Sarahisachildminder

This little (not so little anymore!) one on the right is leaving in a few week’s time as he starts school in September.

I’ve looked after him since he was just 6-months old and it’s going to be a big wrench saying goodbye.

Look at the love in this photo! 💕
That’s how we all feel about him.

We’ll make the most of the next few weeks by going to his favourite places … there’s always time to fit in a few more adventures!

This was a great swap!

A gorgeous but grouchy baby who crashed out on the floor … and a mummy who came to get him and gave me brownies in exchange!

A lovely forest walk!

Before … and after!

What a generous gift (from a mum who knows me well!)!

I had the pleasure of looking after Big Sister a while back until they moved away. I was happy to have been able to help Baby Sister out for a little while when work commitments brought mum closer to me.

I’ve been accepted onto the Early Years Professional Development Programme.

60 hours of CPD over 8 months. I may be thinking ahead to retirement, but I still want to be the best I can be!

Big friends and little friends!

I’ve treated us to a variety of balls for when we walk round to the field behind the house to play. ⚽️ 🏀 🏈

Am I the only childminder in the world that doesn’t use their garden? It’s the dogs’ domain! 🐕

Now to order some beanbags and quoits!

Happy Father’s Day! A big shout out to all the dads - present ones, past ones, and those who are sadly no longer with us. ❤️

Out super early today (unfortunately before our 4th friend arrived) to beat the heat!

You wouldn’t think that one of these little ones was completing her final settling in session before full days next week. She’s been an absolute superstar and is going to fit in brilliantly with our little gang.

We walked to our local park this morning … but they were cutting the grass just where we wanted to play!

Because I have a little one who is petrified of lawnmowers, we improved our fitness in the adult play park instead!

Hmmm. We seem to have acquired a new pet!
My son and husband rescued this little fledgling from the loft and we’re off out to find it some slugs to eat.

I love the 1-year old’s growing independence. He watches the big little ones so intently until he’s ready to manage his own risk. I can just stand back and watch the learning happen!

Happy birthday to the biggest boy! We hope you liked the cake we went out together and chose, and thank you for sharing it with us even though you had no choice! Thank you Sarah for paying for it when we chose the most expensive one!

We hope you appreciated our mathematical skills of putting 5 candles on it, because we’re 1, 2 and 3 and know you are a lot older than us!

We’re out to play but I wish the sun was with us!

My dressing up box is a lovely vintage leather suitcase (a marketplace bargain) full of glasses, headbands, hats, and scarves.

Great for when you’ve discovered Peepo!

Sitting in the sun about to start There’s no such thing as ‘naughty’ by Kate Silverton.

Trying to get an insight to help a gorgeous and feisty 3-yr old … but Martha thinks it’s for her!

Oh my! We may actually have our first week coming up without the need for waterproofs!

Little Miss Little-Feet loving the loose parts!

We’ve had the dressing up box out today and it’s been a massive hit.

Peter the Pink Pony is looking amazing!

These just arrived!

We used them at a toddler group yesterday and they didn’t make me come out in a cold sweat! 😂

A sunny day at last!

The best 20 minutes of today. Fast asleep snuggles … and a sit down for me!

The inner tube of dog poo bags = great loose parts!

It’s always a success if, when you get home, you have to put children’s clothes in the washing machine!

We love adventuring!

It was my choice to happily work on my day off for the cutest 1-yr old today. But so lovely to answer the door early evening to his Mummy giving me these gorgeous cupcakes as a thank you!

Lola’s cupcakes? Nah, definitely Ra-Ra’s (his name for me!).

Working on my day off isn’t too bad! We’re having a lovely chilled time in the cafe!

After a fairly challenging day, it’s suddenly become much better! A 1-yr old asleep on my left, a 1-yr old asleep in the buggy across the room, a 2-yr and a 3-yr old cuddled under blankets watching Peppa Pig, one dog asleep in the kitchen, and the other dog asleep on my right!
💤

Find me a child that doesn’t like building a tower!

Enjoying the sunshine, looking for flowers in different shades of pink, getting excited about seeing a baby deer (me!), enjoying going out in Mark’s larger car, and receiving lovely compliments from two different people.

“Quick, Sarah, come! We made you a rainbow!” 🌈

Lovely to explore somewhere new that’s in walking distance, super clean, and with great coffee!

I love it when friends have a clear out and think of us!

The 13-month old is becoming an expert at tidying up the loose parts!

My office for the morning was lovely!

Excellent concentration as the almost 3-yr old placed blocks onto a selection of lids.

I’ve had to change all my loose parts to things that are safe to be mouthed. But it’s good that the imaginations of the bigger little ones isn’t at all compromised!

Please come and join us! Even if it's to see Mark in an acting role!

A very Happy Mother’s Day to all my wonderful mums - past but especially present - who trust me with their most precious possessions each day. You all do a fabulous job and it’s a pleasure to continue the nurture while your little ones are here.

I’d love to say enjoy your lie in … 😂

Zuzana, look who’s moved in for a while!