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Catherine
Childminder
London Borough Of Islington

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5 stars

Our experience with Catherine has been outstanding

Reviewed

We had the pleasure and privilege of having our son in Catherine and Alex’s care from just over six months of age, and we cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional environment they provide. From the very beginning, it was clear that theirs is not just a childcare service, but a warm, nurturing, and joyful family home where children are truly loved and cared for.

From our very first drop-offs, we were struck by the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere and the happy energy of all the children in their care. Our little boy would wriggle with excitement when we arrived, and on more than one occasion he would lunge back into Catherine’s or Halima's arms at pick-up — a sure sign of the strong bond he had developed and just how much he enjoyed being with her and Alex and Halima.

Catherine’s home is beautifully organised and clearly designed with the safety, development, and enjoyment of every child in mind. There is a wide variety of toys and activities available, suitable for different ages and stages, all of which help children learn, play, and thrive. The space is thoughtfully prepared each day, with particular attention paid to cleanliness, safety, and fun.

One of the things we especially appreciated was how well Catherine planned for all weather conditions. From a paddling pool in the garden on hot days to regular outings to children’s pools and local water parks, the children were always kept comfortable, stimulated, and happy — rain or shine. She has a bouncy castle for kids!

Some of our most treasured memories as parents include the photos and updates Catherine and Alex sent via WhatsApp, showing our son laughing at the Hampstead Heath paddling pool, exploring museums, playing in sandpits, or enjoying a peaceful moment on the grass. These snapshots gave us immense reassurance and joy, knowing our son was having such rich, fulfilling experiences.

Catherine also stands out for her remarkable attention to detail. She was always quick to notice and manage any minor issues, like a nappy rash, before we even had to worry. All of our son’s belongings were always returned neatly and just as we had packed them, and we never once had to worry whether he was dressed appropriately for the weather — Catherine always had it covered. She handled everything with such quiet confidence and professionalism that we felt completely at ease, even on the rare occasion our son required medication. When he needed antibiotics for an ear infection, Catherine administered them reliably and kept us informed — we were never in doubt that he was in the safest of hands.

In short, Catherine, Alex and Halima provided the best possible start for our son. They offered a warm, loving, stimulating environment where he grew in confidence, happiness, and independence. We are incredibly grateful for the care, thoughtfulness, and joy they brought into his life — and ours.

We recommend Catherine’s setting without hesitation to any parent looking for exceptional, reliable, and wholehearted childcare. It is a truly special place.

  • 5 stars Overall
  • 5 stars Setting
  • 5 stars Cleanliness
  • 5 stars Food
  • 5 stars Communication