Watergrove wildlings

To my fellow early years professionals… 🫶🏻

After some recent conversations with lovely colleagues, I felt I needed to share this. It reminded me just how much so many of us are carrying behind the scenes - things that often go unseen.

I know so many of us are holding a lot right now - personally, professionally, emotionally. Life doesn’t pause just because we have little ones to care for, and sometimes the weight of it all can feel heavy. 🥺

But please don’t forget this…
Even on the hard days, you are showing up.
Even when you’re tired, you are giving so much of yourself.
Even when life feels overwhelming, you are still creating safe, loving, meaningful spaces for children to grow. 💗

What we do is not small. It never has been. Behind the play, the mess, the routines, and the smiles - there is strength, resilience, and so much heart.

Be gentle with yourself. You don’t have to hold everything perfectly. You just have to keep going… and you are.

I see you. I understand. And I’m right there with you - you are not alone 🌈🫶🏻❤️

“When I then checked the sleep bag from Amazon that Alannah had grown out of, I realised it didn’t have a safety code.”

Murihah spoke to us about her difficulties with buying sleep products for her baby, Alannah, that followed safer sleep advice. Murihah has a background in early years settings, but still found it shocking how unsuitable products can still be on the market.

“I was scrolling through looking for a sleep bag and there were loads of options. I went for one that had really good reviews, this particular one I purchased had 4.7 stars and thousands of reviews.”

But it was only once Alannah had grown out of that sleeping bag, and Murihah went on to buy a new one, that she realised sleep bags have to comply with safety regulations.

“It’s tricky for parents because when you don’t know what safety codes to look for, you go for whatever is there. The fact that unsafe products are still allowed to be sold in this country is so dangerous.”

“Now I always check for the right safety standards. I feel a lot more confident now but it was really shocking at first.”

Learn more about safety codes on our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3MPNDbu

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help.

➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

I am a childminder. 💗

Every day I support small groups of children, build deep relationships, and create a space where children feel safe, known and valued. 😍

But small groups don’t mean small impact.
And Home-based doesn’t mean less than.
This is skilled, professional early years practice.
And I’m proud of it. 🙌

For anyone working quietly, intentionally, and with their whole heart — this is for you 🌈🫶🏻❤️

Via The Inspired Treehouse

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This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and the time is now to get checked out.

New parents - some ways you can look after one another and yourself in the early days.

Don’t miss out on our useful speech, language and communications advice sessions for babies and children aged 0 - 5 years.

You may be looking for some advice, reassurance or a bit of extra support with their development. Whatever it may be, just make sure to sign-up before the registration window closes tomorrow.

https://forms.office.com/e/4VZwTdJcws

For further information, you can also email: [email protected].