For the past 30 years I have enjoyed a variety of activities with children including teaching and outdoor pursuits. However, once I became a mother I discovered I held a deep love of family life and I believe children thrive best within a home. For the past 17 years I have dedicated my working life to childminding, giving children the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive home environment.
We share a number of family pets including 2 dogs, a chinchilla, sugar gliders and hedgehogs. Children have appropriate contact with these animals.
I have a large garden designed for children's exploration and discovery. There is a climbing frame and mud kitchen, trampoline and sandpit, a safe pond where we have watched dragon flies emerge and a wealth of other spaces and play equipment. Children are able to play inside or outside as they choose in all weathers if they choose.
When possible we go for walks to the park, woods or to town.
I enjoy music and encourage children to join in songs, music and dance. I particularly use son gs with actions by Fischy music which encourage children's social and emotional development.
My home is organised so children can play independently, there are spaces for role play and craft activities which children can access independently or with adult support.
I plan for children's activities through their individual interests, seasonal changes and stories, particularly through traditional fairy tales but also including modern classics such as Julia Donaldson. I also support the local library by providing the library story time for under 5s.
My care of children continues once they go to school. My home is a place they can come back to after school, they can relax and play with their friends, have tea or share board games as they might do at home.
There does appear to be a persistent fault with my TV which only works when it's dark or on a Friday afternoon. However, I find the children are unaware of this. they are too busy playing.
NURSERY EDUCATION FUNDING FOR 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS WELCOME. Graded 'OUTSTANDING' by Ofsted, 2011 and 2015 Accredited with the Charter for Quality Award.