Our son has been within Debra’s childcare setting since he was 10 months old, joining in September 2023. When selecting a childcare provider, we visited a handful of local childminders and chose Debra and Holly as not only were they welcoming and put us to ease with our first child going into childcare, but also provided a home-from-home setting, which we felt was appropriate when our son was joining them at such a young age. We were able to visit the setting a couple of times prior to making our decision, and were introduced to Holly’s children, who were very friendly and bonded with our son very quickly. Our son was also offered some settle in sessions, which reassured us that this was the right setting for him.

Two aspects of Debra and Holly’s approach that has really helped us as parents, include excellent communication and flexibility. I (mum) work for the NHS and my working pattern can change over time, both Debra and Holly have been able to accommodate changes when needed, whilst still maintaining a safe setting for him to attend. Both Debra and Holly are very personable, and we would have no hesitation to pick up the phone to ask them a question or discuss any concerns.

We communicate during the day via WhatsApp and phone calls, which has been fantastic throughout our son’s time with them. A particular example of when this communication really made a difference to us, is when our son suddenly developed an urgent medical issue, which we as parents did not notice and Debra contacted us swiftly to ensure we seek the appropriate medical attention. This resulted in a hospital stay and surgery, and as first-time parents, it was not only reassuring that their care and level of detail is spot on, but also to give us a nudge in the right direction in terms of next steps.

Our son has never resisted going into childcare at Debra and Holly’s; which we think reflects well on how he is looked after whilst there. Our son has bonded well with both Debra and Holly and enjoys his time in the setting, while both of us as parents, work full time. Holly often sends us updates and pictures of activities he has been involved in while being at the setting, including role-play, messy play, drawing and painting and playing with musical instruments. Holly and Debra have also been instrumental in his eating development, ensuring he has a decent hot meal every lunchtime – which he feeds himself! A milestone, we have struggled with at home.

Overall, we are very happy with Debra and Holly as our childcare providers, for all of the reason set out above, and we would recommend them to friends and family.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication