My little boy, Matthew, sadly leaves Amanda's care this September as he starts Nursery. Matthew has built such a strong bond with Amanda. Finding a good childminder to look after someone so precious to you is difficult but I found a wonderful one in Amanda. Matthew has experienced so much more being with Amanda in my view rather than in a nursery environment, through visits to museums, exhibitions, children's events, parks, beaches, the list is endless and I never tire of hearing about his day. Being with a smaller number of children has given Matthew the attention and care I wished for. Matthew has developed strong social skills being with older and younger children and as a result an independent and caring child who makes friends easily.

Amanda has worked with Matthew to develop reading, writing and counting skills through play which started with simple making marks and messy play to counting and recognising letters, ready for nursery. This has been charted and documented in a learning journal. Amanda has always sent me photographs of Matthew from the very first day to the very last to show what he's been up to, always with a big smile.

Amanda is a very creative person, and Matthew has made numerous paintings, handprint pictures and plates, pirate hats, cakes and biscuits. Amanda's singing and dancing activities really engage Matthew.

Matthew has always enjoyed going to Amanda's house each morning and never fretted when away from me. He has always been happy and contented at Amanda's home.

Matthew has enjoyed his time so much with Amanda and we are all sad to be leaving but Amanda has developed and prepared Matthew for his next steps at Nursery. I would thoroughly recommend Amanda as a Childminder.

Jillian Dagg

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