Lucie

About Me

Learn N’ Play Childminding – Alford

Hello, my name is Lucie, and I run Learn N’ Play Childminding in Alford.

I am a qualified early years practitioner with an SVQ Level 3 in Childcare, working as a registered childminder and funded provider. I am continuing my professional development through further study in early years and childhood practice, and I also hold a BA in Economics.

My setting is now focused on children aged 0–5 years. I am passionate about supporting children during these important early years through nurturing relationships, outdoor learning, creativity, practical experiences and meaningful play.

I currently care for a small number of school-age children who have been with me long-term; however, I am no longer accepting new school-age placements. This allows me to dedicate my environment, resources and planning mainly to the developmental needs and interests of younger children.

At Learn N’ Play, children experience a thoughtful balance of child-led play and practitioner-guided learning. Children’s interests, ideas and natural curiosity shape our days, while carefully planned activities help extend their confidence, communication, independence and understanding of the world.

Children are supported through:

• Play-based and child-led learning
• Outdoor learning and woodland experiences
• Local walks, parks and community outings
• Supervised woodworking and practical tool experiences
• Den building, nature exploration and loose-parts play
• Fire-pit experiences and simple outdoor cooking
• Creative activities, crafts and sensory play
• Stories, songs, language and communication
• Early numeracy, problem-solving and investigation
• Independence, confidence and social development
• A calm, nurturing home-from-home environment

We spend as much time outdoors as possible, exploring Alford, local woodland areas and the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. Children are encouraged to investigate nature, take appropriate risks, develop physical skills and build confidence through real-life experiences.

Our outdoor learning may include collecting natural materials, building dens, using simple tools, supervised woodworking, growing and preparing food, exploring seasonal changes and learning how to care for our environment.

Indoors, children enjoy a warm and welcoming environment where they can play, rest, create and learn at their own pace. Activities are adapted to each child’s age, interests, routines and stage of development.

I work closely with families to build strong, trusting relationships and ensure that every child’s care, learning, well-being and individual needs are supported.

What Learn N’ Play offers:

• Qualified early years practitioner – SVQ Level 3
• Registered childminder and funded provider
• Early-years focus for children aged 0–5
• Outdoor and woodland learning experiences
• Supervised woodworking and practical activities
• Fire-pit learning and simple outdoor cooking
• Creative, sensory and child-led play
• Small-group, home-from-home care
• Strong communication and partnership with families
• Meaningful experiences based on children’s interests

Learn N’ Play is a setting where children are encouraged to nurture, explore and create while feeling safe, valued and supported as individuals.

For further information about my setting or future availability, please feel free to get in touch.

Lucie
Learn N’ Play Childminding – Alford