We're leaving London, and so leaving our lovely CM Natasha too. I just thought I'd let you know about her in case anyone's looking for a CM in Islington / N4.
I can't recommend Natasha, or her service "Kids Utopia" highly enough. Natasha has an outstanding rating from OFSTED, and once you've met her it becomes obvious why. The childcare she provides is amazingly well thought out, superbly organised and delivered with such great love and care. This is childcare of the highest quality. DS is 19 months, and all the other kids she looks after at the moment are early years.
If you want to be sure your child is having lots of new experiences and isn't ever plonked in front of the TV than Natasha is for you. I'm not sure she even owns a telly!
Our son has done so much while he's been there. They go out loads - to parks, city farms, the library etc. Back at the house they do all sorts of activities like messy play and painting, water play, learning about mini-beasts etc. She reads to them and gives them time for free play, and even has someone come in to do regular creative workshops.
She employs assistants so that between them they can look after up to 6 children, which was important to us for the social aspect.
The time and effort Natasha puts in to every aspect of Kids Utopia is impressive. As far as I can tell she lives and breathes her job. For example, she plans every week ahead, so we know what the children will be doing - and even what they'll be eating - before the week begins. And then every day she gives us a brief written report so we can see what our son got up to, and what he especially liked doing that day. But as well as being incredibly well organised, she's also a very loving, kind and warm human being.
My son is always absolutely beaming when I pick him up. It's obvious he gets so much out of being there. His time at Natasha's has certainly been a very positive influence in his development, has supported his social skills, and he obviously just really enjoys being there.
You can get in touch with her via her profile at www.childcare.co.uk/profile/Natashane/