Finding a childminder is one of the hardest things in the world. This person is going to be left with your child and initially they are a complete stranger. I don't know how many childminders I met before finding Rachel but when I found her I knew she was the one. My son was only 4 and was going through a stage of being really shy with anyone that he didn't really know therefore settling him in was a long process but Rachel was great. She invited us around to play on several occasions and on one particular day when he really was upset Rachel was happy for me to meet back at her house after school and just be there which was great as my son felt confident that I was there and being with Rachel even more reassured me that I had nothing to worry about. It took at least three months to settle him in but Rachel did everything she could to make him and me feel comfortable. We've been using Rachel now for six months and I couldn't be happier. I don't take leaving my kids lightly and I have already booked my youngest son in to start with Rachel when he goes to school in September 2015. The other thing that I really like is the fact that all the kids Rachel cares for are genuinely nice kids. I didn't don't want my children mixing with kids that don't know how to behave. Rachel has a lovely home with a perfect garden too which was a great bonus for me as my son loves being outside. I would definitely recommend Rachel.