Seonaid

About Me

My name is Seonaid Bentley and I am an Ofsted registered childminder in Lingfield. I live in a welcoming, safe, secure, loving and fun home with my husband Paul and our sons Oscar (17 years old) and Noah (15 years old). We have one friendly cat and 2 dogs (the dogs are able to be entirely separated from areas where children are).
I offer home from home care where children experience the same level of attention, affection and routine that they would in their own family home. I treat all children as I would my own boys.
I have a large open space and a downstairs toilet. My home is open plan in layout and this allows me to set up play, learning, messy, eating and rest areas for children to explore under my supervision. I have bedrooms upstairs with age appropriate cots/beds so children can sleep peacefully. I also take into consideration the rest/quiet time required by older children when I plan our activities.
Children thrive when they are given opportunities to learn and develop through play at their own pace. From my training (I have completed a level 3 Childcare Diploma, the Early Years Professional Development Programme and a level 3 Early Years Senco Programme) I am able to support children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. I do this through a mix of adult and child initiated activities in a fun, stimulating, relaxed environment. These activities may include: puzzles, books, story time, singing and rhymes, cookery, nature walks, obstacle courses, Play Doh, gardening, arts and crafts, painting, glueing and sticking, musical instruments, small world toys, gloop, building dens, parachute games, sports day races and many more. I have extensive age appropriate toys, resources and ideas!
I have a secure garden to which the children have regular access. I actively encourage children to be outdoors in all weathers to keep them active and healthy.
As well as all the home based activities I attend local toddler groups so children can socialise in larger group settings. I also have a good network of local childminder friends with whom I organise trips out to their homes, local parks and places of interest such as Hever Castle and National Trust properties.
I love to cook and therefore not only are the children frequently involved in food preparation but they can be provided with nutritious home cooked meals if required.
I offer high quality childcare because I enjoy spending time with children and it is a privilege to be part of their lives and have an influence on their development.