Little Nest Childminding

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.

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. 🌱✨

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!

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

The change of season from summer to autumn is simply magical

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

As summer gently gives way to autumn, the world around us becomes a living classroom for young children. The air cools, leaves turn golden, and acorns gather on the ground, small treasures offered by nature.

This transition is more than just a change of season; it is a rhythm of the year that nourishes a child’s inner life. The abundance of acorns, seeds, and falling leaves speaks to children in a language deeper than words, reminding them of growth, rest, and renewal.

Holding acorns in their hands, children sense the mystery of potential, that something so small can one day become a mighty oak. These experiences inspire wonder and reverence for the world, and root children in the cycles of nature that bring steadiness and joy.

As we walk together into autumn, may we slow down, gather the gifts around us, and see the world through the eyes of a child, where every acorn is a story waiting to unfold.

Before little hands are ready to hold a pencil, they need to build strong, coordinated muscles in their fingers and palms.

At Little Nest, one of the beautiful ways we support this is with modelling wax. Unlike clay or playdough, this wax responds directly to the warmth of the hands, softening as it’s worked, then firming again as it cools.
This creates a unique sensory and motor challenge: children must warm, press, roll, pinch, and shape the wax with intention. Each movement strengthens fine motor skills, supports focus, and prepares their hands for the later work of writing. It also smells divine!

It’s more than play, it’s purposeful work that lays the foundation for confident learners