Nicola first began caring for my daughter; Grace in professional setting back in 2017 when she worked at a nursery. I have been extremely happy with the service I have received and the great progress Grace has made whilst under Nicola’s guidance. Nicola is a great communicator and had no trouble in encouraging good behaviour, kindness and compassion to others, both skills which are important to us at home. When Grace steps outside her boundaries Nicola responds with firm but kind discipline explaining what we would like to see in terms which she understands. When she is hurt or feeling under the weather I know that she feels happy to be comforted by Nicola. This is why when Nicola made the bold move to open up her own childminding business there was no doubt in our minds that we would be sending Grace. We all believe that the level of care we receive from Nicola as an individual, sets her apart from the other childcare providers and childminders.

Blossoming Willows has an outdoor/nature/forest school focus that was extremely important to us as a family. We love spending time in the great outdoors and wanted to continue with this ethos when Grace is being cared for. We believe that nature is something that children should be immersed in daily and learning about our natural environment. If children grow up with an affinity to nature, they are more likely to love and protect it when they are older.

The setting for Blossoming Willows reflects this. The building is a wooden cabin at the bottom of the garden that contains everything a child could dream of to learn and play. Outside there is a trampoline, mud kitchen, water table, and many more. The children often go mini beast hunting, walking in the "gruffalo woods" and using nature to create works of art.

Blossoming Willows is a small group that is enough for my child to socialise with other like-minded children whilst also receiving one-on-one time from Nicola. I truly believe it is the perfect setting for Grace to thrive.

In addition to this I know that Nicola feels very strongly about providing healthy meals and snacks, as she feels it is crucial to the children’s development. Grace enjoys all of her meals and loves telling me about what she has eaten each day.

I receive a detailed breakdown of what Grace has been up to each day, along with pictures in her diary that helps me feel involved with her care, even when I cannot be there to care for her myself. This puts me at ease, knowing that Grace is both safe, and has had such a fun-filled day. It also means that I can start a conversation with Grace about the things she has done that day and I enjoy listening to her stories about what has happened each day.

Nicola’s warm and friendly approach places each individual at the centre of personal need. It is exceedingly obvious that many other parents feel the same as I do, and that the children in her care think the world of her.

I would absolutely recommend Nicola as a great and reliable childminder.

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• Setting
• Cleanliness
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• Communication