We were really keen for our son to have some experience of being cared for outside the home for socialisation, and this has been a fantastic experience for him. I have noticed an enormous difference in how much more confident he is around other children and adults. At home, he regularly talks about Laura, Clair and his friends and activities he has done with them. He has become much more confident about playing independently, something he rarely didn't before starting with Laura. We have also seen significant improvements in his communication: listening, understanding and speaking. He is much more able to express himself effectively, developing narratives and explanations for his actions or intentions.

Laura has been adaptable to our needs and worked with us to make the placement just right for him. We began with one five hour session a week, but increased this to two sessions a week to help our son become accustomed more quickly to the environment. This has worked really well and most days when I ask him what he wants to do, he says 'Go to Laura's house'.

Laura has been excellent at providing feedback and also suggestions for how we could help his progress at home. The use of technology to provide rapid information about our son's activities and progress in the day is impressive and gives us confidence he is both happy and challenged. I found it very useful that Laura shared the language and strategies she uses if he becomes upset at drop off and how I can talk to him at home to prepare him for the day. It was also very useful the advice she gave about regularly talking to him about the other children and making up stories together about going to Laura's house.

We've been very impressed with the way Laura has considered our son's needs, interests and development. He is clearly challenged by new activities and enjoys his time with her. We have been really impressed at the strong relationship she has built with our son even though he is only there for a short time each week. He clearly feels very secure and confident with her and she was excellent at very quickly understanding his needs, interests and strategies that he responds to best.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication