Nature

Exercise and playing in the fresh air is important. We go out at least once a day (dependent on the weather), if not twice, and go for walks and play in the garden, park, common and community. This is not only a time of exercise, but also a time of learning.

I have a love of birds and all things nature, and use this time to teach him/her about the trees, leaves, the birds, the rabbits, the horses, the dogs, the ducks, the sky and the clouds etc. We pop on our sun cream and our hats and out we go!

I think it’s important for children to develop a love for, and appreciation of, nature from a young age ~ coming home with feathers, seed pods and leaves with exciting veins for creative activities when they reach a certain age!

Diploma in Childminding Practice

I have started this 5 Unit diploma with NEC College. It offers further knowledge and expertise in childcare, home education, nutrition, routine etc. I am really enjoying this course and implementing new found knowledge in my childminding setting!

I am a tad despondant about this though, as I have yet to send in my FIRST assignment!!! I have started it, and plan to send it along with the second... there has just been so much ging on these past few months, with childminding paperwork (esp the EYFS!), my dad's passing, trying to have a baby etc.!

A good reference has come through!

Reference from Sarah-Jane, mum of E

E was with Jen for about 6 months and during that time was very happy.
Jen took the kids on outings to Wimbledon common, did craft projects with them
and even managed to get them all baking.

Jen's house was always very clean and tidy (despite having 3 toddlers messing
it up all the time) and there was always a welcoming smile and hug when E arrived.
I can recommend Jen as a very caring and considerate childminder who is
committed to seeing children develop through play and fun. 

10 Feb 2008 ~ VT Meet

Tower Bridge

Met up with some pals, had some good food at The Hide, then took a stroll along the lovely old vs new London south bank, photographing the illuminated buildings, bridges and ships along the way... twas a lovely day!

The hungry people!

Natalie and Jo

Holger, Sue and Jo

New York, what a juicy big apple!

New York is a city I have always wanted to visit.

Hubby and I went for a week in mid winter (Jan 2008), after having spent Christmas with family in Hickory, North Carolina.

To say that New York was a culture shock is an understatement! We arrived on New Year's Eve and it was madness... transport was down, there were millions of people and police around, and here were we, two South Africans with 2 huge red suitcases, trying to find our way through the throngs to our hotel, weary, hungry and cold.

This photo is an artistic moving shot my hubby took whilst we were on the open top bus at night, in the freezing cold.. we love this shot! Step inside my virtualtourist page and see what our week in new York meant to us! :)

New York City Travel Page

Nature walks

Exercise and playing in the fresh air is important. We go out at least once a day (dependent on the weather), if not twice, and go for walks and play in the garden, park, common and community. This is not only a time of exercise, but also a time of learning.

I have a love of birds and all things nature, and use this time to teach him/her about the trees, leaves, the birds, the rabbits, the horses, the dogs, the ducks, the sky and the clouds etc. We pop on our sun cream and our hats and out we go!

I think it's important for children to develop a love for, and appreciation of, nature from a young age ~ coming home with feathers, seed pods and leaves with exciting veins for creative activities when they reach a certain age!

Babysitting... to do or not?

I provide a babysitting service for my mindees primarily. If I am unavailable to babysit I have two other trusted childcare workers I highly recommend. One is a qualified primary school teacher (my sister!) who is currently nannying, and the other is an OFSTED registered childminder. They both live locally to me.

I am actually so busy thouhg - I am keen to help the parents, but aLSO KEEN not to, if that makes sense? At least I can pass the work onto others...