My daughter is leaving Bubblegums next week to start at the nursery where I work, she couldn't start until she was two. Their setting is lovely with a nice feel that helped me make my final decision that is was perfect for my little girl she started there when she was 15 months old and has been there for 9 months, Kerry and her husband have good routines which she has started to use at home she often brings her plates out to the kitchen when she has finished her meal. She loves to wash her hands before and after meals.
When at home she will often call for Kerry and Dave and other children from within the setting and I think she will really miss them all.
What I like the best was the love and care she shows towards younger children that she has developed. I love how independant she has become and how happy she is when i come home. my favourite is how many places they have visited and the time care and attention out into her plans of the day.
She had the chance to meet lots of other children within the setting and at play groups they attend.
They were open and friendly always giving me the chance to talk about any issues I felt comfortable to share issues that may have occurred at home related to my daughter and also to ask advise and support.
They were very especially supportive when we found our daughter had a medical issue and supported us with her diet.
My daughter has made a lovely friendship with one other child that she looks forward to seeing and that she enjoys spending time with. its lovely o see her making lovely connections and feel sad she is not going to see her but bubblegum's have agreed we can still stay in touch and join them on days out so they can still remain friends.
Kerry ask me on feedback regarding her working with her husband as her assistant and what we thought, what can I say, my daughter loved him and its great to see males in the profession as an excellent role model.
We received lots f communication with a diary and also 3 monthly meetings but in general she was always happy to talk even after a 12 hour shift I would some times text and she always got back to me, I was never told "sorry we are closed call back in opening times" like I have heard some people do.
I don't think they could improve their setting or their activities only advise I would say is they need to take time for themselves sometimes.
I was handed a disc of over 1,500 photos of my daughters time at bubblegum's a detailed EYFS (early years foundation stage) learning journal a lovely picture of all her little friends and a poem that bought a tear to my eye, and a canvas with all the children's hand prints as a goodbye.
I can see why bubblegum's don't often have spaces if you are lucky to get one you will see how lovely they are you always know where you stand they are straight talking and have a real passion fr working with children.
Well done to you both and thank you for all you have done for both my daughter and myself and we will stay in touch.