My little one was only 5 months when we went into the first national lock down. Like so many babies and young children she hadn’t experienced much that life had to offer. I was lucky enough to have 3 years at home with my first daughter, so the idea of sending my little lock down baby to a total stranger wasn’t something I was looking forward to.

In fact, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had to go back to work, and meeting Christine that first time, put my mind at immediate rest. Francesca was 14 months when she went, and she is still there now, just over 2. She loves going,I get a wave and a kiss, and very rarely any tears. When she is upset, Christine will send me a message and a picture to show she settled really quickly.

Christine completes a diary everyday of the things your little one got up too, what they ate, if they slept and even down to the nappy changes. She misses nothing. The house is warm and welcoming, full of EYFS toys and those for the older ones too.

Christine takes them out all the time, Francesca went to a play centre with her first, and if it couldn’t have been me, I’m glad it was her that took her.

The meals are balanced and tasty, they have snacks and drinks throughout the day. I never need to worry if I’ve forgot to put in sun cream, or a hat, Christine has it all there. She is laid back, but passionate about what she does, I never leave worried, or stressed when I go to work.

Francesca is going to stay for another academic term, and I’ll be sad when the day comes for Francesca to move on, but I know I gave her the best start being with Cheeky Chimps and Christine!

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• Cleanliness
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• Communication