Bumble Tots

23/07/2026

True story

22/06/2026

04/04/2026

Hello Easter holidays! 🐣🌼

If you’re getting out and about with the kids, remember to keep an eye on what they’re drinking, especially brightly coloured slush ice drinks.

Some slushies contain glycerol (E422) to help keep that icy texture. Younger children can be more sensitive to it, so:
⚠️Under 7s should avoid slush drinks containing glycerol.
🥤Children 7–10 should have no more than one 350ml drink a day.

If you’re unsure whether a slush contains glycerol, ask the seller or check the label. When in doubt, choose something else.

Read more on glycerol: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/glycerol

01/04/2026

Calling all little ballers!

FC Sutton Dynamo have space available for children to join our dedicated soccer tots programme.

We are particularly after children in Reception or just about to start school this September.

Dedicated and committed coaching provided in a safe and fun environment with a direct pathway into the club.

Reach out to Coach Fin to book onto a free taster session!

26/03/2026

Dartford and surrounding you need to read and complete this, the consultation closes at midnight tonight! It’s really important as one of the suggestions splits Dartford and moves boundaries which is absurd! There is a petition and the consultation which is a little longer but vital to respond!

13/03/2026

As many of you are aware, HMRC confirmed that childminders under Making Tax Digital (MTD) will no longer follow the childminder agreement for allowable expenses meaning unique allowances such as the blanket 10% allowance for wear and tear will no longer apply.

Alongside our lobbying for this decision to change, Coram PACEY has been speaking directly to childminders about the impact this will have on childminders’ businesses and their ability to continue supporting children and families.

Georgina is a childminder in North Yorkshire who will come under the 2027/28 wave of MTD. In this case study, she explains how the removal of the 10% wear and tear allowance places her in an impossible position – being faced with either increasing her fees or absorbing the costs personally. She reflects on how this is more widely having an impact on morale in the sector and how the government should provide reassurance to childminders and make them feel valued and considered in policy decisions that affect them.

"The removal of the wear and tear allowance, alongside the introduction of MTD, places additional financial and administrative pressure on already stretched home-based providers. Its removal means that these costs must now either be absorbed personally or reflected in increased fees (which again is difficult, with most families using funding entitlement and these hourly rates set by the local authorities). In the current climate – neither option feels sustainable.

Read more👉: https://www.corampacey.org.uk/childminder-case-studies-the-impact-of-making-tax-digital/

04/03/2026

This impacts everyone in Dartford and surrounding areas so please read and sign the petition along with the consultation and share 🙏🏼

Don't let Labour cut Dartford in half:

Safe to say we've been blown away by the plan to divide Dartford between two separate councils (with the boundary running through Wilmington, Darenth, Bean, Hawley, and Southfleet).

We don't want this; you don't want this; it has to be stopped.

Please take two minutes to help us stop it with these two simple steps.

1) Take 30 seconds to sign our petition against the plans:

https://www.dartfordconservatives.org.uk/dont-let-them-divide-dartford-only-you-can-stop-them

(Please note - we can only update you on the issue if you tick 'subscribe' at the end, we won't share your data with anyone)

2) Take a minute to complete the official consultation, and register your opposition to Option 4D:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-kent-and-medway/proposals-for-local-government-reorganisation-in-kent-and-medway?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQSiatjbGNrBBKJpmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkYaxW-WNpo-vy0H7qQqZuNjTIEM_fzlXG2R2Cah1moBC_LCT6fvSN4qqGVP_aem_AElDU8ZXSOKgM4Rx0LT1qw

For those who missed it, here is some context:

As you may have heard, the government has begun the process of abolishing Dartford Borough Council and replacing it with a much larger “super council” that would stretch well beyond our community, reaching across Medway and possibly into Sittingbourne.

One of the proposals on the table, known as Option 4D and put forward by Medway Council, would draw a boundary along the A2. In practical terms, that means cutting the borough of Dartford in two. The line would run directly through many of Dartford's villages, such as Wilmington, Darenth, Hawley, Southfleet and Bean. Meaning one community would be dependent on two separate councils for the same set of services

P.S - for those wondering what our alternative is, whilst I've been hoping the government will drop this whole thing, I think the only option that's even close to acceptable is Option 5A (Dartford + Gravesham + Swanley + Hextable + Strood)

01/03/2026

Blossom on the trees is one of my favourite things 😍😍😍

🌸🌿🐝 Hello March 🐝🌿🌸

So looking forward to the clocks going forward at the end of the month so we get more daylight hours 🩷 We already have our first Spring flowers of the year in the house too - gorgeous daffodils 🌼

Image credit: _somethingbeginningwith_