Wild Little Hearts is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. I understand that every family's needs are a little different, so additional hour or half hour sessions may be available on request, subject to availability.
Regular evening and/or weekend childminding is not available however I am happy to discuss ad-hock evening and weekend childminding needs to provide continuity of care for families, where I can.
Wild Little Hearts is closed on bank holidays, for one week between Christmas and the new year, one week over Easter and for two weeks over the summer holidays. Please see the Little Wild Hearts calendar for 2026/2027 within the Documents section.
Once an Ofsted-registered Childminder, I will be registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time (ratio 1:6). Within this number:
No more than three children may be under the age of five years (ratio 1:3).
Of the three children under five, only one child may be under the age of one year.
Therefore, during school hours, there will be no more than three children in my care and before and after school, no more than six, including the three cared for during the school day.
Wild Little Hearts is a place where childhood is honoured, where relationships are nurtured, and where each child is supported to grow, explore, and flourish at their own pace.
At Wild Little Hearts, every child is welcomed as the wonderfully unique individual they are. I am committed to providing a warm, nurturing, and secure home-from-home environment where children feel safe, valued, and deeply cared for.
I believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, discovery, and joy. Through gentle guidance, meaningful play, and connection with nature, children are supported to grow in confidence, independence, and kindness. Each day unfolds at a calm and unhurried pace, allowing children the time and space they need to explore, learn, and simply be.
Strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of everything I do. I work closely in partnership with families, ensuring every child’s individual needs, routines, and rhythms are understood and respected.
My promise is to nurture not only learning and development, but also happiness, wellbeing, and a deep sense of belonging. Here, little hearts are free to grow wild and strong.
It is very important to me that mealtimes are a comforting and enjoyable part of the day. I love home cooking and preparing healthy, balanced meals and snacks that are nutritious and oh so good!
Please see sample menu in the Documents section. Menu's are seasonal and typically run on a three week rota.
Preferences, intolerances, allergies and medical needs around eating are confidently catered for. Your Little Heart's needs will be discussed and agreed prior to starting and reviewed throughout their time here.
Meals offered depend on the hours your Little Heart attends and if you have opted to pay for meals. You are welcome to pack your own snacks and meals that meet healthy eating guidance, if preferred.
Sleep is such a vital part of each Little Heart’s day, supporting their wellbeing, development, and overall happiness. Wherever possible, your child’s familiar sleep routine will be followed, helping them to feel safe, settled, and secure.
During the winter months, or on days that are particularly cold or wet, sleep will be offered indoors in our cosy living room. This space is thoughtfully prepared for rest, with softly dimmed lighting, calming music, and snug, comfortable floor beds to create a peaceful and nurturing atmosphere.
In the warmer months, children may also enjoy the opportunity to sleep outdoors in the garden, making the most of fresh air and natural surroundings. Infants may rest in a buggy, while older children sleep on a camp bed in a shaded, quiet spot.
All sleep times are gently supervised and carried out in line with safer sleep guidance, ensuring each child feels comfortable, settled, and well cared for.
Nappies
Your Little Heart will be changed regularly throughout the day, with care taken to ensure they feel clean, comfortable, and content. Cloth nappies and reusable wipes are very welcome and will be used in line with your preferences.
Toilet Training
I am happy to support a wide range of toilet-training approaches, as consistency is so important for children. I understand that each Little Heart's journey is unique, and I am open to discussing both traditional and less traditional methods to find what works best for your family. For traditional approaches, signs of readiness will guide us when we begin planning and supporting this next step together.
Your Wild Little Hearts will have the opportunity to take part in a range of safe and enriching activities outside the home every week. These include visits to local parks, woodlands, playgrounds, beaches, playgroups, farms and soft plays.
Some of our favourites:
❤️The MegaCentre soft play and sensory sessions
❤️The Ramblers
❤️ Library visits
❤️ Thundersley Glen
❤️Hadleigh County Park
❤️Rare Breeds Centre/Hadleigh Farm
❤️Watt Tyler Country Park
❤️Little Haven Nature Reserve
❤️Southend on Sea