Let's put the Champion into Childminding

I am a childminder

I love my job

I put my heart and soul into my work and the children and families that come through my door.

There are many childminders just like me.

There are also many larger settings out there (and there are some wonderful ones, don't get me wrong), people drive or walk past them, they notice them, they are accessible, they are easy to contact, they have large colourful 'Free Childcare' banners adorning the outside that draw people in.

People also drive or walk past another type of childcare setting, a setting that is someone's home.  This setting has resources and activities just like the larger setting, where a caring adult/s welcomes children and families through their door every day, where children play, learn and have fun, yet people may walk or drive past every day and not even realise that this home could be the perfect childcare option for their child.

You see, childminders are not as accessible as the larger settings, we dont get noticed as much, a lot of people do not even consider a childminder as a childcare option, no fault of their own, they just aren't aware of what we can provide.  We are not championed enough, we don't have huge signs and 'Free Childcare' banners across our gates drawing people in, but behind those doors there may be an amazing childcare service that could be perfect for your child.

So I think it's about time childminders were championed for the wonderful work they do and the unique service they provide.

Here are some reasons that stand out for me, why a childminder should definitely be on your 'need to contact' childcare list ...

Here goes ..

We will always be your child's key person.  However many hours your child is in our care, we are always there.  We are the person that will give them cuddles when they are upset, pick them up when they fall, laugh with them when they are being silly, we are that all round consistent, safe and secure adult.

Being that 'always there' adult we can really connect and get to know your child.  We will know what they like and don't like, what upsets them and what makes them smile, this in turn fosters their wellbeing and confidence.

Research tells us that early relationships are one of the most important aspects of childhood.  Children thrive when they form strong emotional attachments, childminders are equipped to provide this bond over a number of years and beyond.

A stressful, noisy environment can be really detrimental to the wellbeing of a young child.  A childminder can provide a quiet, calm and relaxed environment where children can just be themselves.  We can just go with the flow ... if a child isn't feeling it, we can adapt what we are doing to help them with this.

Parents can get to know the childminder and their family really well and build a trusting relationship.  We do not need to arrange a 'parents evening' to let parents know how their child is doing as we are constantly talking, communicating, and most importantly connecting with parents (and grandparents!) about their children.  We provide a personal service, where you can really get to know the person that looks after your child.

A lot of childminders are parents themselves and have a wealth of parenting experience and knowledge.  They also totally understand the huge deal it is leaving your child with someone, childminders will help make this transition as easy as possible.  Childminders are always there for parents with help and support (door step hugs are common practice for many childminders).

We can easily focus on individual children and their interests, so they are always learning and doing something fun that they enjoy.

Children have the opportunity to mix with other children, both younger and older, whether at playgroups or in the childminders setting.  Children learn so much from other children, the younger learn from older, and the older children learn about empathy and how to be caring and nurturing towards the younger ones.  

Childminders provide a smaller more personable setting which is ideal for a young child who cannot yet communicate their needs.  A larger group setting where there are lots of other children can be overwhelming for a child who cannot yet speak.  

We are not refined to the same space, we are able to get the children out into the fresh air regularly, whether this is visiting parks, the library,  the woods, museums, special days out or just getting out in the garden.  Picnics in the park, splashing in puddles and feeding the ducks are a regular occurence with a childminder.  We provide real life experiences for children.

Children are made to feel like they belong, where they can just be and play at their own pace.

We follow children's progress and interests and provide wonderful learning opportunities which are recorded in a learning journey that parents are able to keep.

Childminders follow the same Statutory Framework as other childcare providers, we are inspected by Ofsted just the same as other childcare providers, we are all First Aid trained, have Safeguarding Training and are Insured, just the same as other childcare providers, we can also provide 2, 3 and 4 year old funding just the same as other childcare providers.

Childminders undertake regular training, we are committed to our own professional development.  We are qualified Childcare Practitioners, we are professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and are passionate about children and their learning and wellbeing.

Children start school very young and are there for many years to come, what better way for them to spend their early years playing, having fun and learning in a relaxed, caring, home environment, just how early childhood should be.

I am a childminder

I love my job

There are many childminders just like me.

If you are considering childcare for your little one, check out the childminders in your area, you might just strike gold.