Little Nest Childminding

11/09/2026

At 1 month, babies aren't really playing with toys yet. Their play is in looking, listening, moving and discovering the world around them.

Here, I've simply placed a few natural objects around her, a wool ball, wooden cups of different sizes and rings in different shades.

She might spend a few moments working to focusing on an object, noticing the different shapes and colours, now her sight is developing a little.

Her movements are still largely involuntary, so she may accidentally bat the wool ball. She sees it move, feels the contact, and receives new sensory feedback.

Over the coming weeks, those accidental movements gradually become more purposeful, swiping becomes batting, batting becomes reaching, and eventually grasping.

There doesn't need to be lots of stimulation or complicated toys. A few beautiful, simple objects and the freedom to move and observe are enough.

19/03/2026

Spring has quietly arrived in our garden at Little Nest Childminding, bringing with it a gentle sense of renewal and wonder.

Golden daffodils sway softly in the breeze, a welcome sign of the changing season. Tucked safely away, our baby rabbits, just one week old, are nestled in their cosy bed, resting peacefully as they begin their journey into the world. Nearby, our chickens have started laying again, offering their daily gifts and reminding us of nature’s steady rhythm.

The children have been spending time close to these small but meaningful moments, truly experiencing what a spring awakening feels like through care, observation, and a growing connection to the life unfolding around them.

There is a quiet excitement in the air, as it feels Easter is not far away now, arriving gently and yet all at once.

02/03/2026

It’s been a little quiet here on the grid

Truthfully, the relentless rain and grey skies left me feeling rather demotivated to show up online. So instead, I’ve been pouring my energy where it truly matters, into our days together, into real world connection, into the steady rhythm of our little setting.

And quietly we’ve been plodding on.

The chickens are happily pecking about again, the rabbits have begun sunbathing in the pale spring warmth, and the cat oh the cat, having grown very accustomed to winter snuggles, now insist on being living slippers whenever I move around the house! The dog, meanwhile, is absolutely living her best life as the garden shifts from bog to sun palace.

The children have been deeply immersed in their play, building, imagining, creating, with beautiful focus and flow. We’ve enjoyed lovely trips to the library, garden centres, and our local farm, gathering inspiration from the turning season.

After a restorative Monday off, spent planning in the summer-like sunshine, I’m feeling reenergised and full of fresh intention for the months ahead.

So, hello (a little belatedly) 2026, and here’s to the gentle, hopeful arrival of spring and all the light it brings. 🌱✨

20/11/2025

05/11/2025

Mud kitchen, and we really do mean mud!
There’s something special about the way children explore the texture of mud. Mixing, measuring, pouring, and patting all engage problem-solving and early mathematical thinking as they compare quantities, shapes, and patterns. Playing with mud also helps strengthen the immune system through healthy outdoor exposure. Best of all, it’s simply great fun, and an experience that many children don’t often get elsewhere.

22/10/2025

We’ve finally added a bird feeder to the settings window! During our morning snack, we love using the .bird.id app to listen for who’s visiting nearby. Fingers crossed that one day we’ll spot some of those beautiful singers up close too!

15/10/2025

Nature gives us so many treasures this time of year, crunchy leaves, acorns, pinecones, herbs, and seeds. It's all perfect for adding to our playdough fun

10/10/2025

The change of season from summer to autumn is simply magical

09/10/2025

Lots of creativity has been going on in our play space this week

17/09/2025