Welcome Back!
We are getting back into our routine after a very busy and exciting summer!
As always, the children have loved having my own children around more during the summer holidays and joining us on our days out. We have had such a lovely time making memories together with trips to the Zoo, the parks, Abbey Pumping Station, and lots of lovely picnics and fun in the garden! It has been wonderful watching the children enjoy being together, exploring new places and simply making the most of the summer.
We have also welcomed a new friend to Lianne’s House, and she is settling in really well. It is so lovely to see how naturally the children welcome new faces, make new friends and embrace new friendships.
You really should be proud of how caring, kind and welcoming your children are. ❤️
We said goodbye to two of our children over the summer as they took the very exciting next step and started School. I am pleased to say that they both seem to have transitioned smoothly and are settling into their new routines and school environments. It is fair to say that we miss them very much! It has taken a little bit of adjusting for the children here too, as they have had to get used to not seeing their older friends each day.
But, as one chapter closes, another begins. We now have a new group of 'older children', and I am so excited to see what adventures we will go on together this year and to watch new friendships develop, grow and flourish.
❤️ The Childminder Difference
One of the things I really value about being a childminder is that we are a smaller setting, which allows me to build strong, nurturing relationships with each individual child. I get to know their little personalities, interests, likes and dislikes, how they communicate and, importantly, what makes them them.
Being a smaller setting doesn't mean the children miss out on opportunities to socialise. I work closely with other local childminders, giving the children regular opportunities to spend time with more children, build friendships and experience different social situations. This supports their confidence, communication, sharing, turn taking and ability to develop relationships with others. It also gives them opportunities to become comfortable responding to and communicating with other trusted adults within a safe and familiar environment.
I feel very lucky to have the best of both worlds, a small, nurturing, home from home environment where I can really get to know each child, alongside opportunities for them to meet more children, build friendships and develop their social confidence. For me, this is one of the special things about being a childminder. Creating those close, meaningful bonds while still giving children the opportunity to explore, learn and grow within a wider community. ❤️
⭐ OFSTED
You will have seen over the summer that I shared the results of my OFSTED inspection.
I am incredibly proud of what we have here at Lianne’s House, and I am so grateful to all of you families who support me every day in creating a 'Strong' setting where your children can flourish, learn, develop and, most importantly, feel happy and secure.
My OFSTED inspection has been an opportunity to reflect on everything we do here, and it made me feel incredibly proud of the environment, relationships and experiences we provide for the children.
A huge thank you to all of you for being part of that!
Please take some time to read through the full inspection report below:
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/17/2769091
📚 CPD – Continuing Professional Development
Over the coming months, I continue to further my own learning and professional development.
I start this week with Makaton training. Between September and November, I have signed up to complete Makaton Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. I am really looking forward to learning new ways to support the children with their communication and language development and bringing what I learn back into our setting.
At the end of September, I will also begin my Foundation Degree in Early Childhood and Education. (The 'back to school nerves' are definitely kicking in for me now! 📚😂)
I really appreciate all of the families who have worked with me to allow me to add two additional weeks of setting closure this year, enabling me to attend my two study weeks in Corby. Thank you so much for your understanding and support. ❤️
There will only be one additional week that I will need to add to my holiday dates in 2027 for a study week. As usual, I will send out my holiday dates for 2027 in December.
🍎 Healthy Lunchboxes
I continue to ask that you provide healthy lunchboxes for your children.
Please take some time to read through my 'Packed Lunch Policy', which aligns with the Early Years Nutritional Guidelines.
Please avoid sending foods that are particularly high in sugar and/or salt, and where possible, avoid foods that have a red section on the traffic light food labelling system. This helps me to support the children in developing healthy eating habits and understanding the importance of looking after our bodies. We do talk about having 'treats' too! We all enjoy something that tastes nice, but we talk about how we can't have treats every day simply because they taste good, sometimes they aren't the best choice for our bodies. These everyday conversations are a lovely way of helping the children understand that healthy choices help our bodies to grow, learn and stay well.
Thank you for supporting me with this at home too. ❤️
🍂 Hello Autumn!
And just like that, Autumn is here!
I absolutely love this time of year at Lianne’s House. There is so much for us to explore, discover and enjoy as the seasons change. We will be making the most of the beautiful colours appearing around us, collecting leaves, conkers and other natural treasures, exploring the changes in the weather and enjoying lots of lovely autumn walks and outdoor adventures. There will, of course, be plenty of opportunities for messy play, crafts, stories and seasonal activities too!
I love watching the children experience the seasons and seeing their curiosity grow as they notice the little changes happening around them. So, get those wellies and coats ready! 🌧️🍁
❤️ Thank You
Finally, I just want to say a huge thank you to all of my families. I genuinely appreciate the trust you place in me every single day when you leave your most precious little people in my care. I never take that responsibility for granted.
I am incredibly lucky to have such wonderful families who support what I do, communicate with me, work alongside me and allow me to be such a special part of your children's early years. Lianne’s House is not just about the children, it is about the relationships we build with the whole family. Thank you for being part of our little Lianne’s House family. ❤️
Here's to lots more adventures! 🍂❤️