Mel has been childminding my son Darragh (11 months old) since November 2014. She looks after him for 3 days each week.
I have been extremely happy with the care Darragh has received, and the great progress he has made whilst in Mel’s care. Mel’s home is always welcoming, clean and well organised and Darragh has great fun playing with all the toys available and with the other children in her care. Beyond all this though, it is Mel’s warm and friendly approach which sets her apart from other childminders we have experienced.
She provides a wide, fun range of activities including plenty of outdoor exercise. I know Darragh has recently enjoyed sand and water play, drawing and sticking, reading and puzzles as well as outings to the park, and to various nursery groups throughout the week. Darragh particularly loves arts and crafts and Mel always makes the effort to help with making/decorating seasonal cards/presents. For example Mothers Day/Fathers Day.
Mel is a great communicator and has no trouble in gaining Darragh’s confidence and therefore encouraging good behaviour and kindness and compassion to others, both skills which are important to us at home. When Darragh is hurt or feeling under the weather I know that he feels happy to be comforted by her and I am confident that she can administer either first aid or medication following all the correct procedures and completing the necessary records to ensure his health and safety.
Mel provides a variety of healthy meals snacks throughout the day. I am also aware that Mel ensures good personal hygiene in encouraging all the children to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. I’m sure that it is this practice together with the cleanliness of Mel’s home which has ensured that Darragh has remained healthy and bug free for majority of his time spent with Mel.
All in all I am thoroughly happy with the level of care Darragh receives and I’m certain that being in such a positive and happy environment is helping Darragh to develop into a confident and self assured little boy.
I would absolutely recommend Mel as a great and reliable childminder.

From Paula & James

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication