Hi Janine and Tom

Thank you so much for your flexibility and care when thinking about how to accommodate my seemingly ever changing needs. I really appreciate this and it just furthers my delight that I have you two looking after our boys…people who genuinely have the children’s security and happiness at the core.

I feel so happy knowing that you will be looking after our boys. Going back to work is going to be hard, but at least I won’t be worrying about the boys’ wellbeing or happiness.

Liz Newton

I felt I must write to share my wonderful experience of using the Munchkin Patch in Bradford on Avon for childcare services so other parents can use this to help them make the very important and indeed hard and emotional decision.

I have 2 daughters aged 2 and 5 and have moved recently to Bradford on Avon having previously used and been totally happy with a nursery with a lovely owner and fabulous nursery nurses. I felt it gave excellent care and also provided my eldest daughter with the skills ready to start school. When I moved to Bradford, I was disappointed to not find a nursery with places, but luckily the Munchkin Patch was not full due to recently setting up and upon meeting Tom & Janine in their house, I knew instantly that they were unlike any childminder I had met before; they are totally passionate about children being individual and have a structure to each day using the latest Early Years standards. It is a very professional yet homely setting and they adore their work; it is apparent every time you speak or hear from them, their passion and enthusiasm for trying new things with the children in their charge emanates.

So, a very loving, fun yet educational atmosphere that the children adore, but as a parent, I have found their flexibility a real bonus, my previous stressful journeys back to the nursery to be back for 6pm are so eased by knowing that I am not keeping Tom & Janine from going home and their attitude is so supportive, nothing is ever too much trouble and they seem to care as much about the parents as the children.

I never thought I would advocate a childminding service over a nursery, but having 2 people looking after the children adds interest for them and one of the best points for the girls is that they enjoy an outing almost everyday which never happened at the nursery so they are both taking on a new found stamina for outdoor activity and walking and enjoying nature so much more.

I am so pleased that you were able to fit us in to your setting for daycare and before and after school services, the effort that you put in to make sure my 5 year old has something fun to do or a trip to the park after school never ceases to amaze me.

Thank you so much

Becky Quick

It is obvious from drop offs and pick ups that our little man is very happy to spend a day at Little Munchkin Patch. It’s also obvious that he’s formed a close bond with Tom, Janine, Amélie and the other munchkins. We’re so happy that he’s happy. To read about his adventures, see pictures of him giggling away and learn that his development is on track is the icing on the cake.
Daddy has also noticed that he plays more with other children at other ‘stay and play’ groups since going to LMP and is perhaps more independent than some of his peers. This is a lovely sign of his progress and we thank Tom and Janine for all their fun, education and cuddles.

Jez Kent

He’s incredibly lucky to have two super wonderful people like yourselves looking after and nurturing him. As have we been and for that we can’t thank you enough.

Liz Brewer

Tom and Janine,
Thank you for working so hard to make Munchkin Patch a fun, homely, safe and supportive environment. And thank you for working hard to make our girl feel settled.

Kate & Adam Wyatt

Janine and Tom
[About the learning journey]
What an absolute joy to read this and the time & effort (and love) that has gone into putting it together – I find it hard being away for a chunk of the week and your daily mails, and seeing this, this morning, reminds me that in picking the patch we absolutely made the right choice for both Mollie and Emilie
Thank you

Tim Quick

Hi Janine and Tom
Thank you so much for the wonderful learning journey.
I have loved seeing the photos of Finn clearly enjoying his time at the patch with his fellow munchkins. The variety of activities he has participated in over the last few months has clearly helped him to develop in many areas, and it is obvious from your observations that you really know Finlay very well. We are so lucky to live in this area and I am so delighted how you make optimum use of it and all it has to offer.
Finlay is a lucky little boy and likewise we feel very fortunate to have found such a caring couple to look after our little boy.
Liz, Dom (and Finlay) xx

Liz Newton

Thanks for sharing the daily diary today.
Great to read on the bus in Central London… x

Steve Brewer

Hi Janine, Tom & Amelie,
Just thought I’d send you a quick email update.
Alba is getting on well at the new childminder’s but every day we realise how spoilt we were to start her off with you guys.
Hope you are all well.
Viki, Morgan and Alba xxx

Viki Fitzpatrick

Janine and Tom
Thank you so much for looking after Alba over the last months. You have made giving over the care of Alba to someone else, something I imaging is one of the most difficult things for new parents, both easy and worry free. We think you guys are one in a million.
Love from Alba, Viki, and Morgan Fitzpatrick

Morgan Fitzpatrick

Dear Tom and Janine,
Our daughter has been attending the Patch for around five months now and it is clear that she thoroughly enjoys her time spent there. She talks about Tom and Janine (and her munchkin friends) at home with fondness. We are impressed with the wide range of activities that Merryn has been able to access, from trips to the farm and soft play to daily sing and rhyme time, craft activities and independent play that mirror the opportunities we like to provide at home. We have been particularly pleased with the way that Tom and Janine reflect on their practice and adapt activities to suit the children’s interests and needs. They are approachable and always interested in our input to best support our child.

Sarah Bailey

Hi Janine,
Thank you so much for the link to Albert’s Learning Journal. It’s beautifully presented, and has some lovely pictures of him enjoying the various activities – which is great fun to see.
We’re really encouraged to witness the development in him in the short time that he’s been with you, and are really impressed with the variety of activities that you arrange for the munchkins.

Nick Tomlinson

Guys,
I am utterly speechless…
This has to be one of the most special things in the world that I have received. You succeeded in making me bloody cry!
Talk about an amazing keep sake and it make my heart just burst with pride and love seeing how well he is doing at the Patch and how much fun he has. I can’t tell you how wonderful this is, I knew it would be great, but you both have supersede what i thought I was going to see.
It looks amazing, reads wonderfully and is so clear to follow – just love all the illustrations and icons and the photos of HB – especially the ones of him and Amelie are gorgeous. I can’t wait to share it with my folks and family …
I feel very lucky to have you guys looking after HB !
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Liz Brewer

Hi Janine,
Tom asked if the Learning Journal worked okay on iPad – just looking at it and it works perfectly. I think it must be the best looking Learning Journal out there! Thank you again.

Jen Haddington

Janine,
Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and Tom. It’s so lovely to know that Francis is having such an amazing time with you guys:)

Lorraine Janes

Hi Janine and Tom
Many thanks for welcoming us into your home today. Myself, Sarah and most importantly Merryn really enjoyed meeting you all. Merryn seemed much happier today than she has for weeks at XXXXX XXXXXXX. It is such a relief to have our little girl acting her normal cheery self again.
We would be very happy if you would take on the child care of Merryn.
We were really impressed by your approach and both agreed that you share the same views in bringing up children as ourselves.
We also really enjoyed meeting Amelie and thought she was a bright, engaging and lovely little girl. She is testament to yourselves and has definitely influenced our decision.

Many thanks;
Phil, Sarah and Merryn

Phil O'Shaughnessy

Any parent looking for a safe, creative, fun, friendly and caring child minding service for their child or children need look no further than the Little Munchkin Patch. Our little munchkin has been going to the patch now for about 6 months and Simply loves his time there. It not only gives us huge peace of mind to know that he is in such capable, loving hands, but for him to be looked after by like-minded, intelligent and similar age parents as we are – is something really special and we believe perfect for our son. We feel really blessed to have come to know Janine and Tom, not only as brilliant child-minder’s for our son, but also as really good friends to us. We trust them 150% in looking after Harrison and we really couldn’t recommend the Little Munchkin Patch more highly.

Liz Brewer