Jennie is an incredible childminder. I would, and have, recommended Jennie to anyone who asks. If there were two words to describe Jennie, it would be ‘warm’ and ‘kind’.

Jennie looked after my two sons for a period of four years. She has seen them grow and helped them grow. When my husband and I were thinking of childcare for our older son, a friend said that she had looked for someone “who would pick them up and give them a cuddle if they fell”. This was excellent advice, and as soon as I met Jennie I knew that she would do just that.

Jennie welcomes children into her home and gives them the space to grow. She has a fantastic routine with the children where: they play at Jennie’s in the early morning; then Jennie takes them to playgroups or the park or City Farm; then they return home for lunch and a nap before more playtime. Our boys loved this routine – it allowed them to feel safe and comforted in knowing how their day was structured, as well as giving them time outside everyday and time inside where Jennie could focus on the things they enjoyed in her home. We were constantly amazed at Jennie’s innovation in the things they would make with her and how much she would change the space in her home to a full art or playdough class.

Jennie is amazing at communication. Jennie set up a WhatsApp group for my husband and I where she would send photos every single lunchtime of what our sons had been doing. It quickly became the highlight of my day – to see my sons being happy, independent and playing. It was also a great way to know what they had been doing in the day so we could ask them at dinner time. Jennie is also very structured in her recording of what the children have been doing. She makes a folder with photos of them and what they have been doing, as well as their art work. She also completes an OFSTED book with their progress. It has always been such a joy to sit and look through these and see what our boys have done and how they have grown in Jennie’s care. The folder with photos and their art is the sort of thing that you always tell yourself you will make for you and your children but never do – so having the one Jennie made is really incredibly special.

Overall, it is the love, care and warmth that Jennie gives children in her care. She goes the extra mile(s) to make sure they are happy. What more could you want? This morning in fact my youngest son said “you know Mama, I would really like to be at Jennie’s every day of my life”. This is a boy who has now started school and thinks he is a ‘big boy’ – but still he wants to be in Jennie’s home which he still loves. We are so lucky to have had Jennie’s kindness and support for four years and would recommend that you meet Jennie and get to enjoy that for you and your family too.

We miss Jennie so much - but are very lucky that we were able to benefit from her incredible childcare, her love, her support and her warmth.

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