Guiding The Young Ones is a space designed to bring together knowledge, practice and real-life experience. Here you’ll find blog posts, tips and resources and reflective guidance on child development, learning environments, promoting positive behaviours, play, communication and more…
Who is it for?
This site is for:
Early Years Professionals
Teachers and Teaching assistants
Childminders and Nursery Staff
Parents and Carers of Young Children
Family units
Anyone passionate about supporting Young Children’s development and wellbeing
What You’ll Find Here
Blog posts on key early years topics
Reflective insights from real practice
Resources and strategies to use right away
A supportive voice to walk alongside you
“Follow your passion. The rest will attend to itself”
– Mark Twain
I am here to follow my passion for quality care and education, empowering educators and supporting families, through heartfelt and thoughtful writing. With whispers of insight, pockets of wisdom, sprinklings of poetry and a whole lot of heart. A space filled with little moments, big ideas and everything in-between. I hope you enjoy it here…
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
From The Blog
Dive into the latest articles for insights, strategies and real stories.
Someone asked me recently, “Why are you so supportive of other childminders? Aren’t they your competition?” I remember pausing for a moment before answering – not because I didn’t know what to say, but because I realised how deeply I felt the opposite. We are not competition. We are colleagues. We are community. Every single one of…
Understanding schematic play often brings clarity.But translating that understanding into everyday practice takes time, reflection, and confidence. Supporting schematic play doesn’t mean having everything out, asking constant questions, or getting it “right” all the time. It’s about creating a responsive environment where children’s thinking is valued, while also protecting shared spaces and practitioner wellbeing. Below…
After a few recent conversations with other practitioners, I realised how much confusion there still is around core provision and enhanced provision. Not because people aren’t doing it — but because they often don’t recognise that they already are. I wanted to share what this looks like in my own setting, not as a checklist or a “this is…
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or early years educator, these writings offer a range of resources designed to support and inspire you in fostering a positive, engaging environment for young children. With categories covering everything from emotional regulation and learning activities to family-friendly ideas and professional tips – you’ll find practical tools and creative inspiration to suit your needs. Some topics may cross over, offering valuable insights for everyone – because we all play an important role in a child’s development.
Recently, I received a heartfelt message from a fellow childminder. Their words have stayed with me, not only because of the pain behind them, but because they shine a light on something rarely spoken about — the quiet, terrifying vulnerability many childminders live with. They described how, from one day to the next, their setting…
How we long for you to see,The futures grown with love, so free.In settings big, in settings small,We nurture, guide, and give our all. How we wish you saw the joy,Shaped by patience, love, and toil.The endless hours, the years of play,The care poured in, day after day. But you arrive and only view,A fleeting…
Every morning, I open my door with a smile. No matter how little I’ve slept, no matter if my head is heavy with worry, no matter if I’m feeling run down — that first knock on the door is my moment to reset. The children arrive, and I greet them with warmth, because they deserve…
‘It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.’ – Michael Morpurgo
Remember this the next time you’re worried things aren’t “Pinterest perfect”!
“Being a parent can be tough. But just remember that in your child’s eyes, nobody does it better than you.”
Social media links
For even more tips, inspiration and updates, be sure to follow us on social media! Join our community and stay connected with fun ideas and helpful resources to support your child’s growth, educator support and to simply follow our fun and learning. We would love to see to here!…
Guiding The Young Ones 