Our day  

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.

Play is widely recognised as the most important work a child can do, and within my setting it is both respected and carefully supported. I believe that in the early years, children’s primary role is to explore, experiment, and begin making sense of the world around them. Because of this, I provide an unhurried, safe, and stimulating environment where children are given time and space to follow their interests and deepen their learning through play.

My approach is firmly rooted in the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which highlights the importance of supporting the whole child across the seven areas of learning and development. I plan experiences that naturally embed these areas through meaningful play, ensuring children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively in a balanced way.

A key part of my practice is the emphasis on connection and co-regulation. Young children are still developing emotional understanding and self-regulation, so I see it as my role to be a calm, consistent presence who models appropriate behaviour and supports children in managing their feelings. Rather than focusing on punishment, I use gentle guidance, clear boundaries, and positive modelling to teach respect, kindness, and responsibility. This helps children develop strong emotional foundations and positive relationships with others.

I also place importance on teaching life skills alongside learning, supporting children to become confident, resilient, and happy individuals. Through daily interactions, routines, and play-based experiences, I aim to nurture independence while ensuring each child feels secure and valued.

Overall, my practice is centred on relationships, emotional security, and play-based learning, creating an environment where children can thrive both now and in their future development. 

It is 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. 

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 to ensure your child is safe, comfortable 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. 

Toilet Training
I understand that each Little Heart's journey is unique, and I am open to discuss the approach you wish to take.  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