Iona Aelle

Cannot fault in any way!

Iona has looked after our little girl from 9 months old, I was very nervous about the whole process and I hated having to leave her to go back to work but every step of the way Iona was and continues to be absolutely amazing! As soon as I met her she immediately made me feel at ease! She made the process so much easier and our little girl loves her to pieces.

Since being there our daughters development has been incredible, she has become so much more social and confident! Not only is she amazing with the children but she is also incredible if I ever need support as a parent! Our daughter has a dairy allergy and Iona has always been so accommodating and understanding of this adapting the foods she is given to suit her needs.

I would 100% recommend Iona to anyone looking for a childminder! You won't regret it!

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by Tasmin C about Iona Aelle on 01/02/2024

Home from home setting

Our son has been with Iona for over a year now and it was the best decision in putting him with a child minder in a home from home setting. Iona’s home is immaculate and she provides all three meals and snacks on the days our son attends which takes such a huge weight off our shoulders.

Our son has made friends there and looks forward to seeing them every week, along with Iona, her family (and the dog!). Iona has supported with some tricky transitions back in after breaks and always sends reassurance messages if it’s been a hard morning which really does give such peace of mind. We get text updates at the end of each day and it’s lovely to see what they have been up to!

Iona does a great job of providing a safe, inviting, fun environment that can often leave our son appearing slightly underwhelmed when it’s home time! (No offence taken!) It’s really just testament that he’s very happy and safe where he is, which is all we can ask for!

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by Sydni20 about Iona Aelle on 29/01/2024

Part of the family

Iona is an incredible childminder who we always recommend to friends and colleagues. She has looked after my little boy since he was 1 years old. He loves going and always asks if it’s an “Ona” day. I really feel that he has become a part of the family which is the main reason I chose a childminder. Iona is so kind and caring, she treats my son like she would her own children.

The children in Iona care enjoy a range of activities and have a fantastic routine that they follow. Iona’s house is immaculate and she has a wide range of toys/activities to suit his interest and development. My son loves visiting the library, toddlers groups and regular walks locally. Daily texts provide information about his day.

Iona always cooks fresh meals which means I do not have to worry about providing lunch. My son was slow to weaning and has various allergies which Iona has always supported us through.

I would highly recommend Iona!

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by ACCP about Iona Aelle on 24/01/2024

So disappointed. Waste of time and money!

On multiple occasions my daughter was sent home or my husband an I were advised we couldn’t bring her. Even with medical professionals advising my daughter was fit and well she was still not allowed in the setting. Each month we paid up front but regularly had to pick our daughter up. She wasn’t given calpol and on the occasion she was, she was sent home within the hour. I was told often that my daughter wasn’t teething an that she was poorly, I was told I had to get her stools tested even when the doctors/health advisors reviewed her symptoms and she had no signs of being poorly. The last occasion when I removed my daughter I was told there would be 3 additional summer holiday children and if my daughter was crying and needed to be picked up she wouldn’t be able too. I had to give 6 weeks paid notice even though I lost total confidence and couldn’t possibly leave her. I’m so disappointed with the lack of professionalism, lack of understanding and total lack of willingness to care for my child. I now have my daughter in a nursery with no issues at all. I was so reluctant to write a bad review however, another issue has arisen today and I can’t let another family go through this.

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by Portia about Iona Aelle on 29/08/2023

Response by Iona Aelle on 29/08/2023:

Dear Portia,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I am naturally sorry to see that you have replaced your positive 5 star review with these concerns, which I take very seriously.

My primary responsibility is always the safety, health, and well-being of every child in my care. In line with best practices for child safeguarding in the UK:

Illness Protocol: It's my duty to ensure that children displaying symptoms of potential contagious illnesses, such as severe diarrhoea, elevated temperature, are cared for appropriately and that the potential spread of illness is minimised. My guidelines are in place not only for the safety of the individual child but also for the protection of other children. These are shared and agreed with parents on signing up to my setting.

Medication: I only administer medications like Calpol when I have the appropriate permissions and when it's deemed necessary for the child's comfort. Following the administration of any medication, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's often best for the child to be at home. Therefore, in such cases, I will administer the medication and then send the child home.

Communication with Parents: It's crucial for me to maintain open communication with parents regarding their child's health and well-being. This includes sharing observations and seeking clarity when there are health concerns. Whilst I appreciate asking for a poorly child to be collected has not been convenient, I will always put the health and wellbeing of the children in my care first.

Capacity and Care: In instances where there may be a natural increase in the number of children requiring childcare, such as during summer holidays, my foremost priority remains providing quality standards of care and ensuring each child's safety. Any recommendations made are always in line with my commitment to uphold these standards and within ratios. When a child is not able to join in with a normal day and is needing 1:1 care it is always advised if they are the same the following day they are best to be at home as 1:1 care is not possible.

I respect every parent's right to make decisions they deem best for their child. I'm glad to hear your daughter is settling well into her new setting, and I wish her all the best. If you'd like to discuss this further, I'm always open to conversations that can foster understanding and address any outstanding concerns.

I also find it important to note, for clarity and transparency, to readers, that your review was shared shortly after I followed up regarding an outstanding payment. Regardless, I remain committed to open dialogue and understanding any perspectives you may have on the matter.

Fantastic childminder with baby experience!

Iona has cared for both of our girls and we are so grateful to have found her! Having gone back to work when my daughter was 4 months it was very important to us to find a childminder with recent experience in caring for babies and young children. Having met with a few childminders I was starting to feel rather stressed about finding someone suitable, however as soon as I met Iona and entered her home I immediately felt at ease. Her setting is immaculate, warm, bright and inviting and she is well set up and equipped to look after babies (as well as toddlers and older children of course). Both our girls have been comfortable in Iona’s care from day one - always delighted to be dropped off and happy at collection. She provides a home away from home and our children have been cared for as if they were her own.

We would highly recommend Iona if you are looking for a fantastic childminder to look after your children, you will have peace of mind that they are being properly cared for in a safe, loving and stimulating environment with someone who will endeavour to assist and support you as a parent through all the various phases your child and you will have to navigate such as feeding/weaning, sleeping (dreaded sleep regressions!) or behavioural.

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by JEllison about Iona Aelle on 02/03/2023