Monica Wurz has looked after my three children on numerous occasions since July 2012. She has cared for my older two children, aged 9 and 5, during the summer holidays and after school and she had also picked my youngest child, aged 3, up from nursery and cared for her during the day. She has also been an occasional babysitter for me in the evenings for the last 9 years, ever since my oldest was born.

I have been very happy with the care that Monica has given my children. She is always punctual, cheerful and polite and the children are always very happy to be with her. She behaves with a professional attitude towards me as a parent but is also fun and caring with the children.

Monica has taken the children out on several trips – to London to visit museums and to Richmond Park as well as the swimming pool. On these occasions I have always felt happy that the children are safe in her care. She has also entertaining them with imaginative craft activities that they thoroughly enjoy and read and played with them.

Monica communicates well with both adults and children, being firm but fair and ensuring she is understood, especially by my son who is profoundly Deaf. She has a basic level of British Sign Language, which is very helpful for my son and is aware of issues such as background noise and the importance of speaking clearly for lip reading.

I am happy to speak to anyone who is considering employing Monica as a childminder.