Our DD is now 3 years old and has been with Kasia since she was 2. She will be moving on at the end of the Summer as she is starting in a school nursery but we are really sad to be leaving. Kasia took over from our daughter's previous childminder when she moved away. Right from the start Kasia went out of her way to make us feel at ease; she came to our home to meet us and very naturally just sat down on the carpet and started playing with my daughter. She spent lots of her own time with the kids before the transition. It meant the changeover was seamless and I think it demonstrates her philosophy towards childcare; the safety and happiness of the children is always put first.
Our daughter loves going to Kasia's; she skips off happily in the morning and comes running to the door with a big smile in the evening. There is a always a big hug from Kasia at the start and end of every day. I think it's all the best things about nursery combined with always knowing exactly who is looking after your child and at a "home from home". Kasia and Miha call the kids their "team" and that's how it feels. The other kids and families are lovely; our DD has made great friends and we have really enjoyed getting to know them and their parents. They are taught how to be good friends and our daughter really enjoys "helping" with the babies; it's wonderful to see her kindness and empathy being developed.
The day is structured so the children get used to a routine and following instructions, but there is enough flexibility for each child's needs to be accommodated. Kasia and Miha take them out every day - there are plenty of park/playground and play group trips but they've also taken them to farms, museums and Kasia took it upon herself to contact the local fire station to arrange a visit when she was teaching them about every day "superheroes". We heard about that for weeks after! There is also enough time created for them to stop and wonder at snails, sticks or once a sprouting potato that they come across on walks - all part of the magic of being a toddler. She gets them outside in most weathers jumping in puddles or picnicking in the shade, balancing on logs and making "campfires" from sticks.
They have set up the flat beautifully, there is a great selection of toys including a fantastic toy kitchen and shop, a play couch and lots of open ended toys. There is an incredible light board which I have always wanted to have a go at. They very often have a craft or sensory tray laid out, often based on what they are learning about. Books are brought to life (they decorated a real potato when they were reading supertato) and our DD will often act out books she was read at Kasia's, copying what she does there. Kasia has a teaching degree and it shows - the learning is gentle and playful but she has taught my daughter to read and write her name, recognise numbers and count objects and encouraged her to be very independent with taking on/off coats and shoes and going to the toilet alone. She has really made sure she is ready for school in the Autumn.
We are sent the menu daily and the food sounds delicious, it's a family joke that my daughter eats much better at Kasia's than at home. Kasia is very "proper" - there are policies in place for safeguarding, sickness etc. Kasia has always let us know if DD has had any little bumps or falls and provided first aid and lots of cuddles. She provided a very detailed report when our daughter was 2 which showed she really knew her and valued her strengths. Communication is excellent; we get photos and updates through the day which is so precious when you're at work. Transitions like potty training have been discussed so our DD had the same approach at home and with Kasia which has made them more straightforward.
I feel very lucky to have found Kasia and we're sad to be moving on but, thanks to Kasia's amazing input, she is absolutely ready to move up to a school setting now. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for childcare, I think it gives you the best of everything. Although I don't like being away from my daughter, I feel happy and confident knowing she is safe in Kasia's care and I know that she is learning, playing and having fun with her Tierney road family.

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