Honeybee's 5 Star Reviews
Childminder
5 out of 5
Showing only 5 star reviews
Below are the 5 star reviews for Honeybee. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
There are no words to say how amazing Helen is, she truly was made for this job. It is home from home and our daughter Freya loves to go and asks even on a weekend if she is going ha ha. Freya is moving into reception in September and although she will be staying on as a holiday honeybee jt was very emotional. Helen puts in endless effort, she always goes the extra mile and you can see how much she loves the honeybee children. You will not find a better childminder out there who will look after your child as good as Helen, she is then only one we recommend to friends and family
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gemlou
on 22/07/2024
My youngest has been with Helen for just under a year now. I was particularly cautious in choosing a setting for her as her older sister had struggled to settle in her first nursery setting. From our first visit to Helen's welcoming home, I knew Dotty was going to be more than happy here! Helen was so calming and understanding. I'm sure she could see my eyes well up as she engaged Dotty straight away in all of the wonderful resources in the Honey Bees Hive.
Since then Dotty has thrived with Helen and absolutely adores her family.
Helen goes above and beyond to make sure that all the children feel that honey Bees is their home from home. The playroom is endlessly adapted and shifted to appeal to their current interests. When Dotty has a new favourite animal or story I can almost guarantee I will spot it in Helen's playroom or activities the following week.
Dotty gets so excited to go and see "Helen and her friends". She loves going on adventures in the park, especially when she gets to wear her wellies and honeybees puddle suit!
I love that Helen sends home a small journal entry about Dottys day and her learning and sends us snap shots of her exciting day. It's so nice for us to see but also helps us chat to Dotty about her day which she loves to do!
Helen is so dedicated to providing the best possible care and learning experiences for the children, we couldn't be happier that we found her. We could not recommend her more!
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Lisa
on 21/07/2024
My little boy Zach has been going to Helen for just over a year, and honestly I cannot express how amazing she is!
Zach absolutely loves Helen and her family, he is always so excited to see them and runs instantly to go play when he is dropped off.
Helen’s house is literally a home from home, such a gorgeous atmosphere and zach absolutely loves the play room and all the toys and books!
No two days are the same and Helen always has the kids out which I love!
Helen herself is amazing, so kind and caring and always makes time for all the honeybee she really does put her heart and soul into what she does and it shows!
Couldn’t recommend honeybees anymore if I tried
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Danniika
on 28/06/2024
I have been with Helen for 11 years now and my kids absolutly love her and her family its a home from home environment even my 14 year old who doesnt go to helens as a honey bee anymore wishes she did my 8 year old get excited on the days she at Helens even after 7 years. Helens family are also just as amazing as Helen my daughter feels like part of the family .x.
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Tracy
on 17/12/2023
We met Helen through the government childminder and nanny page. We were looking for a new place for our son after concerns elsewhere. So already having a negative experience we were sceptical. The main thing we were searching for –
Cleanliness
Tidiness
Organisation
Education/outdoor activities
Care and attention to a realistic group of children roughly aground the same age.
We were initially aiming for a nursery and then we saw Helens Honeybees. So we popped her a message with the off chance she may have availability. She responded quickly and professionally, advising only two full days were available – so we continued the introduction process as we could utilise those two days and nursery. Helen has a private fb group that she uses to advertise the daily antics of the bees, and well, everything looked far too good to be true. So we went for a visit. Upon arrival there’s a wild and free hedge which strangely enough creates privacy and the feel of entering an enchanted gateway – we looked for the signature wreath as directed and scattered bee figurines. There’s an installed ring doorbell for safety and alerts – huge tick! We ring and wait a few moments (we’re visiting on a Friday so no children just a 1:1 session) and a very well presented, clean and pleasant lady answers the door, all smiles and radiating warmth. But the smell of the home was even more impressive given our past experience. It smelt clean but also fragranced (not like she’d just sprinted round with a can of febreze either; we’re talking deep scented). Regular cleaning. Fresh. Smell. – fantastic! We step inside and to the left of me a coat peg for the children – with name tags! To the right – a little name check station to register the children as present.... The night before I was complaining previously why didn’t they have these things so we didn’t get lost items and waiting forever for our child’s belongings. Helen had it sorted. Its also a shoes off home, which is something I’ve grown up with and reaffirms this with our baby. So already Helens is superseding and we’ve only just got through the front door. We then go through into the children’s area, where the walls are decorated with images of seeds and flowers shaping numbers from 1 to 10, a hoop with each child’s smiley face pinned displaying their inclusiveness in the home, children’s tables and chairs, a multipurpose table displaying a multitude of foraged goods, animals, and other educational materials. A combination of educational toys both wooden and plastic. Pencils – in matching colours in labelled pots! Dolls. Wooden utility play unit! Baskets and bowls sorted with toys because she pays attention to what the children enjoy and play with! She listened intently to concerns and learnt first hand about our baby boy. She showed us the children’s portfolios that she starts from day one detailing their journeys through start to finish. She has record books to put in the children’s bags for you to see what she feeds them/teaches them/observes in their characters/nappy changes the works! After one meet with Helen I just knew in my heart my baby would be happy here, not over stimulated or washed out with children to become feral – but heard, taught, cared for and nurtured in the moments I couldn’t be there with him. You can absolutely tell that every breath of this woman’s being is dedicated to children and not just her own, any child in her care is welcomed with warmth, smiles and love. The efforts this woman goes to, to include children in current worldly events – like painting a life size version of King Charles for his coronation so the children understand is outstanding. Teaching them kindness and how to be gentle with her animals. Going for daily walks and adventures. Each parental experience feels like she’s only caring for your child, her level of comprehending what each parent needs (especially when having negative experiences too previous) and delivering such an exceptional level of service is dumbfounding. How one woman can manage all this and continue to be such an enchanting, kind and genuine human is unbelievable. If you want your children to grow, learn and positively develop, if you understand that a child minder isn’t just designed to be a cheap stop to dump your child so you can have free time or work time (which you do you if so, each parenting style to their own) then Helen is by far underpaid and over accomplished for the service she delivers. She is absolutely astounding and worth every single penny. My son loves her, my parents love her and we love her. My son happily runs off without saying bye or crying. He’s just so comfortable and content. I also didn’t mention the garden or their little quiet space, I’d definitely investigate to see what you’re missing! ❤️ Also please remember - we were complete strangers when we met Helen. This is based soley on the month our baby has been with her.
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Stephani
on 31/05/2023
As a first time mum Helen put me at so much ease leaving my little boy with her, he absolutely loves spending time at Helen’s and is always smiling and happy, it really is a gorgeous environment and I can’t recommend enough!
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Danniika
on 22/01/2023
Honestly don’t have the words to describe how AMAZING Helen is. Helen looks after your child as if they are one of her own.
Helen’s passion, attention to detail and love shines through. We will genuinely continue to keep our little girl with her as long as possible as really enjoys her time there.
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gemlou
on 01/09/2022
My daughter has been one of Helen’s honeybees for 6 years and has loved every moment.
Helen has encouraged and supported my daughter at every age with fun themes and topics. From ABCs and potty training to getting ready for starting school to encouraging self confidence in my daughter’s own abilities I cannot praise Helen enough for her positive and fun influence over the years.
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Kathryn
on 23/05/2022
My children are now 13 and 10 and no longer need a childminder. When they did, it was Helen. No other childminder would do. She made them feel at home, as did Ben, Jessica and Ryan. Helens was always a calm happy place to be with good home made food and the most amazing opportunities for the children to learn. Helen always made learning great for the children, lead by their interests so they loved going every day knowing there would be something amazing to do. Trips out to the park, the beach, picnics and so much more.
Helen provided a real home from home, family environment with so much to enrich the children’s development. She was clearly very knowledgeable in the early years arena and I felt settled with the knowledge that she always had the children’s interests as the core of everything. We had great communication every day, never wondered what they had been doing, the pictures and diaries told me everything. The children loved going to Helen’s, no question. If I could’ve kept them small they would still be there now!
I always recommend Helen to anyone looking for childcare in the area, although she very rarely has space, the Honeybees setting is my only recommendation for childcare.
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Dianeb
on 21/05/2022
My daughter loves going to Helens. She calls her Helen mama because she is like a second mum to my daughter. I love the fact my daughter is in a safe, secure, warm environment. With Roper Park at its door step is a bonus. Mia has gone to Helens since she was 6 months old- she's now 3 years old. When I leave Mia at Helens I know without a doubt I have nothing to worry about because Mia will have so much fun with the fun activities that Helen has planned. I love the fact the setting is in Helens home so it doesn't feel clinical and more homey. I feel Mia thrives in this environment and gets more one to one attention. Best place for a child to grow, learn and have fun.
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Rabiaa
on 29/09/2021
My little boy has been a honeybee since December 2019, it’s the best choice we have ever made. Helen doesn’t only look after our boy she loves him, cares for him and goes above and beyond for him. This isn’t a job to Helen this is her heart and sole. Helen and her family Ben Jess & Ryan have made Henry part of their family. He walks into their house like it’s his own, they all welcome him with hugs and smiles and play with him without a second thought. Helen keeps us updated daily with Hens progression and goes out of her way to set up play areas in each child’s interests for that day. All the honeybees have such a good relationship with each other and are a little family. Most days we don’t get a goodbye as he walks in Helen’s door never mind a kiss or a cuddle. If we see Helen in the park with other honeybees or on school runs they will both run into each other’s arms and it’s heart warming to see the bond they have, you really couldn’t ask for anything better than this setting for your little one. We will be keeping Henry a honeybee instead of sending him to school nursery in the new year as we know he won’t get the love care or attention at nursery he does with Helen. Nothing is ever to much trouble for Helen and we can’t thank her enough for all that she does for our boy. Including leaving her home and family on a Friday evening to help with a medical emergency for my boy. You really won’t find a better childminder.
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Livnhen2
on 28/09/2021
My little girl was born in lockdown and therefore she is scared of anyone and anything new. She started with Helen two days a week, by the second week she went to Helen without hesitate, in fact she waved me off saying bye and giggling.
Helen is the most wonderful, gentle, kind and caring person. She absolutely adores all of her little Honeybees AND IT SHOWS, they all love her too.
Helen is very flexible in her approach to her work and will do what best suits the needs of her Honeybees. She adapts play on a daily basis but is always lead by the children. Their interests are fully focused on and encouraged by Helen.
Helen sends home a daily journal which myself and my husband love to read, it is great to hear about what our little girl has been doing and her development. Helen also sends messages throughout the day with pictures of what she is doing and this brightens my day up no end at work. The communication from Helen is second to none.
Ben, Jess and Ryan are also great with my little girl too. I love that she loves them and is happy and confident to go to them.
I cannot recommend this setting enough, your child becomes part of their family, what more could you want.
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Marie
on 14/05/2021
Well returning to work following 12 months off work was very daunting however Helen could not have been more understanding. I would highly recommend her 1. Because my daughter has come on amazingly since she started 2. My daughter worships not only Helen but all her family as well.
Helen offers a home from home childcare and my daughter looks forward to going every week.
I would not have anyone else look after my little girl.
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Jess
on 19/03/2019
My son has come on leaps and bounds being under this superwomans care! He was apprehensive about leaving me when he started his longer hours at nursery!.. helen treats my son like her own and he often tells me how much he misses her when he is off for long lengths of time. She is a very helpful lovely woman with a lovely family of her own who have taken my son on :-)...
He has made lots of friends whilst playing and learning at honeybees... her dedicated playroom and learning environment is better than any ive seen! I love the fact that i get a little book to send mesaages between myself and helen about what my son has been upto whilst with her other nurseries i have not had this which is a pet hate of mine as i like to know what hes eaten etc so i can keep and eye on him. Helen provides lovely meal choices to although my son is a fussy eater she helps in every way she can!
She has got him ready for school in september and i dont want him to ever leave honeybees he loves helen!
Helen has helped my son with his writing and spelling his name ready for school! I honestly cannot reccomend this lady enough i couldnt get my son in a first as she was so busy, but when one came available i snapped her hand off!
Would give 5000 stars to this lady hats off to her she is definatley passionate about her job as it shows through the love and care she gives the children thank you helen! X
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Parent
on 30/05/2018
My little girl has come on a treat going to helens i couldnt recomend her enough my little one loves going its a home from home atmosphere. Helen is also very flexible with her hours i start realy early and helen was more than happy to open early to accomidate me 5 star childminder in my eyes she adores her honey bees
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Parent
on 17/05/2018
We seriously cannot recommend Helen, her beautiful family & her 'little honeybees' enough!
We have five boys and we needed a childminder for our youngest, having never used paid childcare we were very nervous about this but thankfully found Helen :-D
She is like a second Mum (but a far more organised and patient one! Haha) & has endless good ideas and fun activities. Her home is a safe, fun space that my son absolutely adores. In my opinion, the best thing about Helen though is her flexibility, approachability & love. She LOVES her little charges & it shows...... We are indebted to her and would recommend without hesitation! <3
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Heidi
on 26/04/2018
My daughter has been with Helen’s honeybees for over 2 years and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect childminder. From fun arts and crafts to muddy walks to preparing for school my daughter has has loved everything she has done as one of the honeybees.
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Kathryn
on 19/04/2018
