Leah Jackson Child Minder

I had some helpers today getting all these broad beans from our allotment out of their pods. We read the story "Beans on Toast" and learned how beans grow. It was a lovely moment of calm connection before a busy, active morning playing at The Boulder Bunker for some literal climbing the walls.

This week is National Childminding Week. At this point I've been doing this long enough that it's not just a job or career. It's part of who I am. These little people fill up my days with so many lovely moments. Here are some photos to share the and to show my appreciation for the other childminders I've met along the way, that have become friends and make the job even better ❤️

I have a childcare space available for September 2026.

We enjoy a mix of fun activities, messy play, crafts, outdoor adventures, local outings and learning through play, all tailored to children’s interests and development 🌿🎨📚

Funding accepted for eligible children aged 9 months+

Please message me for more information or to arrange a chat 😊

07771395535
[email protected]

Some of our adventures from this half term. It has RAINED! ☔ and honestly, we have made the most of it! Lots of puddles, so much mud, embracing it with outdoor water play and cosy days inside. We've learned some new recipes for snacks, made play dough and the children have a real interest in playing with light at the moment.

Childminders have a long standing agreement with HMRC that we can claim a % of our earnings as a business cost to cover the wear and tear on our homes. They now plan to remove this.

Many of us are concerned that this is part of a deliberate attempt to phase us out. Whether it's that, or sheer ignorance from HMRC, the fact is we deserve and have the right to claim expenses fairly as any other business would. We shouldn't need to have this fight.

Without childminders, as a society we lose flexible childcare. Childcare that covers longer shifts, needed by paramedics, police officers and midwives. Childcare that's flexible, essential to shift workers. The sort of childcare that is accessible to children who would struggle to access nursery or preschool due to disabilities or other reasons. Childcare that offers pick ups and drop offs - helpful to parents who don't drive, or live with long term conditions themselves, or have children in different settings.

Childcare that offers outdoor adventures, beaches, parks, woods, community connection and then a home environment to rest in.

There's nothing that offers quite what we do and we know our worth ❤️

I will be writing to our MP but if people could sign this petition I'm certain every signature can help.

https://www.facebook.com/511743873/posts/10163888143428874/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

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

This childminder is off duty 🎄. We've had a December of parties, play groups, friends and fun (and a touch of the flu last week 😷). I would like to wish all my children and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎇 and to the childminders I am so lucky to work alongside, I hope you all have a lovely, and much deserved break ❤️

Today was quite a day. The last day of term, so we said goodbye to a couple of children as they head off to big school. It's hard to imagine when they first start, just how much they will become part of our family, and when it's time for them to move on, it's hard to imagine them not being here every week!

And just because we don't do things by halves here, we had our Ofsted inspection today. I look forward to sharing it once it has been published but in the meantime I have been reading all the parents messages and am reminded how lucky I have been and who's opinions really matter 😊

So, the summer holidays are here and we are looking forward to having some fun 🌞