Bright Beginnings

I am an Ofsted registered childminder with 10 + experience in childhood education.

I live with my husband Andy and 3 out of our 4 children. I have been working with children for over 10 years in various childcare settings, beginning as a nursery nurse, then teaching assistant, and progressing onto University Lecturer within the Early Years. I started studying for a level 3 in Supporting Learning in Primary Schools, then progressed onto a BA (Hons) degree in Education studies, progressing further onto a PGCE in the Life Long Learning Sector, my next step would be a Master’s degree in Early Years Education.

From a young age I always knew I wanted to work with children, it has always been a passion of mine. I came out of lecturing because I knew I could give my son and other children the best possible education.

Having worked in Early Years education for so long (and going through it myself), I understand the pressures, concerns and emotions you have when looking for the right childcare. I have an excellent, in depth knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to teach your child and to help your child to develop and grow into a happy confident learner in a caring, safe home environment.

I have previously been employed as a University Lecturer teaching Early Childhood Studies to a wide range of students from childcare backgrounds such as childminders, teachers, teaching assistants, nursery practitioners and managers and so on.

I am passionate about the education of children and left my position of University Lecturer to become a childminder as I am able to impact greatly on a childs life and education.

I feel there is no greater contribution I could make than helping a child grow to achieve his or her full potential and a large part of that begins when they are just starting out in life and learning through play.

I incorporate many activities and many outings for children to experience; it is the early experiences that impact on the rest of the childs life and it is important that they have a wide range to choose from.

We live in a lovely 3 bedroomed detached house on Askrigg Close, we have an enclosed garden and dedicated playrooms full of lovely displays and good quality learning toys.

The EYFS emphasises the importance of daily outdoor experiences and this in incorporated into our routine. Outdoor learning benefits children in the following ways;-

• Learning outside the classroom gives children contact with the natural world and offers them experiences that are unique to outdoors, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons.

• Playing and learning outside also helps children to understand and respect nature, the environment and the interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and lifecycles.

• Outdoor play also supports children’s problem-solving skills and nurtures their creativity, as well as providing rich opportunities for their developing imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness.

• Children need an outdoor environment that can provide them with space, both upwards and outwards, and places to explore, experiment, discover, be active and healthy, and to develop their physical capabilities.

I will be adapting our garden into an area that allows children to take their learning seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors which builds on interests and enthusiasms.