Dear Tom and Janine,
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If we had known 5 1/2 years ago what we know now we need not have worried for one moment about childcare. As soon as we met you, invited into your home, it was obvious LMP was the setting for us. But since then we have changed, this has not been about a childcare provider or a setting. It is about you as people, as a family, your values, who you are. To have a child trust you is an enormous privilege, but a bigger responsibility and we can think of no one we could trust more to care for and nurture our children. Your kindness, fun, energy and generosity make you very special and we will be forever grateful that you have shared that with us and our boys. You have the most wonderful family and both our boys have been wonderfully happy with you all. We hope we will remain friends of you and the LMP.

Matt & Vicky Garham

We just wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for bringing our son into your home and taking care of him like he is one of your own. You often make us feel like he is the only child you are looking after, even though we know this is definitely not the case. The love, kindness and attention you show our son is evident in the photo updates and daily observations, and these let us feel like we have been part of his day and are priceless.

We really hit the jackpot finding you both, we wanted that home from home feel for our son, and know we have definitely found that at LMP. In the short time he has been with you we can see how happy and settled he is, and absolutely thriving in your care. We are so grateful.

Thank you, you really are the dream team!!!

Jenny McLaughlin

I chose Little Munchkin Patch to provide holiday and afterschool care because I am a kinship carer and wanted a home from home experience for my grandchild who was only just 4 when she started school and was a bit delayed with her development.  This family setting provides a loving calm environment.
I have felt listened to from the start and value the mini updates during the day and  honest feedback at the end of the day.  My grandchild has a warm relationship with Tom and Janine and is involved in the joy of a different family life.  Her happy face when I collect and her cheery goodbye  speaks volumes.

We both enjoy sharing a book from the well chosen selection in the book basked.

I can continue to work knowing she is happy and nurtured.

Roz Lambert

We can’t speak highly enough of the warmth, care and support Tom and Janine have shown to our family. Our daughter loves her visits to The Little Munchkin Patch and we have watched her blossom in their care. Growing in confidence as she learnt through play and exploring. Making elderflower cordial, watching caterpillars turn to butterflies, preparing healthy snacks, building dens in the forests, and much more. Tom and Janine understand her developmental needs and how to plan for these based on her individual interests.

Communication is a real strength of The Little Munchkin Patch and we love seeing our daughter at play through our WhatsApp group and reading her daily diary that is emailed to us.

Our experience of The Little Munchkin Patch has been outstanding, and as an Early Years Specialist and Primary Teacher with 15+ years experience in the Early Years Sector across England, Scotland and the Channel Island, this is not something I say lightly

Nancy McClintock

Our boy has been attending Little Munchkin’s for 10 months now and we could not be more grateful to have Tom & Janine looking after him. It’s got to be the most important thing we do, finding someone to look after our child, our most precious gift. Tom and Janine provide a healthy, creative and educational space. He enjoys going to Little Munchkin Patch and waves goodbye to us as we drop him off! Tom and Janine put a lot of effort into making the days fun and different for the children which is most impressive. Our boy has had so many milestones at Little Munchkins as they’ve been an extension of our family helping him learn to walk, eat, use utensils, build blocks, red books, put things away, the list is endless. When we’ve had concerns they are quick to guide and provide literature, books and an encouraging ear. Currently, they are helping us improve Levison’s language skills and we really see the efforts they put in. As first time parents Tom and Janine have been a great help to us and allow us to thrive in our careers while we know our son is well cared for and thriving himself. I tell everyone we know that we’ve gotten so lucky to have Little Munchkin Patch as as our son’s caregiver.

Brittany Pipkin

I just wanted to say how impressed (and lucky) we are with the childcare service you provide our children.

I say this to everyone I know who has young children. You offer something that can’t be matched in mainstream offerings. Two consummate, mature professionals with a genuine love for children going above and beyond for their development.

The small touches such as WhatsApp updates during the day and the daily diaries shows you are proud of your work and it reflects with experience. My son says how happy he is on the way to your house when we’re in the car – that tells you everything.

You guys really are first rate

Adam Cockerham

Our son, is in the care of Tom and Janine at Little Munchkin Patch and we couldn’t be happier with the warmth, care and attention that they provide in bucket loads. They have created an exceptionally unique and special setting where the children can be themselves. Both of them clearly care so deeply about providing a nurturing, inspiring and fun place to be for the children. Theo has settled in tremendously with their expert approach, knowing just how to make him feel calm and at home from the first day. We don’t feel an ounce of worry about our son being in their care for two days a week and feel very fortunate to feel a great sense of trust at The Little Munchkin Patch which as parents, means the world.
Lastly, their parent communication has been excellent and much appreciated. Theo attends another local nursery setting in the week and the difference in communication is enormous. LMP’s is personalised, regular and thorough.
Our sincere thanks to Tom & Janine!

Daisy Woolfrey

It has been my pleasure to work with Tom and Janine over the last few years. Not only do they have my complete trust and the trust of all my staff in handing over school pupils at the end of the day and know without question that they will be exceptionally well cared for and kept safe that they have the children’s and families’ best interest at heart and as such any information /messages or comments about behaviour are taking seriously and handled professionally and always passed along to parents / cares diligently. They are attentive to each child and often carry on what pupils have covered in school in their setting into the afternoon. What they achieve daily accompanied with all the other tasks involved such as preparing food and caring for the early years children in their care at such an affectionate and involved level for the last 9
years is truly astonishing.

When children start in reception class we can always tell which children have attended Little Munchkin Patch previously! Children are independent, confident self-starters and ready to learn.
And after visiting Tom and Janine at their setting and watching how they interact with children, attitudes and high expectations they set it is not hard to see why. When I started in my role as head teacher I made a point of not making recommendations for childcare provisions to parents but since we have known Tom and Janine we have always recommended their service with confidence. Although this wasn’t done lightly Tom and Janine made it an easy choice.

Moreover both Tom and Janine have become an integral part of our school community. Janine has become heavily involved in our PTA (WiSCA) and became secretary 3 years ago while expecting her third child but has still managed to raise the bar and expectations of all the members and those who follow. As if that wasn’t enough Janine also coordinates all the school branded uniform for all the pupils and has devised a system that is efficient and effective.

Tom is a parent governor at the school and we are always grateful for his unique perspective due to his role as an early years practitioner and previous job roles. He has overhauled our outgoing parent communication as a school and works hard to maintain our external comms and brand. He has assisted on announcements and documents on traditionally challenging subjects and is the only other person outside of school staff to have access to our website to help maintain our commitment to our vision and values.

I have taken you a long way to make a small point that Tom and Janine are invaluable to the school community. They are some of the few individuals that truly care about the school values and the children’s development and I would trust to make significant improvements. I know however that what we witness at the school is only a fraction of their commitment to their own day to day job role. Their energy and commitment is truly motivating and the results we witness in the children they care for is nothing short of inspirational.

Becky Wilson,
Executive Headteacher

I have had the pleasure of working in partnership with Tom and Janine for almost 10 years. I have also worked in Early Years for 20 years and I can say with confidence that Little Munchkin Patch is an outstanding settle with strong values and a high level of care and education. We have supported a number of children together over the years to ensure children receive the best
possible care. Tom and Janine have a professional and welcoming outlook on working with us, they share information when needed and are keen to continue to develop our partnership for the benefit of the children they care for. We have had many opportunities to work together which have provided positive outcomes for the children who attend both of our settings. This is a
partnership I have not developed with any other childminding setting in the area or in previous settings and this is because Tom and Janine are thorough, professional, knowledgeable about children’s development but most of all because they genuinely care and want the best for each and every child in their care. I am grateful for the support they offer us and the links we have
made with Little Munchkin Patch. I feel the children who attend Little Munchkin patch receive outstanding care and education and I recommend Tom and Janine to all parents who are looking for a childminding setting.

Melanie Halliday,
Preschool Manager

Tom and Janine have been bringing their munchkins to our weekly forest school session for the last couple of years.
They encourage the children to explore, take risks and engage in activities of their choosing. Their gentle, engaging manner allows the children in their care to flourish and learn experientially whilst feeling safe, secure and nurtured.
They foster a love of the outdoors and focus entirely on each child’s needs whilst giving space and freedom to enable them to pursue their own interests independently.
Their calm and caring attitude is plain for all to see and it is obvious that the children are comfortable and happy in their care.

Jen Jackson and Kate Sparrowhawk,
Wildwoods Forest School

I think I’m possibly Munchkin Patch’s oldest customer, in age but more relevantly in the length of time that the Janine and Tom have supported our children. Through from my eldest daughter, now 13, Munchkin Patch saw her through from her pre-school years through to leaving Primary, and my youngest, 10, now in year 6 of Primary, having been supported through all her Primary school years – the length of time that we have been customers of the Patch serves as testament to the relationship and support built up over those years – the children have been nurtured and grown in confidence from their time with Janine and Tom and its an area I see from my own children and others as I sit as Chair of Governors at the Local Primary School. The setting continues to be one of support and more than one simply of child care – my continued thanks to Janine and Tom for their past, present and ongoing nurturing of my children

Tim Quick,
Chair of Governors

My Daughter has been at Little munchkin patch since she was 9 months old. She took a while to settle, but the gentle approach Tom and Janine took meant she finally got into the groove and has never looked back. She has blossomed into such a bright confident little girl while being at munchkin patch. She has gained so much from being in this wonderful childcare setting with the most special carers and teachers.
I love seeing the creative activities they get up to, along with forest school and other outings. Lilla is now in school, but will continue on after school for the foreseeable future. She is so content there, it was important to me to keep the things that make her happy a constant while she started her new chapter at school.

Lottie Lane

Our Son has been with Janine and Tom since the beginning of August, and from first contact to initial meeting, we knew both would care for our son the way we do. It was especially important as we knew our boy would be in their care, 4 days a week and it was important to us to have a happy, fun, family orientated environment for him to grow and develop.

The daily observations we receive are incredible, as they show us that our son is having a great varied healthy diet and the naps he needs are met, be it 2 or 3, its never a problem. We are impressed with the range of activities they have for him on a daily basis, from splashing in water during the heatwave to cool down, walks in the buggy to pick fruit or see the animals, trips to the park and especially preparing a basket of specific toys when he saw how much he loved banging toys together. Recently we have appreciated both Janine and Toms support on assisting Ross to meet a developmental leap in crawling, by having different daily activities to encourage his strength in both arms and core, and already at this early stage we can see he is growing and developing with their kind, supportive and encouraging nature, which is wonderful to see.

Our son is a happy chap at drop off and at collection, we know he has a fun filled day with Janine and Tom and the other kids. I can only say a massive thank you to them both for making my transition back to work easier knowing Ross is so happy in their care.

We would have no hesitation in recommending them to other parents.

Jenny and Sam McLaughlin

Choosing the right childcare setting for your little one is such an important decision and we know we made the right choice for our son. Little Munchkin Patch is a truly special place and we feel extremely lucky to have found it. Janine and Tom are the most wonderful people and they treat our little boy like he is part of their family. The provision they provide is outstanding and he learns so much from them every time he goes. They love the outdoors as much as our little boy does and he adores spending time in their amazing garden and going on daily outings with the other children.
We love the way they want to know all about his interests and what he has been playing with and talking about at home so they can help engage and make him feel comfortable when he arrives. They really do provide an individual curriculum for each child they look after. They send us photos so we can chat with him about what he has been up to and provide a daily diary which is a lovely, personal touch.
I have worked in the education system for 14 years now and visited many different Early Years settings in the local area and LMP really is a rare find.

Sophie Cockerham

You are the Waitrose of childcare

Stephanie Donnelly

Munchkin Patch have played a huge part in the lives of both our boys over the last five years, and we honestly could not be happier with this setting. Tom and Janine are hugely approachable, caring and so, so interested in the munchkins in their care. They know them all, their families and what makes them tick.

Our youngest will be leaving the setting in a few months time, which will be the end of a lovely era; it’s with a heavy heart that’s almost seen both of us blubbing in the course of making the decision. We’ll almost certainly be taking up the offer of wrap-around care, not least to continue our boys exposure to this lovely, caring setting.

None better in BoA.

Dom Newton

I wanted to have an opportunity to let you know my thoughts about the education and care provided at Little Munchkin Patch. As an ex-teacher myself who has been through many inspections during my 18 years, I know how important it is to try and get as detailed a picture of a setting as possible in a very short time, so I hope my perspective, as a parent, helps.

Our first son, Finlay, joined the Patch in November 2013, he was joined by his brother in September 2015. Throughout this time, I have been so impressed with all aspects of the provision.

Communication: I think this is a real strength of the Patch. I always feel that I know where my sons are in terms of their interests, social interactions, learning and so on. Either Tom or Janine (and sometimes both!) make sure that they give a quick but fairly thorough summary of the day at pick up. Where appropriate, they point out actions which would help them, whether emotionally or cognitively. For example, when Finlay started at preschool, our younger son found it difficult to see his Mummy and his brother walk away and leave him there. A simple comment such as ‘perhaps he could bring a favourite book of his own to share during circle time’ really helped and made such a difference.

Daily Diary: The verbal feedback is followed up by a detailed diary, outlining the different activities undertaken (and which Early Learning Goals these address), as well as the child’s mood, interests, sleep patterns and so on. I really like the fact that these are emailed over to us so I can keep them all together on the computer without having yet another mound of paper to store. Of course, it means it is also far more environmentally friendly too, which is another plus.

Learning Journal: One of my highlights is when we are sent the Learning Journals, again by email (through a password protected site.) The care, love and attention to detail demonstrate just how delighted I am to have chosen Tom and Janine to look after our sons. Each section helpfully outlines the next steps for the child with suggested activities to do with them.

Newsletters: We also receive weekly newsletters via email, with useful information, reminders, notices about illnesses etc.

Activities: I love hearing about the adventures that the children get up to. Many of the activities are so imaginative that we have been inspired to follow them up at home. For example, freezing dinosaurs in water, building really high towers with Duplo, finding sticks to make Stick Man.

All in all, we are delighted with the provision at the Little Munchkin Patch and couldn’t have hoped for a better start for our boys.

Many thanks

Liz Newton

Dear Janine and Tom,
Congratulations on your outstanding Ofsted report! It was an obvious outcome to us as we think you’re both brilliant. It’s a testament to your hard work and dedication. We hope you have a well earned break of a Christmas and enjoy celebrating!
Lots of love Jen

Jen Booth

Both of my daughters attended Little Munchkin Patch from age 2 and then as an after school provider. They loved every minute and have very strong bonds with Tom, Janine & their family.
I found the updates & photos were a joy to read and so much more than I received from a standard nursery where my eldest daughter attended prior to moving house.
A fabulous setting with delightful owners who you have upmost trust in.

Rebecca Quick

Dear Janine and Tom, I want to say a really great big thank you to you both for looking after me so wonderfully over the past year and a half. Yourselves, your family and your home have been a huge part of my world as I’ve grown up into the big 2 and a 1/2 year old girl that I am now! Thank you for everything you have done for me. It’s really difficult to put into words all that it’s meant for me and my family. Mummy and daddy say that you are inspiring role models and have a special gift for doing what you do! I will miss you a lot but mummy and daddy said we will stay in touch and I can’t wait for you to meet my new baby brother in the summer. Maybe you can come and visit us in our new home, I’d love that. Thank you for everything! Big hugs, a sunny smile and lots of love ,G, Rabbit & Ratsy. 

AKA Ruth Hyllen

To Tom and Janine,
Thank you for being so wonderful looking after and caring for our girl over the last 2 and a 1/2 years. We were so worried about having the right kind of childcare for our girl and we think we are so lucky to have found Little Munchkin Patch. You have lived up to expectation and more, giving Harriet a safe, secure and loving environment to enjoy every week and we truly believe you have been significant in why she is such a confident, thoughtful little girl. We will definitely keep in touch and look forward to introducing you to number 2.

Hollie & Gavin Stockley

Dear Tom and Janine, What can I say but thank you! Thank you for all the love, support, care, imagination, inspiration, stimulation that you have shown our boy and shared with him over the past nearly 3 years. I couldn’t have wished for a better start for him and to have seen him flourish under your guidance has been such a joy. He’s often to be heard saying “Tom says…” or “Janine says…”. It just goes to show what a huge part of his early life you have both been. Thank you. I really hope that his friendship with you both and of course with Amélie continues. We must ensure that it does. Thank you so much once again. Lots of love Liz and Dom.

Liz & Dom Newton

Dear Tom and Janine,
Thank you so much for taking such good care of our boy the last 3 years. I can’t believe it has been that long, or that this is his last day with you! He’s had so much fun with you, so many laughs and giggles, and also learnt so much. You’ve provided him with all he needs, and much more, and I have always felt completely confident and happy that he has been secure, safe and much loved by you both. He’s going to miss you all. Thank you once again, you two are the best!
Lots of love, Jen and Nick.

Jen and Nick Haddington

Dear Tom and Janine, We can never thank you enough for all that you have done for our precious boy. You have helped us give him a confidence and spirit which he had lost when he first came to you transition from a nursery setting where he just wasn’t happy. He has loves his days with you both, Amelie and Xavier and all his other Munchkin friends and we have loved hearing about the fun and exciting activities you all get up to. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Jo & Dave Forbes

Dear Tom and Janine and all at little munchkin patch,
What can I say?
Thank you so much for all that you have done for our family over the past 5 years.
In fact, it has very much felt, and feels, as if you are a part of our family.
The boys have grown so much with you.. physically of course but also emotionally, socially and cognitively. You have also supported us as parents greatly. As I think all parents do, you can be prone to worry about aspects of your child’s development, but you have reassured us and calmed us. Today is a sad day for our family as we say goodbye to the Munchkin Patch but we will always remember the boy’s time with you with enormous joy. No doubt we will always wave as we pass your house (we still wave to your old house and your old old old house!).
Thank you so much and lots of love.

Liz & Dom Newton

In a world where too many things feel like hard work at the moment you guys really are a breath of fresh air. Your help – and flexibility – are very, very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jez Kent

Thank you both so much, what would we do without you.

Rebecca Quick

Hi Janine and Tom

On behalf of Ben, Dave and I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to you both for creating such fun-filled days for him and putting so much effort into the activities you do with the children.

Today was the icing on the cake. He has not stopped talking about his spooky day with you. We had to call both sets of Grandparents to show them his cake, say “trick or treat” to them and tell them all about his prize for being the most magical. He was so proud.

We have honestly never seen him so happy as he is at the moment. So many of our friends are saying what a different boy he is since he stopped nursery and came into your care.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do.

Have a good rest tonight. You deserve it!

Jo and Dave (and Ben) xxx

To Tom and Janine
Thank you so much for looking after and caring so much for Francis and Evalyn. We could not have asked for anyone more wonderful to help them grow.
Lots of love

Dave, Lorraine, Francis and Evalyn xxx

To Tom
Happy birthday, I hope you have the best day ever!
You’re 1 of the best childminders ever, loads of love.

Em x x x Aged 8

Dear Janine and Tom,
We want to say a very big thank you for being such an important part of our girl for the last 2.5 years! It hardly seems like 5 minutes ago that we first met you in Westwood and since then you have looked after and guided our girl and supported her in becoming the friendly, cheerful and thoughtful girl she is now. We are very proud of her and you have both been instrumental in her development. We are very sad that her ‘regular’ time with you has come to an end but so pleased that she’ll be back with you for holidays! And of course we are looking forward to our son starting his Munchkin Patch journey with you!
With lots of love

Jen & John Booth

I have had the privilege of working with Tom and Janine and being able to share information with regards to children’s development. As a professional in Early Years I feel the achievements of children is accurately and beautifully recorded and shared with parents. The online learning journey clearly highlights the child as an individual and celebrates their achievements. As a parent I found looking at the online learning journey heart warming and this reflected the high standard of care that they have to each child.
I am extremely impressed with the efforts that Tom and Janine go to, to share important information about each individual child’s development. They offer wonderful opportunities for children to reach their goals and you can see this is celebrated within the home setting.

Melanie Halliday Preschool Leader

Our 16 month old son has been attending the Little Munchkin Patch for four months and we couldn’t be happier with the care that Tom and Janine have provided. We were really anxious when choosing childcare that he wouldn’t settle as he can be quite shy and that he wouldn’t sleep as we had struggled at home. Tom and Janine were really reassuring and helped put us at ease.

Our son has settled in extremely well and sleeps better now than he ever has! We love receiving his daily diaries to learn what he has been doing during his day. I am always amazed by the variety of activities that Tom and Janine fit in and love the fact that pretty much whatever the weather he gets time for outdoor play. I have certainly noticed the improvement in his language and communication skills as well as his social skills since starting at the Munchkin Patch.

Tom and Janine always make time at drop off and pick up to talk to us about our sons day and offer help and advice with any issues we are having at home. It is at these times that we can see how well attached our son is with them which is hugely reassuring to us. Their enthusiasm seems to be never ending and their passion for the work they do really shines through. We love that our son gets such professional care yet in a home from home environment.

Thank you so much Tom and Janine!

Kate and Morgan Jones

Together they are second parents to our two girls, Emilie and Mollie, and in all the time they have been with Tom and Janine, there has never been even a morning where they have not wanted to go.  They nurture and care for both girls and do both with utmost professionalism at all times.  We always appreciate their flexibility and always try to accommodate us when a family crisis hits such as a work or family commitment (having elderly parents).  Prior to Mollie starting school, and Emilie attending school, so seeing T & J for only the period post school, we really appreciated the time and effort that both took in ensuring that Emilie was totally included and would regularly theme events and activities to Emilie’s interests, despite it only being for a matter of a few hours a day.  Working away from home for part of the week it’s a massive comfort to me that both girls are in such safe hands and that the service that they have developed over time, has developed intuitively with the needs of those that use it.  Most of all I appreciate their good humour, whatever sort of day they have had, they always greet me with a smile, and as such it brightens my day.  I cannot sing their praises more highly and would be more than happy to endorse any of these views and more over the phone.

Tim Quick

Our daughter has been attending Munchkin Patch since March 2016. She always comes home excited to tell us all about her day and what they’ve been up to. Days are filled with arts and crafts, outdoor activities, singing and reading and so much more. We really feel that our daughter is having a rounded early education and is thriving within a loving and friendly setting.

Communication is excellent, from drop off/pick up times, to the daily diary email and the beautiful learning journal which we will treasure. Janine and Tom are flexible and supportive and we are so grateful for their care of our daughter.

Jen Booth

As a teacher with 20 years’ experience, I am thoroughly impressed with the professional way you both run Little Munchkin Patch

The structured education and care you provide coupled with the calm and safe atmosphere that you create is outstanding and is second to none in my opinion. You have an excellent rapport with our two boys and make them feel totally secure and happy. I am also very impressed in the short space of time they have been in your care that I have seen their personal development flourish.

My opinion is not only from a teacher’s perspective, but also from having had 7 years’ experience of nursery and child minding organisations caring for our two sons.

Clive Greenhough

Tom and Janine’s house is great its got sofas, chairs, tables, cupboards, its mostly always tidy, my favourite bit of their house is having toys, they have a marvellous house. Sometimes I play Rush Hour car game it is the best game in the world, sometimes Amélie helps me. Also I love to do drawing with everybody else. At Christmas we do a lot of Christmas stickers which is amazing. I do also love making Christmas decorations out of salt dough and paint them. But my absolute favourite thing to do and play is to make cookies or cake.

We LOVE Tom and Janine’s house

Emilie Quick age 7

Thanks for everything over the past few weeks, we couldn’t have juggled it all without you both being so helpful and Wonderful.

Becky Quick

[About 2 year progress check]

We feel that this is a very accurate report and we are very pleased with our child’s excellent progress which continues to delight and amuse us.

We thank Tom and Janine for often taking the lead in ensuring his development.

It is clear that they put a lot of time and effort into their Little Munchkins and that this is done with both professionalism and love.

Jez Kent

I also meant to say how kind you are to take the girls out on Monday, I don’t know where you find the energy and enthusiasm – you truly are great at doing the best for little munchkins, thank you so much.

Becky Quick