Pixieskids

A calm and nurturing place for kids to grow

My 3 year old has been going to Jen's for two years and it truly has become an extended family for both her and us with my 11 month old joining the group over the couple of months also. Jen builds close and loving relationships with all the children in her care and I have seen the children develop close friends amongst themselves before doing so in any other setting. Jen has an incredible calming influence on the children, she allows them to play and explore in a child led way whilst also planning great age appropriate activities for the different children in the group - from arts & craft to sensory play, to singing and yoga. My little girl has grown in confidence whilst in her care and her personality and interests have been nurtured. The children are free to play inside or out and they are regularly taken out to groups and local parks for nature trails and other educational trips.
Jen provides nutritional meals and snacks throughout the day and I am confident that time spent at Jen's home is as comfortable and attentive as I could ever hope it to be.

Sadly, our time with Jen has come to an end as my daughter will attend a preschool in another area but I could not have wished to have met such an incredible person to look after my children and we hope to remain in contact as she's had such a positive influence on their lives so far.

• Overall

by Marge22 on 30/07/2017

Home from home

My two year old son has been going to Jen's setting for well over a year now, and even though it is just one or two days a week, he settled and became part of the 'family' very quickly, and absolutely loves his days with his friends, Jen and especially her dog!
Jen's home is like a home from home, the children are relaxed, happy, safe and have lots of fun! From messy play, to arts and crafts, games, singing, yoga, and plenty of outdoor play, my son always comes home very happy and tired. And in the school holidays their outings make me very jealous! Now he is talking he loves trying to tell me about his friends on our way to Jen's (as well as his special friend the dog), and I have never been worried about dropping him off.
Jen is fantastic at dealing with young children, completely child-led, open and caring. And the children are lovely little friends, learning how to get on together, kindness and everything else you want your child to be taught.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by RoseWB on 11/06/2017

Happiest kids around!

Jen has looked after all 3 of my kids for the last 7 years and they all absolutely adore her. My littlest one wakes up asking to go to Aunty Jen almost every day and when she does go she is absolutely beside herself!

Her setting is completely child led and she is extremely sensitive and aware of what every child in her care needs in order to thrive and achieve in their own special way. The children are always happy when they are there and talk non stop about how much fun they have had during the day. I love that the children are given so much freedom yet Jen is always there to ensure that they are safe, loved and still taught manners and kindness to everyone and everything. My kids especially love her yoga session she does with them every morning!

I honestly couldn't think of anyone better to watch over my precious little ones while I can't.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 06/06/2017

Outstanding

Jen has been my son's childminder for over 2 years, and I can honestly say she's quite simply the best!
Following a very damaging experience with a previous childminder, who my son had been with for 6 months, I found myself in the daunting world of childcare decision making. From the very first meeting with Jen I knew she understood how I was feeling about having to leave my precious son with someone, especially considering my previous experience, but more importantly Jen showed a true understanding of how my son had been effected by the previous experience.
I knew Jen was the right childminder for us from that very first conversation, and we've not looked back!
Jen genuinely loves her job, and the littlens she cares for. You can see this in the way she approaches every situation thrown at her; from the extra cuddle needed some mornings to the preparation of different meals when my son point blank refuses to eat!
Jen has always worked with us, an example of this was the dreaded potty training, Jen agreed to follow our lead adopting the same approach we had at home. She was a brilliant support to me sharing tips and advise.
Our son loves his Auntie Jen, she's been instrumental in his development and growth. So much of him is made from what she has taught him.
If you were to ask my little cub who he loves, Auntie Jen is right up there on his list. Wanting to go to Auntie Jen everyday of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, and genuinely having a mini melt down when I try explain why he can't go on the weekend reaffirms my belief that she's brilliant and he is well cared for.
Jen really is an outstanding childminder, who we consider part of our family and I can't recommend her highly enough.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 05/06/2017

One of the most nurturing and holistically compete

I met Jen 12 years ago, when we shared a vocation, working in social care with children and young people .I have known her on a personal level and a professional level for all this time. When I decided to start my own family, I left Social care to become a childminder and Jen gave me the opportunity to learn the ropes from her as her assistant.

Jen has been a complete inspiration to me, not only in how she intuitively parents her own gorgeous little girl but to see her create a safe, stimulating, creative, warm, nurturing and importantly, fun environment for all the children she cares for. She approaches every day with a fresh, admirable energy, always placing the needs of the children in her care as her utmost priority. You can see how safe and happy the children are when they arrive in the morning, immediately drawn into the routines and activities that she has in place for them. Her home is a place where they can explore and grow and where they are fed in the most wholesome way, both physically and emotionally.

Jen has a natural rapport with children and an effortless confidence in caring for them. They take to being with her with great ease. In addition, she has an exceptional knowledge of the Early Years Foundation stages and the developmental needs of under fives. This is evident in the wide range of activities that she provides which directly address these developmental stages. She is also trained to train others in First Aid and so her knowledge of paediatric Fist Aid is impressive. She provides all the First Aid training in my own childminding setting.

I have personally seen so many children thrive in Jen's setting, starting their journey with her as babies and leaving as confident and happy children, ready for school. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her, to learn from her and to observe how a childminding setting works in the very best way. If you have the opportunity to send your little one to Pixie, please don't hesitate.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Parent on 05/06/2017

Review for Jen @ Pixies Place

Jen Pickston has been the childminder to our daughter since January 2016. We couldn’t have wished for a more nurturing environment for our then one year old to have joined.
After meeting many childminders and visiting lots of nurseries, we breathed a sigh of relief on meeting Jen. She works so hard to create a calm, stimulating and fun environment for the children in her care. The children are the best of friends and we are so impressed by the exciting adventures they go on and wonderful crafts they create.
Our daughter’s language skills have come on leaps and bounds and we often ask Jen’s advice when we need help with a parenting issue. At drop off we know that our daughter will be brilliantly cared for and have a really fun day. You can’t ask for any more than that! I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Jen and I often do.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Carrie on 04/05/2017

5 stars

The contents of this review are no longer available as the reviewer's account has been deleted.

• Overall

by Parent on 12/04/2012