Childminder - Clare Symonds

08/09/2026

We went to feed the ducks today, started off with just a few… then lots!!!
It was so much fun, everyone enjoyed it.
Making quacking noises and waddling like a duck 🦆
We had a lovely walk and explored around the ponds and paths.
🥰

07/09/2026

Lovely morning singing …. Everyone choosing their favourite songs, joining in and doing the actions.

We read stories… one of my little ones chose
“We’re going to find the monster” which was enjoyed by all, followed by their choice of craft, all chose to make their own monsters

02/09/2026

Love love love Facebook for one reason only, seeing past children all moving on / starting a new year group or just getting bigger … I look at them and remember what they used to look / be like and seeing them now… makes me so proud to be part of their story.
Every single child I miss and remember so fondly

I shed more tears today as a now ‘big kid’ visited in her uniform and seeing how wonderful she’s doing and how amazingly she has come on .. to now starting school. 🥰

Ive been a childminder so long, I’ve got ‘ now adults ‘ that I used to childmind and I’m lucky enough to still see how they are doing.

Fills my heart so full 💖

Good luck those starting tomorrow and know I’ll be thinking of you all as you move to your new school, new year group or new adventure

### 😘

16/08/2026

It’s going to be quiet this week!!

Another of my older children left on Thursday last week and it was emotional.
I enjoy seeing them grow and learn, seeing how much they’ve grown and prepare for school.
Everyone is so ready but it makes it no easier to say goodbye.
I know it’s not a full goodbye and this little one has a brother coming my way ☺️ but I’ll miss him lots, he’s such a lovable, funny and caring little one, who settled into my home so well. Everybody loved him including the dogs 🥰
Good luck T in school, you’ll be amazing I know

As we adjust to our new routines and changes, I’ve already noticed my younger children picking their place and changing to adjust.

Xx

04/08/2026

23/07/2026

Moving on is exciting, starting new places is scary but is so good for us. New challenges, new friends and lots of fun along the way.

I’m so very proud as we commence the time of children leaving, proud of how we’ve played together so kindly, true friendships formed, proud of the excellent progress they’ve made through confidence and determination, proud that I got the cuddles and the love to share.

I know my role well and I try my hardest to fulfil it, to teach, play, care and nurture everyone. To support beyond and do all I can.
It’s hard work but I love it and I get so much back.
What can be better than to fill it full of tiny hearts, smiles, giggles and fun.
Every day

My first little one finished today and I will look back on our memories fondly, we’ve had a blast and I will miss her so very much.
I’m so grateful for my gifts, I love them all 🥰
Albeit it’ll be very quiet here 😜 but I have other girls, who I’m sure will build their chatting skills accordingly 😂
Wishing her lots of luck starting school, I know she will be loved, like she is here and will be amazing.
###x

01/07/2026

We were invited today to a stay and play session at Woolston community primary school.
What a wonderful time we had!!
Warmly welcomed, lovely staff helping and guiding us, amazing facilities.
Not only great play was had by all but it also helps one of my littles ones in their transition to this nurturing school.
We had a blast
In the sensory area, mud kitchen and digging area, sand pit, tunnel, pirate boat and small world play.

We left tired and filthy ☺️ and all the way home heard about how much fun it was

A big thank you to the school for setting up such lovely sessions, sharing your facilities and being so friendly

We will return for the next one

29/06/2026

Finally able to get out safely, without being scorched by the sun 😜

Feeding the ducks at a local park today. We got talking about how ducklings and the goslings were born.
We then discussed life cycles of the trees in the park that we ran around. As somebody asked how is a tree made.
After lunch, we continued the life cycle theme with the hungry caterpillar story, game and dabber paint joint butterfly

I think it’s looks beautiful

24/06/2026

Today’s play, mixed things up a bit and pictures taken once play started, so it’s a bit messy.
We come inside for the hottest part of the day but it’s all set up ready to go again later on

All water play and a little hosepipe cool down, before lunch 😜😂

We can tell it’s warmer today 🥵

24/06/2026

We have water stations out, a gazebo, 3 garden umbrellas and a big sail shade.
We come inside at the hottest part of the day.
We drink plenty and eat well
We are warm but in our costumes, loving lots of water play
Mixing toys daily to spark that interest
Love this home from home environment where we can crack on, feel and be safe