Communication & language
Rich conversations, songs and stories help children understand and express themselves.
PLAY WITH PURPOSELittle discoveries.
Little discoveries.
Lasting foundations.
Children learn through relationships, play and hands-on experiences. I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and build on each child’s interests. My HND in Early Childhood Studies and additional training in understanding the EYFS support the way I plan and respond to children’s learning.
Real play. Real discoveries.
Pouring & mixing
Exploring capacity and coordination, with plenty of new words along the way.
Creating & concentrating
Making choices, exploring colour and developing control with tools.
Building & collaborating
Planning, problem-solving and trying ideas together.
Pretending & caring
Imaginative play develops stories, language and empathy.
Moving & discovering
Outdoor experiences offer space for movement, observation and confidence.
Experimenting & investigating
Hands-on play encourages fine motor skills, questions and exploration.
A flexible rhythm to the day
This is an example, adjusted around children’s needs, agreed hours and outings.
Arrival
Welcome & free play
Time to settle, reconnect and choose an activity.
Morning
Snack, movement & discovery
Outdoor play, a suitable outing or a playful learning invitation.
Midday
Lunch together
Healthy food, conversation and growing independence.
Early afternoon
Rest & quieter play
Sleep as needed, books and calm activities.
Afternoon
Create, explore & reconnect
Play, a snack, stories and a personal handover at home time.
Understanding the EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards for children’s learning, development and care from birth to five. It gives us a framework for providing thoughtful, playful experiences and understanding how best to support each child.
Children develop in different ways and at different rates. They may be confident in one area while still building skills in another. I use the framework to notice progress, celebrate each child’s strengths and plan their next steps, rather than expect every child to reach the same stage at the same time.
The Early Learning Goals describe the expected level of development at the end of Reception. They are used by teachers for the EYFS Profile assessment, rather than as targets that every toddler or preschool child must already meet. If a child needs additional support, we work together to respond to their individual needs.
Read What to expect in the EYFS — a guide for parents (PDF)The seven areas of learning
Personal, social & emotional development
Secure relationships, naming feelings and learning to play together build confidence.
Physical development
Movement, climbing, pouring and tools develop coordination and control.
Literacy
Books, rhymes and playful mark-making lay foundations for reading and writing.
Mathematics
Sorting, counting, patterns, shapes and measuring are woven into play.
Understanding the world
Nature, growing, community outings and everyday discoveries encourage curiosity.
Expressive arts & design
Painting, music, movement and imaginative play let children explore their ideas.
Following your child’s progress
I notice what your child enjoys and can do, then offer the next small challenge. We share observations and ideas from home and care without turning play into a test.
Between ages two and three, the written progress check helps us discuss strengths and any areas where support would be helpful.
Special days to look forward to.
Our summer sports day
Every summer, I organise a sports day for local childminders, nannies and the children in their care. It’s a chance for the children to enjoy being active, join in together and celebrate their efforts.
The annual Big Toddle
Once a year, I organise a Big Toddle fancy-dress walk and picnic with local childminders to raise money for Barnardo’s. It’s a lovely way to come together, enjoy a shared adventure and help others.