Dawn

Top class childminder

After meeting Dawn for the first time, I knew that I wanted my 6 month old to be in a mixed age, small setting. A year on and he continues to amaze us daily by doing things he has learnt with Dawn and picked up from the other children. He bought his first painting home at 11 months old and has always included in everything the older children do - crafts, cooking, singing, reading. There is nothing that they exclude him from for being too young.

All of the food is healthy and home cooked which he loves and there is no fussiness at all - he never stops eating! On top of healthy eating, Dawn puts a great emphasis on manners and he's learnt very young to sit nicely when eating, say thank you and even put his hand over his mouth when coughing.

I cannot rate Dawn highly enough for the boundless energy she puts into everything she does with the children and the photos on babysdays every day makes me feel like I'm there with him when he does his cooking and painting.

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by Parent on 13/03/2017

An exemplary childminding setting

Since being introduced to Dawn through neighbours, both our children have attended the setting full time from the age of 1. Not only have they made lots of valuable friendships, but they have been encouraged to learn in a structured, safe and inspiring environment.

Manners and values are central to how Dawn approaches her work, and we've always been impressed about her constant focus on continuously moving with the times and keeping up to date and ahead of requirements. Being able to log onto her online platform and know everything the boys had done that day was great right down to meals, activities and even toilet habits! Unlike a segregated nursery we loved how the children of all ages were together - allowing the small ones to aspire to develop as well as being supported by the older children who further grew from the responsibility of setting an example. Having our two children (2 years apart) together has strengthened their bond.

The quality of her EYFS teaching has given our eldest the perfect platform for when he went to school last September.

Dawn cooks lovely and varied home cooked meals and the children always eat everything!

Activities are wide ranging with trips out and the full enjoyment of a huge sensory garden at the back of the setting. Dawn teaches about cultures, religions, and puts on vocational role plays like post offices or pretend roads complete with mini traffic wardens!

Our children are so polite and caring and the platform that Dawn provided is a major factor in this. I cannot recommend her enough, not least due to the very flexible opening hours with earlier starts and later finishes than most places

A superb setting

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by Parent on 12/03/2017

ABSOLUTEY INCREDIBLE CHILDCARE!!

I have been using Dawn since January this year to care for my two youngest children (aged 2 years and 10 months)

Being honest, I was very sceptical that a child minder could offer the same level of service that a nursery setting could provide. I have looked at many different childcare settings previously and I just didn't get a good feel, however with two children needing full time spaces we couldn't commit to the nursery fees.

When I met Dawn, I instantly knew that my children would not only be cared for in every sense of the word, but they would thrive in her care. Her expertise, knowledge and confidence in everything 'children' shows. Both Dawn and her assistant provide a happy, fun setting where children develop their confidence and turn in to wonderful little people. There is nothing worse than dropping children off when they aren't happy to be there and you have reservations too, I can honestly say I have never had, even a slight concern that my boys aren't completely thrilled for me to go back to work!

The home cooked food and snacks provided are delicious (my two year olds words!) The daily activities that the children are encouraged to do and her outside space make me want to stay and play! No honestly, I haven't seen a mud kitchen quite like it!!

Myself and my husband cannot recommend Dawn highly enough. I just wish I had found her when my eldest son needed it, it would have made returning back to work the first time so much easier. Fabulous woman!

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by Parent on 10/03/2017