Tinybelles childminding Knighton

03/09/2026

🌿✨ Adventures, Exploration, and Lots of Learning at Tinybelles! ✨🌿

​It has been a wonderfully busy time filled with child-led discovery and outdoor adventures! From packing up our rucksacks for trips on the train, to making friends with the local farm animals and splashing in the garden water trays, every moment has been packed with purpose and fun.

​At Tinybelles, our holistic, nature-based approach naturally supports the Four Purposes of the Welsh early years curriculum. It is beautiful to see these goals come to life in our everyday play:

​🌟 Ambitious, capable learners: Whether we are measuring cheese for our homemade pizzas, figuring out how the musical instruments work at the park, or experimenting in the mud kitchen, the children are building vital problem-solving and cognitive skills.

​🎨 Enterprising, creative contributors: Our messy painting sessions, sensory trays, and imaginative small-world play allow the children to express their unique ideas, take risks, and share their creativity with their friends.

​🌍 Ethical, informed citizens: Visiting the local farm, gently feeding the birds by the lake, and spending our days out in nature helps foster a deep respect for our environment, the animals, and our local community.

​🏃‍♀️ Healthy, confident individuals: Plenty of fresh air, energetic water play in the sunshine, and healthy outdoor picnics on our blankets support our physical well-being, coordination, and independence.

​Alongside these core purposes, we have been covering so many essential Areas of Learning! We have developed our Language and Communication by chatting about the different animals we've met, honed our Fine Motor Skills by pouring water and preparing our lunches, and explored the Humanities and World Around Us through our local trips and train rides.

​I am so proud of how these little explorers are growing, discovering, and learning every single day. Here’s to many more big adventures! 🎒🚂🌳
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23/02/2026

A Year at Tinybelles Childminding 🌿🧡

What a wonderful and busy year it has been at Tinybelles!

Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of welcoming several new little faces into our setting, while also saying goodbye to some of our older children as they took their exciting next steps into school. Although it’s always a little emotional to see them go, it is incredibly rewarding to watch them leave us confident, independent, and ready for their new adventures.

We have made the most of every season by getting out and about and exploring the world around us. Our adventures have taken us to zoos, woodlands, parks, lakes, and even RAF locations where the children loved watching the planes. We have enjoyed meals out, community visits, and plenty of opportunities to play and socialise with friends of all ages, helping to build confidence, friendships, and important social skills.

This year has also brought some fantastic opportunities for Tinybelles. We were incredibly fortunate to receive two grants:

- A grant from the Moondance Foundation, which has allowed us to purchase season tickets for Small Breeds Farm in Kington – a firm favourite with the children!
- Funding from the Welsh Government Small Capital Grant Scheme, which enabled us to upgrade our garden play surface, creating a safer and more accessible outdoor space, as well as purchase a new Out ‘n’ About Nipper twin pram to support our younger explorers on bigger adventures.

Back at the setting, we have been busy with lots of creative learning. The children have enjoyed arts and crafts, sensory trays, messy play, and exploring a wide range of resources to support their curiosity and development. We have also been learning about the wider world by tasting foods from different cultures and countries, encouraging the children to try new things and celebrate diversity.

As our little ones grow, we are able to extend our outings even further, building independence, resilience, and a love of learning through real-life experiences.

It has truly been a year full of growth, exploration, laughter, and special memories. Thank you to all our families for your continued support – we can’t wait to see what the next year brings at Tinybelles!

Tinybelles Childminding – learning through play, adventure and care.

08/12/2025

🌼 A Little Update From Us 🌼

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to share a quick update regarding availability. We are currently full and unable to offer any immediate spaces at the moment. I’m so grateful for all the lovely families who have reached out and for the continued trust and support — it truly means a lot.

If you are looking for childcare in the future, we do have a waiting list that you’re more than welcome to be added to. Simply send me a message with your child’s name, age, and the days you’re hoping for, and I’ll get you added on. I’ll then be in touch as soon as a suitable space becomes available.

Thank you all again for your kindness, interest, and patience. It’s a pleasure caring for your little ones, and I look forward to welcoming new families when I can. 💛

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to pop me a message!

Claire x

21/05/2025

Here are a few exciting updates from Tinybelles Childminding! 🎉

We are so pleased to share that we have proudly purchased a LifeVac device for our setting. This is a fantastic safety addition that provides an extra layer of protection in the unlikely event of a choking emergency. Having the LifeVac on-site means we have a non-invasive, accessible tool that can be crucial in saving a child's life. We also want the community to know that if you're ever in urgent need and close by, please don't hesitate to reach out to us to use the device. Your child's safety is our highest priority, and this investment truly benefits everyone.

We're also thrilled to announce that Tinybelles is now registered with Shropshire Council to accept English funded children from 9 months old! This means we can now offer even more flexibility and support to parents in the community, including those just across the border, making quality childcare more accessible for more families.😊

UPDATE... Did you know that in England for working parents, the 15hrs childcare funding from 9 months increases to 30hrs from September 2025. 🥰

Finally, we've recently undertaken some additional training to stay updated on the best ways to support children on their journey with neurodiversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive and understanding environment where every child feels truly supported and can thrive.🤸🤸‍♀️🤸‍♂️

Have a wonderful summer

Tinybelles childminding family x

22/04/2025

Wow, what a brilliant first term it's been here at Tinybelles Childminding! 🎉

We've been busy bees, exploring, creating, and making memories.

Our little ones have been developing their fine motor skills beautifully, crafting adorable keepsakes for Valentine's Day and thoughtful creations for Mother's Day. We even got our aprons on and did some yummy cooking to celebrate St. David's Day and pancake day learning about new tastes and textures.

It's always bittersweet saying goodbye to old friends, but we've also given a warm welcome to some lovely new faces who have settled in wonderfully! We've celebrated joyful birthdays and burned off lots of energy with exciting trips to soft play.🎁🎉

Our curiosity about the world around us has taken us on adventures to National Trust properties, where we've engaged in natural play and explored the fascinating natural world, discovering how things grow and change. These outings foster observation skills, inquiry, and a love for nature.🌻🌲

We've also enjoyed fantastic playdates with our friends at Little Gems and had fun at various playgroups, building social skills, communication, and cooperation.🤸🤸‍♀️🤸‍♂️

Our new spinning chair has been a massive hit with all age groups, providing not just fun but also helping with balance and coordination!

The garden is also getting a little TLC! We've started our garden upgrade and are eagerly awaiting better weather to get it finished. This hands-on project encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and an understanding of where our food comes from.🪚🔨🪛

Our visits to Scrappies have been a treasure trove, adding exciting new materials to our loose parts and imaginary play box. These resources spark creativity, imagination, and critical thinking as children invent their own games and scenarios.

We've even been trying our hand at sewing, developing dexterity and patience.🪡🧵

Through all these activities, our little ones are constantly learning and developing in so many ways:

* Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, sticking, threading, and detailed manipulation.

* Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, climbing at soft play, and using the spinning chair.

* Sensory Exploration: Engaging with different textures in crafts, cooking, and natural materials.

* Language Development: Communicating with friends, sharing ideas, and learning new vocabulary.

* Social and Emotional Development: Making new friends, understanding different celebrations, and expressing their feelings.

* Cognitive Development: Problem-solving, creativity, imagination, and understanding the world around them.

We're so proud of everything the children have achieved this term and can't wait for more fun and learning in the next! 😊

Please note that we are currently full. However, if you're interested in joining the Tinybelles family in the future, please do get in touch and we'd be happy to add your name to our waiting list.

02/02/2025

Good afternoon!

I wanted to share a helpful resource I use in my work with early years development.

There have been some concerns raised recently about children starting school speaking with Americanisms, and this resource offers a great UK-focused alternative.

Miss Apple is a fantastic online personality, think of her as the UK's version of Mrs. Rachel. You can find her videos on YouTube

https://youtu.be/YRlxs-RNGkQ?si=Th4Kng0ntBTEwGJJ

Watching online content like Miss Apple's videos can be really beneficial for children's development. Here's why:

* Language Development: These videos often focus on clear pronunciation and vocabulary building, which can be especially helpful for young children.

* Engaging Content: The songs, stories, and activities are designed to be fun and interactive, keeping children entertained and focused.

* Visual Learning: The visual nature of online videos can help children understand concepts more easily.

* Accessibility: Online resources like YouTube are easily accessible to many families, making them a convenient tool for learning at home.

I hope you find Miss Apple as helpful as I do!

24/01/2025

Tinybelles would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lucy & Yak. 😊

We've been incredibly fortunate to participate in IndieBiz, a fantastic initiative that empowers independent businesses like ours to make more sustainable choices when it comes to workwear.

Sustainable workwear can often come at a premium, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. However, thanks to Lucy & Yak's generous support, we've been granted a 40% discount through their application process – an incredible opportunity!

Lucy & Yak has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of community and support for independent businesses. Their dedication to ethical practices, fair labour standards, and environmental responsibility resonates deeply with our values at Tinybelles. ❤️💚

Now we get to play in style & have more in the pot for other resources 😊😊😊

14/01/2025

"With so much discussion about the new rules concerning toilet training before children start school, I've been receiving many questions. I thought it would be helpful to share the advice and steps towards toilet training from experts at E.R.I.C., The children's bowel and bladder charity. Their guidance is straightforward and easy to follow, and E.R.I.C. is readily available for any further assistance you may need."

We've broken down potty training into 3 easy steps: preparation, practice and perfecting those skills! Use our step by step guide to help your toddler become toilet trained.

09/01/2025

31/12/2024

Wow, what a whirlwind of a year it's been!

We've had so much fun exploring the world with our amazing little adventurers. From exciting trips to the zoo and the farm to messy, creative crafts and countless outdoor adventures, every day has been a new and exciting experience.

We've welcomed new faces to our childminding family and said a sad goodbye to those moving on to bigger adventures at playschool.

We've learned, laughed, and grown together, and I've cherished every moment.

A huge thank you to all the wonderful families who have entrusted me with their precious children. It's been an absolute privilege to watch them blossom and learn.😊

And a special thank you to the Powys Childcare Team for the kind mention at the childcare conference! It's truly an honor to be recognized for the work I do.

Here's to many more years of happy memories and exciting adventures in 2025🎉