I struck gold when I found Denise (or D-Dee as she is to my Theo).
The setting is a lovely size, enough children for my son to make friends, but small enough that I never worry about him getting lost in the crowd.
Denise greets Theo every morning like he's family, and he absolutely loves going there. The house has a beautiful warmth also, it feels like a second home for Theo as opposed to a ‘facility’.

Throughout the day I get lovely updates on Theo’s adventures and what he's been eating. Denise makes the most beautiful, nutritious meals for the children with so much variety. She's genuinely invested in all of the children, it's not just a job to her.
If I mention Theo has taken a particular liking to something, she'll take note and add it to the menu, so that every child gets a turn to enjoy their favourites.
She puts so much effort into making each child feel considered, not just fed. She's even sent food home with me when I've been unwell, to save me the hassle of cooking. The food was delicious, cooked freshly with love, and definitely gets my approval! That alone tells you everything about the kind of person she is, she doesn’t need to do that.

I've genuinely noticed a difference in Theo since he started with Denise. His confidence has come on so much, and he's picked up new words and little habits that I can tell come from his days there. I know exactly where he's learnt some of them because he says them in Denise's accent! It’s clear that she puts real thought into what the children are doing, not just keeping them occupied but helping them grow.

Communication is another thing Denise gets exactly right. She's never too busy for a quick chat at drop-off or pick-up, and if anything comes up during the day, she'll let me know straight away rather than leaving me to find out later. It makes such a difference knowing I'm never in the dark.

She's also incredibly flexible and reliable, which as a parent means everything. If I've ever needed to change a time slightly or ask a favour, she's always accommodating, and I've never once had to worry about whether she'll be there when she says she will.
Denise is the perfect balance of professional and personable. Honestly, I could talk to her all day.

The children get out and about regularly too, visiting different places, which takes the guilt off me on weeks where we haven't done much at home.

I never feel the need to check in throughout the day because I trust Denise completely (and she keeps me in the loop anyway).

I genuinely couldn't imagine a better setting for my child.I already know how sad I'll be when Theo eventually leaves to start school, and that's still years away! 🥹🥹

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication