BarnetM's Reviews
Parent
Below are the reviews that BarnetM has written.
Simona has been a godsend for our little family, when I needed childcare during the pandemic. As an educational psychologist I visit a lot of settings, and I’m quite selective about my own childcare! From her very first message, Simona replied reliably and answered all my questions fully. I was surprised by how easily my daughter settled in, and she is always happy that it’s a Simona Day. Simona sends photos throughout the day, and I love being able to picture what my daughter is up to. Simona’s professionalism has meant that I feel able to raise any concerns I have, confident that we will still have a good relationship.
Simona has boundless energy for setting up engaging activities, and although she is a qualified teacher, she makes sure that everything is play-based, which is important to me. My daughter spends hours each day playing independently, as well as joining in with singing, stories and structured craft activities.
Simona and her family are incredibly kind. Her girls come to the door in the morning, eager to see my daughter, and my daughter especially loves her big girl, who plays beautifully with the little ones. Simona’s kindness extends to the whole family, like providing lunch for my daughter the week of our house move, and posting a card from my daughter to her granny for Mother’s Day. Simona has been very flexible to our family’s needs, and is supportive of my summer-born daughter starting Reception at five.
I have especially appreciated Simona’s calm approach to the pandemic. The children are well informed about the virus and take all sensible precautions but their day to day lives are filled with play and normality. Simona holds a party for each child’s birthday and celebrates every occasion and event, which has filled the huge gap left by restrictions and cancellations in the wider world.
I am so grateful for Simona’s skilled and kind care of my daughter, and I hope our families will be friends long after my daughter leaves to start school.
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Gemma cared for my daughter from the age of 11 months until she started school at five. My daughter was a high needs baby, so I worried about whether she would settle with anyone who wasn’t me. Gemma offers a very high level of attuned care, and was flexible in meeting my daughter’s needs. As a result, my daughter settled so well and was incredibly happy with Gemma.
Gemma has a very calm home and a truly gentle nature, and this plays out in the interactions between her, her children and her minded children. Her lovely teenage daughter is endlessly patient and wonderful with the little ones. I still see Gemma’s gentle style in the way my daughter thinks things through, interacts with others and resolves conflict.
I was very happy with the opportunities Gemma offered for independent play, alongside taking the children on great days out (her Willows membership is well used!). Gemma offers delicious home cooked food and my usually fussy daughter ate really well with her and her family.
Gemma also recognised and met my daughter’s special educational needs as these emerged, and worked closely with me to do so. She supported my decision to start my summer-born daughter at school at compulsory school age, and gave me helpful advice about choosing a preschool and school. I always found her approachable and supportive. She shared regular updates and photos of my daughter‘s day which are lovely to receive, and to look back on.
My daughter remembers her ‘Gemma days’ with great affection. Gemma and her family have become our lifelong friends, and my daughter loves Gemma’s lovely children. I couldn’t have wished for a better start in life for my child, and I will always be grateful to Gemma.
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by
BarnetM
about
AP Gemma Stewart
on 09/03/2024
