Testimonials

These testimonials are copied and pasted here unchanged as sent to us by our families, educators & nannies.

2/3/12
Hi there,

Absolutely happy to provide feedback.  Is there anything in particular you would like to know?

Addison and (also her sister Maiya) have been in care with Gaylene since they were both little.  She is totally amazing and has provided the best home care experience for both my girls. She has always given them the love and care that I would have provided if I was with them.  Her interactions are warm, affectionate, caring and positive and she provides home experiences which foster independance and confidence. She also provides many outtings outside the home to extend on their knowledge of the wider world around them - parks, shops, libraries etc.  My girls have always felt happy, confident, and safe with and around her.  She provides great feedback about Addison's daily learning and experiences.
The co-ordinator Jo has provided wonderful stories on each of her visits about what Addison has been up to  - and I love reading these.  Jo also plans lots of cool outings as part of HGK's playgroups.  It is great to have these larger social interactions.
In regards to administration - Gaylene always has all the information/forms equired, so any changes etc are smooth.  HGK head office provide any neccesary info via email and I love the electronic/email timesheets - a fast, efficent way without all the hassle of signing papers. 
We have been a part of HGK since August 2008.  I have been 110% happy throughout.  What a great company and as I said and AMAZING educator xxx  I hope that my 3rd daughter will have the oppourtunity to be a part of gaylenes family in the future through you guys too. 

Regards

Kylee



23/3/12
Hi Robyn,

Great reports for March - I really like knowing the theory behind what they are learning.  The kids love your visits they also come racing up to me and when I get home and talk about Robyn's new toys!  Finn showed us the ball board which is such a simple idea and he loves it.  It did take 4 attempts to demonstrate it however as Sophie keeps stealing the ball of it.  It was a great exercise in patience for Mr Finn. 

Nothing to add, other than I really appreciate how much thought you put into the toys you very kindly allow us to borrow.

I hope you had a lovely holiday and playing catch-up isn't making for a too tiring week.

Cheers,
Susan


21/3/12
Hi Robyn,

Thank you so much for your lovely email and gift! Zac (who has never been a baker!) pored over it for about an hour when we opened it, and made some lovely chocolate afghan slices the next morning :-) Yum yum! It reminds me of a cooking book I had when I was a child - great illustrations and simple recipes to encourage a bit of enthusiasm in the kitchen :-D

Thank you also for your wonderful support and age- and interest-appropriate toy library. It's been so lovely to receive such personal feedback and visit notes from you, and I know the boys have always looked forward to your visits. We have been really delighted with Nicolle as a nanny and also as a positive influence on the development of both boys. She has always focused on their needs and clearly drawn on her experience as a teacher to extend them.

We have had an extremely positive experience with Homegrown and have found the quality of everyone involved to be highly professional - such a comfort when entrusting the care of your most precious loved ones to someone else. So a big thank you from us as we close this chapter and head again towards unknown waters.... an interesting year lies ahead!

Good luck with youR future endeavors..... hopefully we'll bump into you on sunnier shores some time! ;-)

Kind Regards,
Kirsty



24/2/12
Hi Bronwen,

Could you please correct the form as the new termination date will be Friday 16th of March 2012.

Thanks,

Ilka

PS. We are sorry as well for leaving you guys, you are simply great and your home educators are simply the very best. Aliz is one of the best if not the best in your team. Angela is a happy and well adjusted child today and it is due in part to dedicated, careful people like Aliz, we will miss her and her family dearly. Thanks to Mihaela and the admin team as well for everything! I will not hesitate in recommending your company for the great service given, especially during very hard and uncertain times while I was struggling with Angela's health issues.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.



10/2/12
Hello Bronwen,

Well, this will be ending 10.5 years with HGK!!!  Wow - seems like yesterday that I found you and started to work with you - my midwife gave me some information about your services when my oldest was only 3 months old.

HGK have been so supportive through all our nannies and raising our kids!  The coordinators have all been just wonderful and I know our nannies have always gained so much in working closely with them!!!

Thanks for your on-going support through the years!

Attached is the 'Finishing Form'.

Kind Regards
Michele C
(HGK Family from 2001 to 2012)


 20/12/11
Thanks for this Bronwen,

We have thoroughly enjoyed having Nicole looking after Gray, and have found the service with HGK’s amazing. I have already referred several of my friends to HGK’s!

My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. But due to financial concerns and the unexpected opening of a spot in my work’s subsidised ECE, we regretfully had to make the decision to discontinue service.

I would be more than happy to write a reference for Nicole. She has been superb.

Leah




14/12/11

Hi Robyn,

I just wanted to say thank you so much for Austin's Christmas present - he loves the green ball you gave him and the bubbles of course! My experience of Home Grown Kids has been absolutely superb. After having all sorts of trouble finding a nanny earlier this year and dealing with two other agencies who were completely frustrating, dealing with HGK's has been an absolute pleasure. Right from the word go you guys have been nothing but professional. Having found such a fantastic nanny in Alex was the starting point and the regular feedback and visits along with the activities they can attend has been great. Austin has certainly come along way this year and having such a tuned in nanny and someone who is genuinely interested in his development and supporting him through this has made a huge difference in his confidence.

Thanks again and I hope you have a nice break over Christmas.

Kind regards,
Emma


13/12/11

Attached is the extermination form (We're pretty sure this should say termination form, but we copy these in here exactly as we get them!) you required for Elijah.  Elijah has loved his time with Homegrown Kids.  He has a special bond with Nanette which has made the whole early childhood education experience easy.  The mornings that Elijah is going to Nanettes’ house he jumps out of bed, gets ready and is in the car without any fuss.  I have never had to worry about Elijah and it is a delight to know that he is in safe hands, and a caring clean environment.  We will miss Nanette and wish her well in the future.

Megan


12/12/11

Hi Robyn, I tried to make it up to the Pritchard's today during your visit with Maryse, Alice, Lily and Max. Maryse said I only just missed you so that was a shame. I want to thank you for supporting Maryse and reporting on the progress of the children for the past 5 months. I've been very impressed with HGK's organisation and efficiency.

I think you offer an excellent service to families that is straight forward, friendly and professional. I would certainly recommend HGK to others. As you know we have been extremely impressed with Maryse. She is a fantastic nanny, a real natural with children and her competence has meant that our childcare arrangements have been completely stress free for the duration of her time with us.

Thanks again and I hope you have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year,

Regards, Sarah



6/12/11

Hello Bronwen,

Lynda is amazing with all the children. I am sure you know her reputation in Belfast is outstanding.
The communication from head office and Mary Rose has exceeded my expectations.
I am taking time off to enjoy Lochy as a little guy before he heads off to school in March.
I will continue to speak highly of Lynda and Home Grown Kids.
Kind regards,
Christine


5/12/11
Hi Bronwen,
we have really enjoyed using Homegrown Kids for Noah. He has
just thrived under Roxanna's care and it is with much regret
and disappointment that we have to move him. We would
certainly look at using Homegrown Kids again if the
opportunity arose.
many thanks
Judith (Noah's grandma)


13/10/11
Dear Melanie,

I would like to bring your attention to the amazing service I have received from Home Grown Kids.

My sons carer told me on Wednesday 5th October that she couldn't look after my son for 2 mornings per week anymore. I contacted HGK and by that afternoon, Robyn had emailed me the name of 4 women to contact and by Thursday afternoon I had met 3 of them. I also text Robyn at 8pm at night on the Thursday-I felt this was a little inappropriate of me but I had so many questions I was unsure what to do and was thrilled when Robyn replied immediately. Robyn contacted me on Friday morning and helped me brainstorm who was the most appropriate in-home carer for my son/family. I now have a lovely woman lined up to care for my son and cannot thank Robyn enough for making a very stressful situation seamlessly easy and carefree.

I also contacted Sam about the direct debit payment form, who again was so helpful, patient and friendly.

Can I say massive thank you to Robyn and Sam for providing such outstanding service, I will be recommending HGK to everyone!

Kind regards, Jennifer.





Jennifer,

Thanks very much.

I’d also like to thank Home Grown Kids for your excellent service facilitation.  I find it very easy to submit and get information, you have always been very responsive and understanding.  The visits and reports have been appreciated.

Kind regards

Julie
30/9/11


7/7/11
Thanks so much for the photographs. Yes, if it comes to music, Mr Music is usually right in amongst it (singing, dancing and making music! :o)

We have so enjoyed having Jan a part of our family too she made the transition so easily with her warm and wonderful way. I know she has enjoyed your support and friendship and Morgan too has enjoyed your visits.

Life does change and people often come and some go but everyone leaves something; a memory, an experience, an impression and we, Morgan especially has plenty of wonderful ones from our time with HGK.

Suzy (HGK Family since 2010)


24 May 2011 9:33am
Feedback from Rachel
Hi Michaela

Thanks for the notes.

I just wanted to let you (and Renee) know how much we love Renee looking after the girls. She has developed a great rapport with them both so they look forward to their "Renee days"! She is really resourceful and often brings things with her to extend the learning each of them is doing, we particularly like all the arts and crafts they do.
On top of that she is so reliable, always on time, kind and takes initiative and helps out around the house with meals and cleaning.
Thanks Renee - we are so glad you're on board!!

many thanks
Rachel (HGK Nanny Family)


Amanda Bradley (HGK Coordinator)
19 May 2011 8:03am (Date and time recieved)
response from kylie after recieving visit notes from me via email.

Hi Amanda,
Thankyou for sharing the notes on your visit with Alex, I especially loved the photo.. Just a quick email to let you know how happy I am that I made the decision to move Alex from preschool to homebased care...
I noticed within the first month a HUGE change in Alex, he connected so quickly with Susan and loves her whole family. It feels like a family away from family and this has been a major part of him feeling so comfy I think. Susan is absolutely amazing, I always know where I stand with her and know that Alex is receiving the best care possible.
Coming from a preschool that only did one learning story in the 11months he was there to having a beautifully presented journal that I can take home and share from time to time is awesome, and I really can get a glimpse of what he gets up to when Im not around lol.
Anyway, thanks for your time. Just wanted to pass on my thanks for not only providing a great service and making me feel involved but also to pretty much sing Susans praise, she\'s wonderful.

Regards
Kylie



Hi Mary Rose,

It is always lovely to hear your comments re Sophie. HGK was by far the best choice for Sophie as she loves the home environment and 'helping' out with different things round the house. So much I forget she is only 2 and a half sometimes! The attention she gets from Lee-Anne and the positive feedback has helped her develop so much into the social little girl she is today - she manages to put a smile on many a strangers face. Everyone loves our Sophie and comments on her amazing speech and vocabulary.

Thank you for your part in her development!
Have a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2011. Hope to see you soon.
Regards
Fiona (with HGK since 2008 )
7/2/11


Hi, Just wanted to say thank you for the last 10 or so years I've been with HGK. It's been a positive experience and I've reccommended HGK to everyone I've been in contact with. Unfortunatly the youngest in my current family is 5 this weekend and although I will still be caring for them he will no longer be with the service. I've been very lucky, being able to work and study for ECE at the same time! Cheers for all your support, advice and communications during my time with you. Hopefully once I'm qualified I might be able to return to your service in a different role!

Rochele (We will miss you as well Rochelle, our longest serving caregiver) 2001 - 3/2/2011

I would just like to pass on to everyone at HGK what a great job you all have done in the past 2.5 years that James has been with you, and to especially advise that Amanda has been a god-send and a blessing for us. I don't know how we would have managed without her. She has been fantastic with James and has gone above and beyond many times for us, and I would highly recommend her to anyone considering putting their child into home based care.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Regards

Vicky - 1/12/10


I have just started looking for a nanny/home-based career for our three year old...and thus have been going through a number of home-based companies' websites. Wow! your website is by far the best among them - the layout, the content and the design. I found all the information I wanted within minutes of opening the website. For a busy mum at home it is a time saver! Well done!

Kamilya - 31/8/10


Hi Jennifer

Thank you to you and your team for your support over the last few years. They have been unimaginably busy years for me and as a result I know I have been difficult for you to contact and deal with at times. I'm extremely grateful for your patience. Thankfully my plan is working and I have reached a level at work where I have time for administration, and even better, also for my kids.

Carmen is flying through school, academically and socially and I truly acknowledge the input of Jo into Carmens development in achieving this. The presence of Home Grown Kids in Carmens pre-school years has been absolutely invaluable. Working full time and leaving my child predominately in the care of others has been a terrifying decision to make. We have come through it and Carmen seems unscathed, and I contribute this achievement largely to the consistent and valuable support that Debbie and Jaz have received through Home Grown Kids.

Thank you all so much.

Karen (HGK Family 2006 - 2010).


Many thanks to Home Grown Kids for being such a wonderful support in
the child care industry. I have enjoyed working with the staff and coordinators immensely and I will continue to promote HGKs to all and
sundry. I have chosen to take some time off to spend with my own children and take it a bit slow. However, should I return to childcare, I will of course be callling HGKs.

Many thanks again to all.

Liza (HGK Educator 2007 - 2010)


"The other thing I wanted to talk to you about was Dawn. I don't really want to blow trumpets but I feel it would be great for you to know and pass on the praise. As any mother is when they first have to give their child up to a near stranger I was apprehensive but Dawn and her family have taken my son in as one of their own. He loves going to 'Auntie Dawns' and I just couldn't ask for a better carer. I feel totally comfortable in leaving him with Dawn and knowing he's being treated just as I would treat him. And I have to say going back fulltime has certainly been made a lot easier knowing he is in the best of care. I have a few other friends who have other carers and I'm very lucky to say that they do not have the same relationship as we do with Dawn"

Malissa, joined HGK in May 08

HGK have provided a well-equipped and maintained life raft from the beginning: helping us in our initial search for a Nanny, guiding us through the complicated waters of employment, payroll and funding (which was all above our heads). They have not only provided great initial practical help and resources, but also provide us with an anchor of ongoing support through their coordinator’s visits and telephone contact.”

Mother of seven, Sheila G
(With HGK from 2000 - 2007. Seven very long years, just kidding Sheila!)


Being a nanny in a small town with no nanny agencies left me on my own and overwhelmed at the prospect of having to do my own tax, ACC, student loan etc.

That’s where HGK came in, they sorted out the finance side of things leaving me hassle free. Monthly visits by the regional coordinator are great; Trish has really been a help with resources, educational activities and ideas. Organised combined activities for nannies in the area have been lots of fun for both nannies and the children."

Caroline W (Nanny with us 2000 - 2005)


“Seeing the advert a year ago for HGK was like finding sunken treasure. With eight children – four preschoolers (all with complicated lives, more so for living in the country) and a home business, our ship was sinking fast.

When my husband and I found out we were having triplets, we knew we would have to make major changes in the household. A friend of mine told me about Home Grown Kids and after the initial phone call they have been supporting us ever since.

Our Area coordinator has only been a phone call away and between her and my Nanny they handled the multiple birth hours, contracts, wages, taxes and employment issues. They were great!

I have started working from home and although my multiple birth hours have run out, I am still with HGK . They make sure everything runs as smoothly and as stress free as possible. We have never considered any other service.

Mother of six Denise (Denise left us in 2002, we still remember her well!)

To help you as you make your decision, here's

some of the reasons that other parents have

told us that they love the concept of

Home Grown Kids: