On having my first daughter, I was lucky enough to have a very close family friend who was a trained Nanny and registered childminder so without any thought at all, I used this individual to look after my daughter when I returned to work who wouldn't, the children grow up knowing one another and accept them as family and you have no trust issues and you share the same values, everyone commented on how lucky I was.

However when my eldest started school it became apparent that logistically my fantastic arrangement would no longer be suitable, like all parents I had sleepless nights about leaving my children with a stranger, would they settle, would that individual share my values on how to bring up my children could I trust them to do so when my back was turned etc, etc. Then quite by chance I met Jane at a children's party and in a group of adults was discussing my need for a new child minder, Jane mentioned that she would have places available due to a family moving away and with some trepidation we agreed to a meeting and a visit.

My youngest child would be with Jane for 3 days a week and from the very first moment that she walked in to Jane's house, she made herself at home, sat down on the floor and started playing with the toys, she chatted away to Jane like she had known her for years and in that first 30 seconds I knew that I had found the childminder I had wished for.

I have never looked back and have seen it as the best decision I have ever made for my children, if they can't be with family then Jane is as close to that as I am ever going to get, my children adore her and my eldest cannot wait for the school holidays so that she can go to Jane's.

They are cared for and loved in a family setting that caters to their every whim and fancy, Jane has energy and patience beyond anybody else I know and the children love her for it.

In short if you are looking for a childminder, then look no further as you have found gold.