Children's Choice Childminder - Early Years Teacher Led Provision

01/04/2026

We never wear our big, thick coats in the car because I know that children can slide out of the coat and 5-point harness in the event of an accident or impact, but sometimes an extra layer is needed.

I have therefore invested in several lightweight, thin fleece zip-up jackets that provide warmth while remaining safe!

As well as helping keep children warm and toasty, they also serve as a tool for children to practice getting a zipped garment on and tackling the complexities of doing up that zip!

Thanks to Herts Embroidery for adding my name and number!

30/03/2026

Today, March 30th, 2026, marks 25 years since my registration as a childminder.

Over the decades, early years care and education have evolved significantly. What began as a simple conversation with a social worker and a police check soon transformed into pre-registration courses and DBS checks. Mandatory training requirements are now routinely complemented by voluntary, ongoing professional development.

Major national safeguarding incidents highlighted by the media led to updated policies and stricter statutory regulations. The 'Birth to Three Matters' framework was replaced by the EYFS, which continues to be revised as educational approaches shift and evolve.

Throughout my career, I have earned a Level 3 qualification, trained to assess Level 3 candidates, completed my BA in Early Years, achieved Early Years Teacher status [while working full time], led childcare courses at the local college, provided placements for EYITT students, attained my EYSENCO qualification, and qualified to teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector.
More recently, I led a team of mentors as Area Lead for the DfE Early Years COVID-19 Recovery Programme.

I have worked hard to achieve four consecutive Ofsted outstanding grades during inspections and have employed an assistant who not only earned her Level 3 but, more importantly, became my daughter-in-law and gave me a beautiful grandson who now also enjoys time at my setting!

I hope that, along the way, I’ve supported others in their roles and will continue to do so, forging valued friendships and professional relationships across the town and county.
Many families who used my services still keep in touch; some of the children I cared for are now adults themselves, starting families of their own.

Occasionally, acquaintances still cynically ask if I’m babysitting children, as if it’s just a temporary job I settled for years ago instead of a legitimate profession. Imagine posing such a question in that manner to any other business owner after surviving 25 years of change and challenge. It's unthinkable, and while I sometimes find their comments amusing, they mostly frustrate me since they highlight how little value is placed on this line of work.

Home-based childcare can be really tough, and it does not typically offer high salaries or social status, an irony considering we nurture the most vulnerable and precious individuals who will shape our future! Yet, in a world where people frequently change jobs to secure a higher salary, enhanced working conditions, or to climb the career ladder, I am proud of my lasting commitment to home-based childcare - and that deserves cake!

Here’s to many more years ahead.




REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub East of England
Hertfordshire County Council

16/03/2026

Thank you to one of our setting families for sending in some biscuits to share in celebration of their daughter’s 3rd birthday!

Many settings no longer allow such activities for fear of food allergies, excessive consumption of sweet foods, inclusion, exclusion and a whole manner of other concerns.

My setting is small and our relationships are strong. Therefore, children are not routinely consuming high sugar treats on a daily basis, the family has informed me of the ingredients since they know it’s important and my current cohort has no allergies.

I think this simple act of sharing a small treat is incredibly valuable in helping children learn how we celebrate, that everybody has their own special day and it’s nice to share those celebratory moments with our friends.

How sad it would be if we as adults make children too fearful to continue this custom.

15/03/2026

Thinking today of all who mother, in whatever form that takes.

Those raising children now, and those who once did.
Those who hoped to or still hope to be a mum.
Foster mums, step‑mums, mums by circumstance, mums by choice.
Dads who assume that role as well.
Anyone who just shows up every day with steadiness and attends to the work of looking after others, frequently before themselves!
Today is simply a moment to recognise you, and the many ways you make a difference.
Thinking also of those who no longer have their mum.

I hope you are all appreciated today; I hope the appreciation of your presence is not an afterthought or taken for granted.

To my setting mummies, I hope that from one Mum to another, you are able to take a moment and enjoy your biscuit from me and artwork from your child!
Gifts from little children don't need to be complicated or elaborate; it's the thought and understanding of appreciation and expressing thanks that is the important lesson, and one I hope they take into adulthood.

10/03/2026

08/03/2026

Today is International Women's Day 2026.

Since I am part of a sector made up primarily of businesswomen, I applaud us all.

We juggle numerous responsibilities, carry a huge weight of responsibility, and often have to be everything to everyone all at once.

However, despite that, we support each other, we don't feel the need to score points, climb career ladders, or outdo our friends; we accept and acknowledge that we all work differently and, for the most part, toward the same aim.

We inspire each other, and support the next generation of women, just little girls at the moment, to be strong, independent, aim high and expect to be valued, and for that I am grateful.

Who inspires you?

02/03/2026

The sensory floor tiles have been a huge hit!

Little feet will return home feeling fully invigorated tonight!

02/03/2026

Even the paint colour brings a smile to my face!

Spring really is just around the corner, and we are thinking about all those pretty pastel colours associated with it.

Children enjoyed painting with muted pastel coloured paints today, one little girl explaining as we chatted that she was painting a pink horse!

28/02/2026

Looking forward to the conference today!

REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub East of England

26/02/2026

Lots of training and CPD this week! It doesn't stop when the door closes.

24/02/2026

It’s that time of year again when mini eggs are lining the supermarket shelves. But, did you know that, just like grapes, they are the perfect size to block a small child’s airway and choke them? And, their hard shell can make it difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.

With whole grapes we advise cutting them in half lengthways and ideally into quarters to create thin strips. But chopping up mini eggs isn’t as easy. So, what can you do?

1. Hide them from the children and eat them yourself – good luck with that!

2. Break them into small pieces with a rolling pin. Or, crush them in a pestle and mortar. Or melt them a little first.

3. Opt for a different treat. Larger, hollow eggs are much safer for little ones.

For more practical tips and advice to keep children safe from choking take a look at our guide: https://capt.org.uk/resources/choking-fact-sheet/