Elaine G

Amazing

When I looked to go back to work in 2010 following my maternity leave with my first child, I looked around for the perfect childminder and I was very lucky to find her. Elaine took on my daughter when she was around 10 months old..... at this time, she also took on my niece who was the same age.

Both myself and my sister looked around for childcare, we tried local nurseries and a couple of different childminders, but when we meet Elaine something told us it was right.

Elaine is amazing at what she does, she treats every child that she looks after, as one of her own. Elaine builds relationships with each child and teaches them as a mother would do.

I fell pregnant a few months later and my son was born in 2011. Elaine took on my son in May 2012 and for 2 years looked after both my children until my daughter started school.

Elaine takes the children out and about, so they learn everyday life. Elaines house is set up with activities that the children request, she promotes individuality. Elaine will help the children learn, she takes time to play games and she reads to them. Elaine has an amazing garden, that is made for the children and they love it. Elaine is firm but fair with the children, which helps them learn right from wrong.

It was a very sad day when we had to give notice to Elaine but it was only because of logistics of where we live and my son will be starting school next September and unfortunately Elaine doesn't do the school run for our school.

I can't thank Elaine enough for what she has done to my children, she has helped mold our children into little people that we are extremely proud of. I can't recommend Elaine enough :-)

• Overall

by Parent about Elaine G on 13/12/2015

Response by Elaine G on 14/12/2015:

Thank you Emma, i feel privileged to have looked after your two children. They were a joy to care for and to watch them develop. They are missed by all of us.

purely positive experience for our son

Our son was cared for by Elaine from the age of 1-4, stopping only because he started school and this was too far away from Elaine's home to be practical for after school care.

He had a fantastic time there, and was settled, secure and happy. We have an older child who went to nursery only, and having compared the two experiences we would maintain that our younger son had a more positive childcare experience than his brother.

The children are made to feel part of Elaines family, and it really felt like we were dropping him off to a friend/aunty who loves kids. Our son thrived on the home made food, the routines, the activities, and joining in local groups/clubs.

Elaine and John had regular" theme" weeks eg: Chinese New Year (his first try with chop sticks and a visit to Birmingham Chinese Quarter) Space (their lounge converted to a space ship with costumes, space games, space food, and a trip to Leicester Space Centre.)

Even a wet day in the house would be made fun just with simple activities that children love.

I would sum Elaine up as someone who is warm, caring, practical, and completely trustworthy. We have stayed in touch and our son still talks fondly about his time there (he is now 6). Elaine gave us a dvd with loads of photos of his years with her and he looks at it regularly.

The biggest thing for me was that I could say goodbye to him 4 days a week, but not feel guilty going to work as he would cheerily wave me off.

• Overall

by Parent about Elaine G on 08/08/2013