Suzie Swanns "Little Cygnets" Childminder in Stamford

Thursday was such a sad day as it was my full-timer Gabriella’s last day with us.

I feel truly honoured that I was chosen to be Gabby’s childminder, especially as her lovely mum works in nurseries herself and her parents made the journey from Uppingham to Stamford Monday to Thursday — a 20-minute drive each way.
That trust has always meant the world to me.

I first took Gabby on as a tiny 4-month-old baby, and I’ve had the absolute privilege of caring for her for two and a half years, 40 hours a week. Over that time she became one of the family. We built such a close bond — I was practically her second home and a huge part of her early world.

It has been so special watching Gabby grow, develop and truly blossom in my care. I’ve been there for so many precious milestones — from crawling and those wobbly first steps, to growing in confidence with her communication, learning colours and counting, developing fine and gross motor skills, and building beautiful friendships with her peers.

We have had the most wonderful fun together — learning through play and heading out on so many adventures. Trips to farms, play parks, soft play, woodland walks and meadow strolls, visits to garden centres and owl sanctuaries, and enjoying toddler groups side by side.

At home we’ve shared so many creative moments too — painting, drawing, mark making, sensory play, cutting and sticking, playdough fun, and little cooking sessions. So many memories made, laughter shared, and cuddles given.

Gabby, you will always hold such a special place in my heart. Watching you grow has been a privilege I will forever treasure. 💗

Chat GTP created this gorgeous picture of an adventure in the woods of me with the "Little Cygnet" mindees 😊👍💗

Absolutely love this Poem - It pretty much sums up my days childminding. 🥰
I love what I do and no two days are ever the same, everyday we share laughter, fun and learning and make lasting memories together. The little ones I care for become part of the family and the bonds we share are very special. 🫶

https://www.change.org/p/childcare-on-the-brink-stop-the-2026-cut-that-will-push-childminders-out?recruiter=202824726&recruited_by_id=10a60740-8f41-11e4-a50e-c76ac95c9922&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_term=9cfed3ed93d8457aa3c063e63a2a994c&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=fht-490927335-en-gb%3A0&fbclid=IwVERDUAPYVrFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR5ebUzqlkPy-N9VL2Db-FYSYUmkDqdMFdJYN87PjTPYdTu0YoysuYl0JmKEoQ_aem_y-jisE1mZKS8s_IE9FIMBg

Sign the Petition Childcare on the Brink: Stop the 2026 Cut That Will Push Childminders Out

Wishing all my past and present families and followers a very Merry Christmas!
Enjoy the festive joy of giving and receiving gifts and quality family time together making special memories.

So, why are they so dangerous?

Not only are they a choking hazard but the lithium coin cell batteries produce a substance called caustic soda when they come into contact with saliva.

This is the same substance we use to unblock drains.

You’ll find them in all sorts of products at Christmas:

Festive tea lights
TV remotes
Singing Santas
Musical cards/books
Musical/light-up Christmas jumpers
Robotic toys
Light-up yo-yos
Meat thermometer
Kitchen scales
Kids torches

If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery you need to act FAST. Take them straight to A&E.

Make sure battery compartments in all products that contain them are secure and check them regularly.

Don’t keep spares in the house; if you do ensure they are labelled, locked away and well out of reach.
Please share this with anyone with babies and young children and help spread the word to keep them safe.

So, why are they so dangerous? Not only are they a choking hazard but the lithium coin cell batteries produce a substance called caustic soda when they come into contact with saliva. This is the same substance we use to unblock drains. You’ll find them in all sorts of products at Christmas: Festive tea lights TV remotes Singing Santas Musical cards/books Musical/light-up Christmas jumpers Robotic toys Light-up yo-yos Meat thermometer Kitchen scales Kids torches If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery you need to act FAST. Take them straight to A&E. Make sure battery compartments in all products that contain them are secure and check them regularly. Don’t keep spares in the house; if you do ensure they are labelled, locked away and well out of reach. Please share this with anyone with babies and young children and help spread the word to keep them safe.

For remembrance this week the children enjoyed making handprint poppy wreaths

👻🎃👻🎃👻

On Monday we met with our friends Lynne and Anita and had a wonderful visit to ketton pumpkin patch where the children enjoyed collecting lots of different shaped, sized, coloured and textured pumpkins in our wheelbarrow.
And of course exploring the squelchy mud and puddles in their boots.
We saw piglets, bulls, cows, calf's, chickens and noisey cockerals.
We also enjoyed a delicious snack of homemade cookies and cake together, my older mindee couldn't leave with out having a go on the tractor pulling the levers.
What a lovely wholesome morning!