Michelle is a truly outstanding childminder. The service she provides is not only outstanding in line with Ofsted's definition but also outstanding to a parent whom I think is the most important critic. She provides a loving and caring atmosphere where children feel important and supported in their physical and overall learning development. She listens, directs and encourages children and also provides a variety of fun activities to keep the children entertained. When we moved house Michelle supported my son with this transition and when our pet died she also talked to our son about what had happened and this was in line with what we had told him. Our son loves going to see 'Shell', he cheers when we arrive and he talks about what he has done on the way home (well the odd word in a lot of two year old type chatter!) . He returns home with lots of things that he has made and also he has enjoyed three healthy meals. As a teacher myself, I can recognise a lot of the very important things that Michelle is doing to help my son develop and as a parent I love the fact that he is loved and cared for. Any child who has Michelle as a childminder will be incredibly lucky.