Fivefoot

About Me

Hi, my name is Claire, I'm a mum of 3 boys aged 21, 18 and 16 years old. I've lived in Sandy for 22 years. I started childminding 15 years ago after the birth of my youngest son, previously I worked in the insurance industry for 10 years.
My First Aid qualification in Paediatric Childcare is valid for another 2 years, I have also just completed Designated Lead Safeguarding training. My 21yr old son is also Paediatric First Aid trained and is soon to be registered as my assistant.

I am currently updating to Babydays, which is all completed via my IPad, so no reems of paper to complete and Childs progress photos etc can be accessed daily by you.
My main aim for the children is to have fun and feel safe whilst in my care, we go out and about as much as possible both locally & further afield. During holiday time we'll make good use of the local cycle track, whether it be on foot or bike, picnicing by the Lock or bouncing at The Danish Camp, making Sandcastles at Willington Beach or Waresley Garden Centre. Moggerhanger Park is a great play area with beautiful flowers & baby lambs, treasure hunts & nature walks. During the sch holidays we've enjoyed trips to the Cinema following on from our successful outing in the half term hols (movies for juniors my treat to my mindees). Our Christmas film this yr was Gremlins. I try and find as many free outdoor activities as possible as having 3 children myself, I know how expensive it can be! The woods, local parks, Roxton Maze, a fav at Waresley Garden Centre to stock up on seeds, have a play in the sandpit or play area or the seasonal activity search. Jungle Jims is a nice place for the smaller ones to meet up & burn off some energy, as we try and keep in contact with the many friends made whilst in my care.
We also see my parents and many local people regularly and as such all ages get to mix together and get the odd treat or two.
I'm always trying out new arts & crafts for the children to make things to take home, having lovingly made parent presents for Mother's Day, Fathers Day and Easter presents we aim to make fantastic gifts & keepsakes for Halloween and Christmas. My children are always suggesting things that the younger ones will enjoy doing and look forward to spending more time with them in the school hols.
I am building towards being a Forest Association provider. We are growing flowers, peas, tomatoes, rhubarb, water melon, peppers, carrots, sweet corn, potatoes, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Sunflowers competition is always popular the children are all very much involved to ensure they are all doing well. Fingers crossed we will have pumpkins ready for Halloween. All the children play a part in gardening depending on their ages, it's lovely to see them wonder in awe as things start to grow from seeds they planted :0) Blackberry picking and crumble making are a favourite end of summer activity, there were bumper crops last year we made the best apple & blackberry crumbles that the children took home to share with their families.
We have loads of outdoor and indoor activities, toys and equipment for all ages and abilities, far too many to mention!
One other much loved family members is our lovely 9yr old Labradoodle dog who we walk daily be it rain, shine or snow.... So clothes for all weathers are a must. Having pets helps with teaching the children lots about respect and responsibility. My children embrace having minded children and have grown up with many of the children as such they do not see my work merely their friends. We have enjoyed a fantastic Summer hols , Autumn outings & Halloween crafts a great success. We are now busy using our pumpkins as giant poppies whilst learning about remembrance with the Christmas crafts which have started creeping in too!
Although things have been a little different the last few yrs there’s still a huge emphasis on fun! We have resumed our adventures, it’s so nice to be exploring further afield. Knebworth has been great to finally visit the dinosaur trail & gardens and it’s wonderful to have Moggerhanger Park back for further adventures.