Hayley Thurgood Childminding

January 2024 turned out to be amazing! Myself and my assistant Tina were awarded outstanding in our latest inspection under the new framework. What a great way to start the year ❤️

This week we are thinking about early communication!

This week we are thinking about play!

The real story behind the life of a childminder:

As well as teaching children to learn through play, we have to recognise issues in child development, liaise with speech & language, psychologists and psychiatrists, teachers, therapists, undertake 2 year progress checks, be first aid trained, identify special or additional needs, cater for dietary and health requirements, manage complex family issues, look for signs of extremism and terrorism, safeguarding and child protections issues, drugs, alcohol & mental health issues, domestic violence, health and safety requirements, undertaking risk assessments, substances hazardous to health, infection control, food hygiene. To adhere to Ofsted, the Local Authority, Environmental Health and the Health Protection agency. We plan, observe and assess children based on their characteristics of effective learning, we see schemas in their play and plan appropriate next steps to ensure they are ready for their next stage of learning. We care for these children as if they are our own, we hug, we reassure, we praise, we celebrate their achievements. We ensure children learn to share, take turns, be kind, have excellent manners, socialise with their peers. We go the extra mile for parents wherever we can, we are there for them when they are experiencing difficulties, struggling to cope, when they feel there is no one there to help or listen. Some of us also have staff, and this adds a whole other massive list of responsibilities!

So this gives you an idea why we might look a little frazzled by Friday! 🤣

Conker painting!

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your support, shares and kind words. This is a very important subject that needs more awareness. As yet I have not had any takers however I have had some questions, mainly the following: ‘Aren’t you worried they will just go for a coffee instead of a smear?’

Well Mama, if you’re so exhausted from carrying the enormous mental and physical load that Mother’s worldwide know all about, and if the thought of an hour off for a coffee in peace might give you the head space to face another day to keep being the best mum you can be, then ok. Call me. Message me, let’s see what we can arrange - I just want to say one thing - mine’s a regular white coffee, no sugar 😘 xx

P.S. You can probably fit a smear AND a coffee in an hour so no excuses...just saying...😉

https://www.facebook.com/1746685245609495/posts/2335817700029577?sfns=mo

In light of recent information that the number of women opting to go for cervical screening is at a 20 year low, I would like to offer some support to all you amazing ladies. I know it can be tricky if you have little ones to take care of but let’s face it, they need their mums around and not just now, but for a long time to come. If screening keeps us healthy and with our families, surely a small amount of discomfort is worth it?

So, if lack of childcare is the only thing stopping you, let me help. I’m offering local mums 1 hour of free childcare so you can go and get your screening done. Just message me to see what spaces I have available.

Don’t make excuses, please go for your smear test xx