Debbie Hunter, Ofsted Registered Childminder

World Cup fever began today! ⚽🌍

We got creative by painting the England and Portugal flags and learnt that the USA is hosting the tournament. There was much excitement knowing that England were playing Croatia this evening.

We then found the countries on our globe and world map and talked about how people all over the world will be cheering on their teams.

A lovely mix of creativity, conversations and learning about the wider world 😊⚽🌎

Come on England!!!

Some of this week's fun part 2 😃

What an adventure we had in the woods! 🌿🍂

We set off to stretch our legs and discover new things, and one of our first exciting finds was a ladybird, which caused great fascination.

We made our way up to the Giant's table and discovered a hole in the ground. Using our imaginations, we became witches and wizards and had great fun foraging for natural treasures to add to our spells. 🧙‍♀️✨

After all that excitement, Debbie suggested we have a little rest. We lay down together, either with our eyes closed or looking up through the leaves at the cloudy skies above. We listened carefully and could hear the birds around us, and later we enjoyed finding out which birds they were.

On our way home, we discovered several holes in the ground. We learnt that these were the entrances and exits to a badger's home, called a sett. We explored them carefully and tried very hard not to drop anything into the holes so that we didn't disturb the badgers or their home.

Back at Debbie's, we found out more about badgers, discovering how big they are and what colours they have.

Debbie was especially pleased to hear all of this new knowledge being shared so proudly with parents at the end of the day. 💛

A day full of fresh air, imagination, curiosity and wonderful conversations 😊 :::

Some of the week's fun part 1 😃

Lots of fun and learning in the rain this week! 🌧️💦

We splashed in muddy puddles, watched and named the ripples when we dropped stones into the water, and even measured the length of the gutters using our feet.

The children were fascinated by the rainbow colours made when oil and water mixed on a slope and noticed how the water flowed around the barriers we had made, just like a dam.

There was great excitement watching how the road drainage systems worked, and we were very interested to discover a snail. A rather important discussion followed about whether the trail it left behind was slime or wee! 🐌😂

Back at Debbie's we found out what beavers were and how they build dams. Also discovered that the snail is in fact secreting slime, which helps it stick and climb over different surfaces.

A wonderful day full of curiosity, questions and real-life learning 😊💛 :::

Yesterday we said goodbye to one very special girl who has been part of my setting since Reception class — seven whole years 💛

It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone from those early school runs and little chats to the wonderful young lady she is now.

She will be missed greatly here by all of us, and it certainly won’t feel quite the same without her. Wishing her lots of happiness through the summer and good luck in her secondary school journey.

Thank you for being such a lovely part of our days over the years 😊

Today I’m celebrating 23 years of childminding 🩷

23 years ago, I started looking after three little boys who kept my youngest son company throughout his preschool, primary and secondary school years. Little did I know then just how long this journey would continue, or how many wonderful children and families I would meet along the way.

Over the years I’ve been trusted with so many special moments — first steps, school runs, cuddles, friendships, milestones and lots and lots of memories. I feel very lucky to have shared such an important part of so many children’s lives.

A huge thank you to every family who has trusted me to care for their children over the years. Your support, kindness and trust have meant more than you probably realise 😊

23 years later… and I’m still going 🩷

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/asbestos-in-consumer-products?fbclid=IwdGRjcARzm4ljbGNrBHObfGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHq_lb9Nt-501w3IT2Ou9ngnh0nvRMaaN2iBoUCc9eV37AFe4dQUl5hV-a0y1_aem_IRy0mNCUD84pxpLmjzQ1Sg

Asbestos in consumer products Guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18W1J1pawu/

Online grooming is a serious and growing threat, with offenders using a range of tactics to build trust with children and young people before exploiting that relationship.

This can happen across social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps and group chats, often through fake identities, flattery, gifts or pressure.

Our latest guide highlights key risks, including:
• Strangers using fake identities
• Exploitation through gifts and flattery
• Group chats creating hidden pathways
• Gaming platforms becoming grooming gateways
• Sextortion, criminal grooming and radicalisation

The guide also offers practical advice for parents and educators on recognising warning signs, understanding the platforms children use and creating open, regular conversations.

Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/53zbc

Happy Childminding Week to all my wonderful, hardworking colleagues ❤️