Having "shopped around" (researching, visiting nurseries and other childminder settings) and even having started with another provider, I came by Eileen's setting accidently, when I saw her and her team out and about with some very happy & well engaged toddlers, which lead to my getting in touch with her online.
I had to return to work when my daughter was still very young, and feeling that her previous settings weren't up to scratch gave me terrible anxiety and guilt. Finding Eileen's setting was like a gift from God (I say this by no means of hyperbole).
My daughter started her settling-in period at Eileen's just before turning 8 months old, and remained with her until she was nearly 2 (as we relocated).
My daughter has dietary requirements, I practice Gentle Parenting and she is my first & only child (I say this, as some reading this review may relate to the "first time mom" experience, and how precious we can be about every little detail). With Eileen, there was never any doubt in my mind that there'd be a risk of complacency where my daughters diet was concerned. She took genuine care and attention. She clearly researched ingredients, made special meals for my daughter & communicated fluidly with me on the topic.
Regarding my parenting style- Eileen operates in what feels like a partnership of care; she is very focused on clear and concise communication with the children, the why's and what for's were always explained to them in a way that they could comprehend, helping them to learn and develop. The children's interaction with one another was closely monitored, and the children were encouraged to be communicative, assertive & independent, at a pace befitting them. (On a side note, Eileen speaks with good grammar & she is articulate in her communication. This is something that is very important for me, as I view it not only as a bonus, but as a vital tool in promoting good speech development in infants & toddlers.)
At drop off and pick up every day, Eileen was always very much available to chat through any concerns that I might have had regarding my daughter, as well as open to discuss any general queries that I might have had regarding development or whatsoever. In addition to the comfort created through the trust I had regarding my daughters care, my workday was made easier still by the receipt of picture messages throughout the day.

The daily activities at Eileen's are varied/educational/developmental/creative and she has an outing to one of the local parks (weather permitting) daily, where she brings along outdoor toys and encourages free play, in a well chosen spot, which she'd cordon off with cones. I absolutely loved this.
Further to that, a weekly newsletter was sent out, outlining things like special events, menu, and encouraging continuity between learning at home & in the setting by highlighting a weekly theme/ focus point that parents could adopt at home as conversation or activity points with their child.

Throughout the duration from when we started to when we finished, my daughter was only ever ill once, feeling very poorly with a temperature (due to an ear infection, it transpired). Upon being called I left work immediately to fetch my daughter, and when I arrived, Eileen had stripped her to her nappy (to alleviate the temperature), had her in a quite room, and she was cradling her tenderly. It was a sight that immediately relieved much of the panic I'd felt in the short journey from my office to Eileen's house.
She genuinely cares for each of the children in her care. And unlike the perception I have of some other settings (in that they are "all money" and the child is merely a headcount), Eileen seems to take great pride and pleasure from her work, and with that, it's evident that she ensures to impart this enthusiasm and diligence onto her team (a very well selected team of conscientious, energetic & endearing characters). She genuinely strives to see your child develop.

Needless to say perhaps at this point in my review, but I would recommend Eileen's setting to every parent. It broke my heart having to move my daughter to a different setting when we relocated, and although her new setting is good, it simply isn't on a par, on any level, to the diligent care that was available at Eileen's.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication