If I could give Shenique more than five stars, I absolutely would.

I first met Shenique when she was a childminder at the childcare setting our son attended. During that time, she quickly became one of the people I trusted most with his care. Since then, she has established her own childminding licence and babysitting business, and I couldn't be happier to continue using her services.

Aside from being an incredibly organised, professional and impressive businesswoman, Shenique is one of the most caring, thoughtful and nurturing childcare practitioners I have ever met. She genuinely invests in every child she cares for. While looking after our son, King, she celebrated his milestones, encouraged his development, and fostered wonderful friendships. Every day, her handovers were thorough and reassuring, giving us complete confidence that he had been happy, engaged and well cared for.

What has always stood out to me is that Shenique never assumes she knows best. Although she had cared for King for almost a year, when I asked her to babysit him in the evening, she still arranged a video call with me beforehand. She wanted to understand his bedtime routine in detail, recognising that an evening routine is different from a daytime one. That level of professionalism and respect for our parenting meant so much to me. She took the time to ensure he would feel safe, settled and secure in her care.

Throughout the evening she sent regular photographs and updates, which allowed me to relax and enjoy my first evening out since King was born. It was clear he wasn't just being looked after—he was having an amazing time. Shenique had planned age-appropriate play and learning activities, and from King's perspective it was like going to spend time with one of his favourite people.

As a parent, there is no greater gift than knowing your child is safe, happy and genuinely loved while you are away. Shenique gave us exactly that. Childcare practitioners like her are worth their weight in gold and are incredibly difficult to find.

I trust Shenique implicitly with the care of our son. Even as he grows older, she will always be one of the first people we turn to whenever we need childcare. I recommend her wholeheartedly to any family looking for someone who will care for their child as if they were her own.

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