Gemma has been looking after our 2.5 year old son for four days a week since he was six months old, and we feel so immensely lucky to have found her. I was incredibly nervous about having to return to work relatively soon after his birth and visiting the local nursery left me feeling unenthused and a bit low. I'd never really considered a childminder, but when I met Gemma we were instantly impressed with her setting. Not only is the family home beautifully presented and clean, but it has been so thoughtfully configured to take her career into account - with the most wonderfully engaging playroom and fun garden. But these facilities only scratch the surface of everything Gemma has to offer. She is one of those rare gems who is not only naturally caring and truly generous with her affection, but does so whilst maintaining complete control and tirelessly teaching little people kindness, sharing and good behaviour. Her teaching background is an absolute bonus and we feel as though our little boy has learnt so much from her array of lessons that take into account literacy, numeracy, arts and crafts and the great outdoors. Knowing our son is in a 'home-like' setting with the same person every day gives us complete confidence in his safety and happiness. We are grateful to the whole family for treating him with so much love and respect, giving him the most wonderful foundation to build on.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication