Sarah Thompson

Childminder

I live in Reydon with my partner of 23 years and our daughter who was born in 2009 . I have got over 30 years experience of working with children. This has ranged from being an au pair in USA, a nanny and at a nursery school, currently a childminder for the past 14 years. I have excellent references on request. We live very close to the beach, woods, marshes and childrens play park. I would like to think that your child will see my home as a second home for them to feel secure, safe, confident and relaxed in. This is one of the many positive aspects of being a nature based, home educator for pre school children, as my home will provide a place for activity, rest, eating and sleeping. I have got a BSc hons degree in Pyschosocial Science. This covered all aspects of child development and behaviour. All babies and children develop in individual ways and at varying rates. Every child is unique with their own characteristics and temperament. I will support the children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture this will help them to develop a positive self image. I understand how to encourage, listen and respond to babies and children's communication both non verbal and verbal. I follow makaton signing with all the children, I have completed  various courses to support my learning & keep up to date with training. These vary from paediatric first aid, food hygiene, safeguarding children training, makaton, enabling environments, working with babies and many more. I am currently working towards becoming accredited in The Curiostiy Approach, Which covers aspects of Montessori, Steiner, pickler approach. We spend a lot  of time outdoors, learning through nature & the seasons. I offer a friendly, stimulating, varied environment for your child to play and learn in that supports the child's learning and development. I believe it is important for children to have secure, safe yet challenging, indoor and outdoor spaces to explore and learn in. There will be activities for them which will help their learning and develop. Offering children the freedom to explore and use their senses, be curious, and be physically active and exhuberant. I will take the children outside on a daily basis whether it's to the beach, park, nature walks  or other various outdoor activities. 

We attend nature clubs, forest schools, STOMP (makaton singing, signing group)  toddler groups, music groups, childrens centre, gymnastics, visits to the library’s, beach, Africa Alive  and take advantage of the many natural resources on our door step.