Our ten month old son started with Helen in February when I returned to work (he was 7 months old). Helen had a robust plan in place for settling in and put me at complete ease, with regular updates and photos to let me know he was having a good time. We spread the settling in sessions over a few weeks and if there were any days that he seemed to be feeling more overwhelmed, we kept in close contact - I felt like he was in safe hands and when he started to do full days, he was more than prepared for it (as was I!)
Our son always giggles and kicks his legs with excitement when we arrive at Helen's door, and she gets the biggest smile when we go inside. He seems to enjoy playing with the other children and seems to love Helen too - he is comfortable with being handed over and doesn't make a fuss. From my perspective I love to hear what they are up to each day. Helen takes them out every morning for enrichment sessions, usually to a group or a play space or a museum/kids experience.

Helen is great at keeping us updated with his naps and eating at pick up, along with any important information. I was impressed with all of the policies and certificates that Helen had in place and the information she asked for.
We have unfortunately moved away from Bristol recently and so have had to move our son to a new childcare setting. We were really sad to leave Helen's daycare - our son has built up such a fantastic rapport with her and seems to genuinely enjoy his time there. It does feel like a home away from home for him, and the care and attention and time Helen put into settling him in will stand him in good stead for his future settings.
Helen is a fantastic childminder and our experience has been only positive!

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• Cleanliness
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• Communication