"Warm and welcoming presence" 
My family has been with Barbara for more than 10 years through her care of our two children. We first worked with Barbara with our first child, Natasha. Natasha was a shy child and we knew that a centre would not suit her personality. We looked into home-based care and interviewed a few different carers. When we met with Barbara at her home, Natasha (approx. 1-year-old) felt an immediate connection to her and felt at ease with Barbara, which was something we had not seen before as Natasha was usually cautious around new people. This was because Barbar has a warm and welcoming presence that is calm and safe for children. Having decided that Natasha had chosen her carer, any hesitations were laid to rest within the first week of Natasha being in Barbara's care. Natasha was gently supported to explore new environments and activities. She made friends and learned valuable social skills, all supported by Barabara in her kind, gentle affirming way. Barbara exposed Nattasha to many different experiences: playgroups, beach trips, excursions, home-based activities, animals, library, movement sessions, and gym. Natasha, now 11 still remembers her time with Barbara and talks about how "Aunty Bar" was always so kind to her.
A few years after Natasha had finished with Barbara, we had our second child, Samuel, and there was no question that Samual would be with Barbara. He was with her from 10 months of age and just like Natasha, immediately took to Barb. He was given a home away from home, his routines supported, and continued.
Samuel is a completely different child to Natasha. Natasha thrived under Barabar's kind, gentle guidance. Samuel, who was more outgoing, confident and adventurous, thrived just as well. Barbara ensured Samuel was appropriately stimulated and had many experiences that stretched his very confident abilities. He also learned valuable social skills that supported his confidence - he was taught how to share, be kind to others, patience, and focus. He was well-prepared for school and his teachers talk about his high general knowledge, school readiness and articulate nature. Rest assured, our second child had very little input from a busy home and a lot from Barb.
Both children had so much fun. Barbara is child-focused. she really gets to know each child and family for who they are and is able to adapt her support and guidance to suit their individual needs. She creates a loving environment that has clear boundaries and the children just thrive. As long as I have known Barbara, she had endeavoured to evolve her space at home so those in her care can enjoy a fun in-home experience that would rival any private centre or kindergarten. Similarly, the children are exposed to excursions and experiences outside the home so they are not just cooped up in one space. They engage in activities that support their physical, cognitive and social development.
We have been so privileged to have Barb care for our two children. She has become like family to us and our children will forever remember "Aunty Barb".