Little Explorer's Hemel

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

28/07/2026

🌱 My little capybara has been busy harvesting the veg patch while our Little Explorers are enjoying their summer break! 🐹💚

This year we've managed to grow plenty of tomatoes 🍅 and the odd strawberry 🍓, but we're still waiting for our runner beans and peppers to make an appearance!

It's our very first year growing fruit and vegetables, so it's all been a learning experience. I don't think this spot gets quite enough sunshine, so we'll be choosing a much sunnier home for our vegetable patch next spring. ☀️🌿

One of the lovely things about gardening with children is that it teaches us that not everything goes to plan—and that's okay! We learn, adapt, and try again. We can't wait to get our Little Explorers involved in planting, caring for, and hopefully harvesting an even bigger crop next year! 🌼💚

23/07/2026

Today marks the start of a little summer break! 🌿

I have 16 days to spend making memories with my family, while Kylie has 4 well-deserved weeks to enjoy with her son. ❤️

Of course, being self-employed means you never truly switch off! Alongside family time, I'll be painting, cleaning, repairing and making improvements to our little nursery, ready to welcome everyone back.

Weekdays start at 7:30am and don't finish until 6pm. In between those open times, we're cooking healthy meals and snacks, planning exciting learning experiences, shopping, completing CPD, updating learning journeys, tackling the endless admin... and squeezing in a little sleep somewhere too! 😅

Am I complaining? Absolutely not.

Whenever we've had a busy or challenging week, I remind myself how incredibly privileged we are to be trusted with your most precious people. Watching your children grow and receiving the kind messages we so often get makes every early morning and late night worth it.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your children's journey.

Happy Summer, everyone! ☀️💚

15/07/2026

Today we were busy building towers when a group of other children came over and joined in. Within moments they were chatting, sharing ideas and working together beautifully.

Moments like these always remind me of the value of childminding. Spending their early years out and about in the community, meeting people of all ages, exploring new places and experiencing different environments gives children so many opportunities to practise important life skills.

I've often noticed that many children in childminding settings become confident talking to both children and adults, are kind and polite, learn to take turns, cope with sharing attention and become wonderfully resilient. Of course, these qualities can develop in all types of early years settings, but childminding offers a unique, home-from-home environment with real-world experiences every single day.

Whether we're crossing roads safely, ordering at a café, exploring the woods, visiting the library or simply playing alongside new friends at the park, every outing is an opportunity to learn. Childhood is about so much more than four walls—it's about experiencing the world, one adventure at a time.

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14/07/2026

Sometimes it's the simplest moments that create the biggest excitement. 📮 Today our little explorers posted a letter after learning all about the postal journey. Having one explorer's grandad who is a "real-life postman" made it even more magical! ❤️

08/07/2026

Parents worry about sugar, screen time and playground risks.

Grandparents? They hand over the ice cream, put the film on and tell you to climb a little higher.

And I completely support the hypocrisy.

Parents are there to raise you. Grandparents are there to remind you life isn't always about rules.

Years later, when you've made mistakes, fallen flat on your face or just need someone in your corner, it's often your grandparents who love you without conditions, without lectures and without judgement.

Children don't just need parents. They need grandparents who make life feel a little lighter. My nan was everything to me and she never saw the fault in any of us... I'm glad my mum is infuriating me as nanny to my children! Kids are lucky if they have this safety

05/07/2026

Safer sleeping

This weekend, I received the sweetest video from one of our families.

Their little one was gently patting her dolls to sleep, just as we do here at Little Explorers. 💛

Her mum asked if this was our practice and it is. I struggle with the sleep mats and lack of comfort but but I know it's for the better good.

I must have watched it a dozen times. It completely melted my heart.

Moments like this remind me just how much children absorb from the love, care and consistency they experience every day. Safe sleep isn't just about following guidance – it's about creating calm, secure routines where children feel safe, comforted and nurtured.

I'm incredibly proud of our safe sleeping practice, but even more proud that our little ones carry those feelings of care and kindness into their own play at home. That's where the real learning shines through. 💤✨

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