Greenacres Childminders

27/06/2024

FORMAL CLOSING OF THE SETTING
Date: 19th July 2024

February 2012, I took a huge leap from a very secure and much loved position in Post 16 Education with Shropshire County Council (10 years in the role). To the exceptionally unknown self- employed journey as a Childminder.

It was scary but exciting times!!!!. I was however told by many colleagues how ridiculous it was 🤣 For those people, they knew nothing of the very personal reasons I made the change for. And...in nearly 13 years I have not looked back. Started up at the end of a recession, grew through a new government, hung on through a global pandemic and even thrived in a cost of living crisis. 👏

To now: For many different personal reasons it is now time for an even bigger challenge. I have literally thrown all my cards in the air to move on....wherever this next new chapter will take me, it is equally scary. I hope it will be just as exciting.

I wished for a little more time to see contracts to a natural end but this is unfortunately not possible. I would like to thank all the parents current and previous (of all 63 children) that have attended my setting.

This role has been a blessing. I have been able to raise my children in a home setting along side your children. They have all experienced home from home care in the way I feel children should experience time away from their parents/carers. My moto has always been ' Fresh air is free' and learning should always have an element of the outdoors, especially in those crucial early years. This I have implemented in my daily practice and encouraged others on their outdoor learning journey.

I will miss the children dearly and all the friendships that I have gained within this job. It will take me along time to adjust to a quiet house ...but hey I'm never quiet 🤫 and will still find myself asking Alexa to play Disney music regardless.

So....with a sad and heavy heart ❤️ on a situation I have not been in control of.... Goodbye, good luck and most of all I will treasure all the memories x

27/06/2024

17/06/2024

❤H A P P Y F A T H E R S D A Y ❤

I hope you all got spoilt yesterday x

11/06/2024

😄PLAY PLAY & PLAY!!!!!😄

Today marks the first-ever International Day of Play, which has been declared by the United Nations General Assembly to champion and protect children's right to play.

It is lunch time(ate lunch, Spaghetti Bolognese)We have been out, going out, had 5 stories, x 2 under the sea dances with bubbles, painted twice and built 3 puzzles. Quiet morning this morning😅

05/06/2024

🌏 What is the main purpose of World Environment Day?🌍

First held in 1974, it has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues as marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development and wildlife crime. World Environment Day is a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually.

Today we visited Severn Farm Pond.Our local platform.. or ..public outreach, urban nature reserve. However, saddened to see that wildlife crime was present at a volunteer led base with so much potential work taking place.

Education in the Early Years, regarding awareness on environmental issues is what this weeks theme has been. The children have learnt all about how their household waste is recycled ♻️ including sorting plastics, tin(metals), cardboard/paper and glass. If you hear the words "Daddy your beer cans can make an aeroplane ✈️ " you know where they learnt that 🤣

21/05/2024

🐝 YESTERDAY 🐝
Getting our steps in!!👣👣 3.4 Kilometres

POWIS CASTLE: Exploring the grounds, discovering nature on World Bee Day. Beautiful colours of summer....everywhere.

21/05/2024

Getting in our steps!! 👣👣..3.5 Kilometres

When children walk on grass, rocks any outdoor surface or verges, the uneven movements that the body adjusts to improve muscular control and strength, we also improve our balance and coordination without even realising it.

17/05/2024

CHILDMINDERS have super powers too. We don't do this job for the money, the benefits package, the flexible hours or the worklife balance(we get none of that). We do it because we will always CARE!

Years of inadequate government investment into the early years has resulted in unacceptably low salaries across the sector, and availability of spaces. Many practitioners regularly work long hours for no additional pay. The planning and preparation for a week can equal to a full time job on top of contact hours that we have with the children. Having worked in Post 16 Education for 10 years prior. I can hand on heart say that teaching hours were far less and they are as a Childminder and there is currently a shortage of teachers as they are overworked!!!!. Is it any surprise, then, that more and more are opting to leave and seek employment opportunities elsewhere?

This is great that PACEY are having a week to highlight the position that I have LOVED for nearly 13 years. Perhaps this is too late for many disenchanted Childminders within the industry, perceived as no more than 'Babysitters'.

17/05/2024

FRUIT/VEGETABLE 🥗 SALAD

Is on the menu.....

Been out of action for a week. Thank you to all you very supportive parents and understanding children...now on the mend.

Sunshine, garden and happy children is a great pick me up, for all x

11/05/2024

https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/encouraging-developmental-skills-with-playdough/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR19Cw93R-WbCy7MfIEhxo_SqBePBmQ-SrY9nuXpf9F2I-mo6IrkLkw3dtQ_aem_AQnOB8eXVqH_vt1k71kjb6Eq9HzQmHRUhLzGWx6VUIZ_dGe8nP0PFkl8iFH8cclH4DaeABE4epk_rMsoXF4fRDw5

The many benefits of playdough are not lost on pediatric therapists! This is one of our all-time favorite materials!

07/05/2024

GETTING THE HANDS READY FOR WRITING

Providing opportunities for squeezing can help strengthen a child’s grasp, important for holding a pencil.

Try one of these activities this week!

Our favorite collection of preschool fine motor activities. A free fine motor checklist is included for you to download today!