My youngest child is due to be starting in September and I know I will have natural sadness leaving him on the first day, but I also have the knowledge that he is going to be cared after in a home away from home - my older boys (currently 8 and 4) are so excited for him going as they think it is the best which coming from them is my greatest reassurance.
Many years ago I sent my eldest child to a different childcare and it really was not good for him so I was worried sending him to Karen’s. However from the day he started there he flourished. His speech improved, he was social and just loved every minute even wanting to go visit on the weekends! Karen ensures they are ready for school with helpful little things you forget about as a first time mum as well as the essential things. She has so many brilliant ideas for activities throughout the day and they bring home beautiful pieces that the boys are so proud of and we still treasure now, what is even better is she also sends you photos of your children making them.
Upon getting pregnant with my second son she was the first person I told as I wanted to ensure I had a place. He has absolutely thrived there. His interests and personality is different to my first child but their love of going there is identical. She obviously has the key things she has to teach them, but she is such an incredible person she easily adapts her language so children of all abilities and ages enjoy all the activities.
What is also lovely is the range of foods she introduces my children to - it is true they eat better amongst friends than family! (I have had to text her for recipes on the weekend as my middle child tried to explain what he is wanting to eat) And when my older children return for the holidays she remembers what their favourites are (and any dislikes) and tries to add these into the week which makes them feel just as special as the younger children.
Also you see the love, friendship and respect that her own children have for each other and this sets an incredible example that my children imitated and as a result they get on so well together. (This has been an unbelievable asset over the many months we have had in lockdown and has made it a really nice time together).
I cannot express how grateful I am to have such a wonderful person look after my children!

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