Jenny Matrejek aka Jenny Rainbow Stars has been childminding my first son (O) for over 3.5 years and my second (N) for nearly 2 years. She looks after them for three days a week, but sometimes more depending on my shifts or other needs. I work for the NHS and work shifts. Finding a childminder that could accommodate my unpredictable rota and provide childcare flexibly at an affordable price was really difficult to find. Jenny was wonderfully flexible and supportive from day one.

To say I have been satisfied with the care Jenny has given my children is an understatement. I don’t think I will ever be able to find the words to express how amazing she is or how grateful I am.

I have been extremely happy with the care O and N have received, and the great progress they have made. Jenny’s home is always welcoming, clean and well organised. She has an extension on the side of her property purpose built for the children she minds. She has structured play which aids their learning and development. Jenny has been amazing at identifying their learning needs and interests and adapts play for them to progress in those areas. O and N love going into Jenny’s, and often run in without saying goodbye. I often joke that she is the Mum they wish they had, even though deep down

Jenny provides a wide, fun range of activities including plenty of outdoor exercise. There’s a great park near her house which the children love exploring. I know O and N have enjoyed sand and water play, den building, crafts, painting, messy play, reading and puzzles as well as outings to the park, trips to feed the ducks and walks in the woods.

Jenny goes above and beyond the call of duty. If it wasn’t for Jenny’s support not only to my children but also to me, I would have struggled greatly after having my second child. N was born in the middle of a pandemic. Along with a lot of other women during that time I suffered with PND. N was especially clingy, he wouldn’t take a bottle, he wouldn’t settle with anyone else, he wouldn’t sleep. He was a normal baby, but I wasn’t coping. I felt isolated and alone. From when N was 6-month-old Jenny would take care of N to give me time to do anything I needed for my self-care, whether that was a shower, a nap, a walk around the block to clear my head. Jenny was there for N and was there for me. I also had reoccurring mastitis for the first 4 months. During that time Jenny would offer to look after O to allow my body to recover and sleep.

Jenny runs a busy household. She manages the children in her care with a friendly and warm but no-nonsense approach which sets her apart from other childminders I have seen or ones my friends use.

She is amazing at communicating with the children. O and N respect her and evidently feel safe and secure in her care. She has no trouble gaining O and N’s confidence, encouraging their good behaviour, kindness and compassion to other and to each other. Behaviours and skills which are very important to us at home. O and N respond well to Jenny when she reinforces boundaries and discipline in a calm, firm, fair and kind manner. She explains what behaviours we like to see instead, and it blows my mind that they truly do listen and understand. A skill I am still yet to master at home.

I am reassured knowing that O and N are happy and have such a good relationship with Jenny that they can be comforted by her when they feel under the weather. I am confident that she can give them medicine, or first aid should they need it, and I know that she follows all the correct procedures. She completes all documentation as required by her governing body and health and safety. She continues practicing potty training and toileting during her care and has been very supportive of both O and N’s potty journeys. She encourages hand washing after toileting and before meals. I know that they follow good hand hygiene, the boys tell me all about it.

Jenny also does school drop offs and pick ups to the school for my eldest. After school she always ensures O and N are fed as sometimes, they are collected late. Unfortunately, traffic isn’t always on our side. We get daily updates of our childrens learning, play and adventures including meals and naps.

So, Jenny, thank you for being a perfect childminder to my two rambunctious boys. You have so much energy, patience, motivation, passion, and enthusiasm for what you do, and you are truly a magical gift to the children you care for. Your drive for learning and supporting children to shine and grow is shown through your compassion, warmth and undeniable care. O and N love you. They get excited to see you and adore spending time with you. They are turning into strong, confident, independent, self-assured and happy boys. We have you to thank for that. You truly are the Mum they wish they had.

I would absolutely recommend Jenny as a great and reliable childminder. She is my Mary Poppins.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication