Simon

About Me

Hi, I’m Simon I am an Ofsted Good rated childminder. I am based in the family home on the edge of Fair Oak where I live with my wife Sam and 2 children Dylan (6) and Elodie (4)

I have always been a hands-on Dad, when Dylan arrived I had a busy career as an Architect. I altered my working pattern so that I could look after Dylan 1 day a week when my wife returned to work after maternity leave. I loved being home with him, we would go out every day, I would go to Rhyme time and often he would fall asleep and I would be left playing the maracas with him asleep on my shoulder! We did art and crafts, singing, dancing, tummy time, I’d take him out in the sling or the pram we would walk to the park and feed the ducks…he grew so fast and it was great to see his little character develop.

When we had Elodie, Sam was able to take 9 months Maternity leave and I took the final 3 months. I loved it. We did canvases for their rooms, mark making on rolls of wallpaper in the garden, baking, cooking, crafts, dancing, exploring the local countryside and playing in the garden. After that I began to study childcare in my spare time, Joining PACEY I completed a number of their courses and completed a paediatric first aid course.
During the lockdown, on furlough, I looked after both my children full time which made me more determined to become a childminder. Following a great deal of studying, I was approved by Ofsted.

My childminding business started in September 2020. I’m thrilled to say that I have lots of little tribe members, some doing 1 day a week others doing 3, 4 or 5 days. I use a software package called Kinderly and (with parents agreement) send photos each day via WhatsApp, this updates parents on our adventures. For new starters I can also message regular phots to parents throughout the first few days. I remember how hard it is when you return to work after spending every hour with your new little person. When Sam returned to work, I had Dylan one day a week and I would send her photos of Dylan throughout the day and she said it really helped (compared to nursery who she would have to call at lunch time to check he was ok) later when I had Elodie full time when Sam returned to work I would send regular photos throughout the day to her, so she could see her playing or having lunch etc...she said it really helped her get used to being back at work knowing the children were having fun.

My focus is on adventures outdoors, my kids love being outside and always have done, wearing the right clothes we venture out everyday and I plan to do as much outside as possible with the children in my care. I am an annual member at Marwell Zoo and visit regularly, I also use the Country Parks and local woods to visit and take packed lunches. We jump in puddles, collect leaves, sticks and acorns, build shelters and explore the natural world around us. This then informs activities we do back home, such as making things out of leaves or telling stories, ensuring we are learning in-line with Ofsted requirements and the EYFS. which follows the EYFS guidelines.

Trips through the year include fruit picking, visiting the farm, collecting pumpkins from the farm, picking sunflowers on the farm and visiting the beach. We also visit garden and aquatic centres which always have lots of things to look at and discuss.

It’s not always about the outdoors though, I have created a warm, cosy and safe environment at home which acts as our basecamp. Here we learn through art, music, books, dancing, imaginary play, cooking, baking and toys. We do sensory play, yoga and mindfulness. We make use of festivals around the world to inspire activities and provide exiting themes.

We have a lovely garden with swings, slide, water play, a mud kitchen, large sandpit and a play house. The layout of the house provides a free flow between kitchen/activity space and the garden.

For me, the small numbers of children that attend a childminding setting means that we do lots of child lead activities and I can really focus on the needs of the individual children and their parents. I know from first hand experience how stressful it can be to start at a new setting, especially when returning to work after maternity/paternity leave. I do everything I can to make this stress free. I provide regular updates to parents which can include observations and photos. I will also keep parents up to date with learning progress based on the early years foundation stage.

Please get in touch to check availability, if you have any questions or to arrange a visit. Looking forward to hearing from you.