My son was looked after by Adele for 2 and a half years (from 9 months old to 3 years) and if it wasn't for the fact he has to start nursery, he would still be going.

From the moment Adele welcomed me in to her home I knew she was the childminder for me. I am very glad I chose her and that she cared for my son as long as she did.

My son thoroughly enjoyed every day he spent with Adele & I had no concerns leaving him with her. I was always blown away by the varied things she did with the children, the places she took them and the things she taught them. There was often times when I practically had to carry my son out of Adele's house because he didn't want to leave! He was always so excited to show me the things he had been doing and tell me all about his day. Picking him up after work was always my favourite thing - I loved finding out what they'd been up to and how much he had enjoyed himself. Adele always provided me with a verbal and written account of the day's activities including all meals and snacks given. Adele always gave my son nutritious home cooked meals - many a time I dropped him off and she already had a stew cooking or a chicken roasting at 8am!

Adele was always flexible and accommodating to our needs and the needs of our son. On the odd occasion she was late back (because the children had been enjoying themselves so much she did not want to rush home) she would always keep us informed and even dropped my son off at home, which is somewhat out of her way, to make things easier for us. She even had my son overnight, on short notice, when I went into labour with my second child.

Adele has gone above and beyond any preconception I had of a childminder and I can't thank her enough for everything she has done for my son. Adele is more than just a childminder; you can tell she thoroughly enjoys her job and has genuine affection for all the children she looks after. She is a credit to the childminding profession.

I have been so happy with Adele, and the service she provided, that I'm hoping circumstances will allow my second son to also go to her, when I return to work next year. I can't imagine anyone else caring for my children.