Jessica

Mixed Experience Care Was Fine, But Too Focused

My child was looked after safely, and I appreciate the care provided. However, I found the experience quite expensive, and communication around costs wasn’t very clear. Towards the end, it felt like the focus was more on payment than on understanding or flexibility, which was disappointing.
I think with clearer communication and a more caring approach, it could have been a much better experience

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Jessica about Eb Coker (Childminder) on 27/10/2025

Response by Eb Coker on 28/10/2025:

Dear Jessica,

The first day your child attended my nursery he destroyed a learning item. I did not charge you for it. The first week your child attended the nursery, he destroyed another play item. I did not charge you for that either. Even though your contract stipulated that I was allowed to charge you for items destroyed by your child. I was very gracious with you and your child. I always looked at you and your child through a positive lens, choosing to interpret his behaviour in the best possible light. I even gave you tips on how to manage his difficult behaviour. So I was very surprised that it was you who is stating that I am too focused on money. For childcare services that you have acknowledged was of great quality.

The first day you attended my setting, I told you I had a four hour minimum. When you got home, you sent me a text message asking if I could waive my minimum. You were my first client; so I was willing to try, and in the spirit of being co-operative, I accepted your offer. (I have included a copy of the text message you sent me in this reply).

Three weeks later, I told you I would not be able to continue as it was not sustainable for my business. I offered you six hours instead of 8 during the holidays, when your child was going to attend for full days. However you were unhappy with it. You weren’t willing to accept the hours I offered and when school resumed, you decided to kick up dust over scheduling that we had already resolved. You decided to show up at 3pm instead of 3.30 as you had done for the two previous weeks, knowing that I was going to be picking up other children from school. You proceeded to yell at me, and called me unprofessional. Which was why I offered you the option to terminate your contract. You took the offer, however when I informed you that you still needed to pay for your notice period, you didn’t want to. So you decided to leave a review, offering a skewered perspective, without showing the full picture or telling the full story.

Anyway I have done so, for public record because it is important to tell the truth in everything we do. I am a damn good childcare provider, and I deserve to be compensated fairly.We live in a system where we need money to live, so if I will not apologise for asking to be paid for services that I offered very well, as you yourself have attested to. Or for enforcing the terms of the contract you were aware of and you signed.

I hope you find peace, and I hope your child continues to be taken care of.
Take care
Eb

Wonderful Childminder

She’s been amazing with my son.
Always kind, clear, and reliable. He loves going to her house and always comes back happy. I really appreciate how she keeps me informed and makes everything feel easy and safe. Highly recommend!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Jessica about Lins (Childminder) on 08/08/2025

Response by Lins on 08/08/2025:

Thanks Jessica, he's a joy xx