Meredith

About Me

I am an Ofsted Registered Childminder on the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register (compulsory and voluntary parts) and I run Garden City Starlings, a home based childminding setting, offering a practical, holistic and active approach to children’s learning and development.

I’m passionate about helping children grow into curious, principled, well socialised and resilient individuals - children who are confident when facing challenges and prepared to thrive at school and in life. I believe children learn best through play, exploring the world, following their interests and interacting with others.

My home based environment naturally and positively encourages everyday activities such as tidying up, food preparation and sharing meals together helping children gain practical life skills and promoting feelings of security through routine and repetition. I’ve carefully designed spaces in my home based setting to promote hygge - evoking feelings of comfort, calm, nostalgia and security reinforcing children’s overall wellbeing, social and emotional development. My indoor and outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully designed for children to interact and view materials and resources at their level encouraging independence and confidence. I focus heavily on the use of open-ended resources, loose parts, curiosity objects, everyday objects, natural materials and role play materials which encourage children to be curious using their imaginations and problem solving skills during their play. The materials and resources in my setting rarely change, which provides consistency for the children and also promotes security, confidence and independence. Children attending my setting will spend lots of time outdoors, whatever the weather. Outdoor learning supports all seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has a positive impact on children’s overall wellbeing.

I am a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) and I am fully insured to operate a childminding setting from my home.