was then unexpectedly changed, meaning I was not aware beforehand that this was a possibility.

I also feel that the way we communicated through messages and on the phone was very different from the way the situation was portrayed in your review, and I don’t feel that the review accurately reflects me or the service I provided.

Given how the situation has been represented, I don’t feel that I would be comfortable considering your family for future work. I wish you all the best going forward.

Great service and very professional

My 4 year old was looked after at Smiley Kids where Debbie is based during his settling in period at Reception. Although the time at Smiley kids was short, I can confidently say that the care they provided for my little one was excellent and extremely enjoyable for him. At the end of each day, it was difficult getting him to leave as he wanted to stay 'just a bit longer'.

The team at Smiley kids are incredibly professional and the space provided for child minding is safe and comfortable with an extension into the garden with great facilities for the children to keep themselves active and engaged. I highly recommend them and will certainly use then again .

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Ama about Debbie (Childminder) on 15/10/2023

Fantastic Service

My 4 year old was looked after by the Smiley Kids team during his settling in period at Reception. Although the time at Smiley Kids was short, I can confidently say that the care they provided for my little one was excellent and extremely enjoyable for him. At the end of each day, it was difficult getting him to leave as he wanted to stay 'just a bit longer'.
The team at Smiley kids are incredibly professional and the space provided for child minding is safe and comfortable with an extension into the garden with great facilities for the children to keep themselves active and engaged. I highly recommend them and will certainly use then again .

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Ama about Lizzy (Childminder) on 15/10/2023