Jo Thompson - Ilkley childminder

30/08/2026

Sometimes you get a summer like this one… three children leaving, including one after 10 years and another after 12 years!
Another little one is off to Reception a little too far away to come back, while another two are starting school—but thankfully they’ll still be coming before and after school.

It’s been a summer of goodbyes, not-quite-goodbyes and lots of change.

Now it’s time for some new little faces, new routines and plenty more fun.

September, I’m ready for you!

27/07/2026

17/07/2026

Exploring animal prints, patterns and textures today with a simple collage activity. The children loved choosing their favourite pieces and creating their own pictures. 🦓🦒🐆

11/07/2026

We put the magnetic tiles onto foil trays in the sunshine yesterday. The children enjoyed building different shapes and watching the colours reflect onto the foil. A simple activity that kept them busy experimenting, balancing and creating.

16/06/2026

12/06/2026

Taking our babies for a walk around the neighbourhood today. 👶🩷

09/06/2026

Children really do keep you humble…

Today one of the children said:

“Jo, when we start school you can get a job!”

I laughed and asked, “What’s my job now then?”

After a serious discussion, they decided my future career options were:

• A cleaner
• Working at soft play
• Cooking tea

So I asked, “Why do you all come to my house then?”

Without missing a beat they replied:

“Because my mum says, ‘Come on, you’re going to Jo’s!’”

Apparently all these years I’ve just been hanging around at home waiting for someone to tell me what my actual job is! 🤣❤️

05/06/2026

☀️ Summer Holiday Childcare ☀️

With the summer holidays just around the corner, I’m starting to finalise plans for our summer programme of activities, outings and adventures.

Current families are encouraged to confirm any holiday dates or changes to their usual sessions as soon as possible to help with planning.

If you’re looking for a friendly, home-from-home childcare setting for the summer holidays, please get in touch to discuss availability.

Lots of outdoor play, trips, crafts, games and summer fun ahead! ☀️

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

What a fantastic afternoon we had yesterday with a visit from Into the Wild! 🐍🦉

The children had the opportunity to meet and learn about a range of amazing animals, including two snakes, an owl, chinchilla, guinea pig and even a stick insect. It was wonderful to watch the children’s confidence grow as they gently stroked, held and observed the animals up close in a calm and supportive environment.