Lynne's Reviews

Childminder - Confidant - Friend

My name is Lisa and I have known Lynne since 2004 when she became the childminder for my son, Cameron, who was aged 4 year at that time.

I remember my first visit to Lynne's, I had been to see several other childminders who made me feel very uncomfortable and I came away worrying about who would care for Cameron when I returned to work. I had contacted Lynne with the view that she would be the last childminder I would see before making a huge life changing decision to give up work and care for Cameron myself.

On the day of my first visit I was very anxious as I walked up Lynne's front path but I was soon at ease when a warm, smiling, friendly face opened the front door. Lynne invited me in and offered me a drink. Her house is absolutely lovely, clean and I could see lots of different age appropriate toys available for use. I often used to comment to Lynne that I could not believe how immaculately clean her home is given she is a childminder, there is never a single thing out of place but it is always very warm, inviting and lived in.

Lynne told me that she had only just returned to childminding herself following the birth of her middle child but this did not put me off in the slightest. Lynne and I spoke about lots of different things whilst Cameron went off exploring the toys and making friends with her dog, Doodles. After about 15 minutes of being at Lynne's home I had already made my decision that I would be honoured for her to look after my little boy and I felt so relaxed that I had found someone so lovely and caring.

Lynne prepared a transition plan for Cameron starting with a couple of hours, to a half day, full day etc, every time I picked him up he looked like he had had a whale of a time and was always upset to leave. Cameron started with Lynne full-time within a couple of weeks.

Lynne's fees were very reasonable and she was accommodating to myself in terms of how I was paid (monthly) so that I was able to pay without feeling the hit to my pocket.

In time, Cameron started to attend St Anne's RC Primary School (the school which is serviced by Lynne). I was so worried on his first day of school but Lynne was there to offer a friendly face and a hug when I was upset leaving him.

Lynne has been Cameron's childminder until July 2012, when Cameron's placement ended as he will be starting High School. I felt very sad about this but also grateful to Lynne for everything she has done for Cameron and me over the years.

Lynne is such a warm friendly lady who cares sincerely for the children who she cares for. Lynne has been like a second mum to Cameron over the years and has always kept in touch when he has been ill to make sure he is OK.

As for me, Lynne has been like a PA - if it was not for Lynne, Cameron would have gone to school in his uniform on own clothes day!, he would have missed school trips etc, whenever I needed to be aware of an event at school I could rely on receiving a text message from Lynne as a reminder!!!

Lynne has also been a confidant and friend to myself over the years, she has been there if I needed a shoulder to cry on, if I wanted to share some good news or if I just wanted a good old natter or a moan! Lynne's husband Brian is a genuinely nice guy who is very funny and always had time for football banter with my husband. Lynne's children are very polite and well mannered and really make genuine friends with the children she cares for. Both Lynne and Brian’s parents are fantastic with the children and Cameron is very fond of his adoptive Nanna June and Nanna Anne.

I can honestly say that in the 8 years Lynne looked after Cameron I can only remember one day she had off work due to medical reasons, Lynne was always available (with support from Brian and her mum) to provide care even when she herself was feeling under the weather or if her own children were poorly.

Lynne is a fantastic childminder who I would highly recommend to anyone looking, I have just had a daughter and when I make the decision to return to work and am looking at my options I know the only one I chose will be Lynne.

Lynne you truly are fantastic and sometimes I am not sure that you understand and recognise that - I am so glad that you were Cameron's carer and he would not be the wonderful young man he is today without your input, care and more importantly love x

• Overall

by Parent about Lynne on 08/08/2012

FANTASTIC CHILDMINDER

Hello my name is Laurie and I have known Lynne (little Learners1) for a few years now since she started to look after my son from 9 months old and he was 4 years old. Before I had my son, talking to my neighbour about finding a child-minder for my brother’s baby, they recommended Lynne. I asked Lynne but she had no vacancies. My first thought which is the best one was that she was really nice easy to talk to. When I did have my son I had his name down at a local nursery but couldn’t get him in for a few months. I thought I should ask Lynne to see if she was available at this time and she was. I was invited around to go over details when he would be starting and when he was going to the nursery. Lynne’s home was very welcoming and made me feel at home. The next time I went around I brought my son to see if he would be happy and most important that he would bond with Lynne. They did which brought a smile on my face and that made me feel relieved that he would be happy. After a few times going it was the time to leave him for a bit without me there to see how he would react. I must say I cried walking home thinking oh no what if….but there wasn’t a what if I went back and he was as happy and content as I left him, I was a happy mummy. After a few months my son being with Lynne I had a place at the nursery and I had a decision to make, I asked Lynne if she would be happy to carry on looking after him and she was so pleased that I asked her, and was hoping I would. As time went by and my son is growing up Lynne and I became friends. Lynne is the type of person who you just get to know and love. There are many endless activities that she does with the children i.e. days out when we have nice weather, from paintings to making and baking when the weather is not so nice. The time came for my son to start school and I was then looking for a child-minder to pick him up because Lynne had a school on the other side where he will be going and she possibly couldn’t do it. she recommended Denise (neecey) because my son had known her from being a baby and that she would be more than happy to do so. As a parent and a worrier I would highly recommend Lynne to look after your child/children, my son wouldn’t be the boy he is today with the help and love that Lynne gave him. He is so happy when they see each other and always has a big smile on his face. He wouldn’t be like that if he felt unhappy being at Lynne’s.

• Overall

by Parent about Lynne on 06/07/2012