Our family philosophy is that of free range childhood, allowing children to be children. We believe the chance to connect with the natural world; first hand experiences of life and growth; endless opportunities for creativity and imagination; improved fitness and physical development – the countless benefits of outdoor play have a real positive impact on children's lives. Using open space to fulfill basic childhood needs – jumping, running, climbing, swinging, racing, yelling, rolling, hiding, and making a big mess – is what childhood is all about. As they do, they're able to express themselves and learn about the world in their own way. They feel safe and in control, which promotes autonomy, decision-making, and organizational skills. Inventing rules for games (as preschoolers like to do) promotes an understanding of why rules are necessary. Although the children are only playing to have fun, they're learning
communication skills and vocabulary (as they invent, modify, and enforce rules). number relationships (as they keep score and count)
social customs (as they learn to play together and cooperate). For these reasons we operate our setting mainly in the great outdoors, utilising National Trust membership to visit the miles of beautiful countryside available to us, take part in special events for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and allow children the freedom to be themselves. Our ethos is natural and holistic, providing healthy, vegetarian and organic snacks and meals included in the hourly fee. I'm fully experienced in using washable nappies and will be happy to use them with your child/ren. Just like any other childminder or nursery, we sing songs, and listen to and tell stories every day – with the added bonus that much of the time we will be doing it under the trees. We ensure plenty of opportunities for the development of early literacy skills such as letter and word recognition. Learning outdoors is also the perfect place to develop those early maths skills, whether it be through counting conkers, pacing out distances, or finding shapes we recognise in the world around. We focus on using what we find for creative artwork, imaginative, exploratory play and for designing and building. Research has shown that owning a pet or having regular access to a pet is beneficial to children's welfare. Brushing, patting, or stroking a furry creature can lower stress levels and even the youngest toddler can pick up a few pointers about responsibility, like the importance of being kind and gentle, teaching him/her valuable lessons about empathy and compassion. We have a friendly cat and a friendly bunny within our household that all children have regular contact with and help with feeding and topping up water. I am a family centred, flexible, childcare professional offering a nurturing and educational environment for your child/ren. I am able to offer the free 15 funded hours of childcare per week termtime for 2-4 year olds and can also accept childcare vouchers. Feel free to contact me to discuss details of your childcare needs. I charge £5 per hour per child over 12 months of age or £6 per hour per child under 12 months of age which includes snacks, meals and trips out.
