Mind That Childminder

A professional but easy going Early Years podcast for Childminders.

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17 episodes
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S1 · E17
August 16 · 47 min
Ep 17: Get some Shelf Awareness- Select and use books effectively with mirrors, windows and doors!
In this episode, your host and colleague Charlotte is joined by James from Early Insights. Together they explore the 'whys' and 'hows' of choosing books completely tailored to childminding settings. By the end of this episode you will have a new thought process about why to choose particular books and real life practical examples of how to introduce this into your childminding practice. This will also help you to support the National Year of Reading 2026 through your practice as well as help children in your care develop a secure love of reading. Music credit: Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio LibraryReferences:Charlotte's blog: https://amongtheleaves.co.uk/2026/02/11/national-year-of-reading-2026/James Boddey's blog: https://www.earlyinsights.co.uk/post/books-as-mirrors-windows-and-doors-rethinking-your-eyfs-book-cornerLaura Henry- Allain speaking about Mirrors Windows and doors: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYcv21PN5g7/Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop article, (1990) https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdfNational Year of Reading 2026: https://goallin.org.uk/Literacy Trust: https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-2025/Bag books: https://www.bagbooks.org/
S1 · E16
June 1 · 1 hr 4 min
EP 16: Music to a Childminder's ears!
In this episode, your host and colleague Charlotte will be chatting with you about music in the early years and answering the question "Is singing with children enough?" This episode looks at music development as it's own set of developmental milestones and helps even the least musical of childminders realise you can deliver great musical education without being able to play and instrument or read a single note of music! References: Music: Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio Library *Caregiver connection: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/zdsyf82 *Language skills acquisition: https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/sing-with-me/ *EYFS: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6874e14383d39f474eb7d373/Early_years_foundation_stage_statutory_framework_for_childminders_.pdf *Making music is more beneficial https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/baby-music-soundtrack-to-development *Music Matters framework: https://early-education.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Musical-Development-Matters-ONLINE.pdf *Sounds of intent framework: https://soundsofintent.org/en/other-frameworks/sounds-of-intent-in-the-early-years/index
S1 · E15
April 6 · 1 hr 16 min
Ep 15: Are you a school ready childminder?
Your host and colleague Charlotte chats through 'school readiness' and shares a shocking discovery in the research! This episode will help you gain a realistic view around this hot topic in the media, and gives you some things to consider about what school readiness might even mean to people in different roles.Audio credit : Cute Avalanche YouTube audio libraryReferences:https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/why-childcare-matters/https://startingreception.co.uk/https://www.corampacey.org.uk/starting-school/https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/sites/default/files/children_first_-_pathways_to_school_readiness_1.pdf_2021_1.pdfhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a817e64ed915d74e6232919/Are_you_ready_Good_practice_in_school_readiness.pdfhttps://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/ready-to-learn-increasing-the-number-of-five-year-olds-with-a-good-level-of-development/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-profile-handbook/early-years-foundation-stage-profile-handbookhttps://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/berj.3937https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/identifying-tensions-between-school-readiness-policy-and-teacher-beliefs-knowledge-and-practice-in-early-childhood-educationKay 2022, https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X211052791https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10105144/1/Transforming-Early-Education-in-England.pdf#page=20https://www.corampacey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Resource-School-Ready-Report.pdfhttps://kindredsquared.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/School-Readiness-Survey-January-2026-Kindred-Squared.pdf
S1 · E14
January 25 · 58 min
Ep 14: Crisis Happens! Now What?
Listening to this episode will help you feel supported on how to process and get through a crisis, particularly as a Childminder where children are often entwined with our home and home life. Your host and colleague Charlotte is joined by fellow Childminder and the creator of Nurture Co. - Emma to support you through things that you might come across during a crisis. Find out more about Nurture Co: https://www.nurtureco.uk/Audio: Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio LibraryResources:*Self referral form: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/*Definition of crisis: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/crisis_1*Ofsted data: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspections-statistical-commentaries-2022-to-2023/a-focus-on-childminders*Further reading**Student crisis support literature review: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Victor-Tyler-2/publication/388509842_Mental_Health_Interventions_for_College_Students_in_Crisis/links/679b8d158311ce680c44538d/Mental-Health-Interventions-for-College-Students-in-Crisis.pdf*quarter-midlife crisishttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2147/PRBM.S438866?needAccess=true*Parenting burnout https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891524524001883#sec0010*Teacher burnout: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-025-09986-2#Sec20*Working women burnout: https://imcra-az.org/uploads/public_files/2025-10/81183.pdf*Hope https://journals.aom.org/doi/full/10.5465/amle.2025.0145*functions of hope https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10463283.2024.2347815#d1e173
S1 · E13
January 4 · 7 min
Ep 13: Blooper Special!
Your host and colleague Charlotte is giving you a behind the scenes peek into the life of podcasting. Keeping it real that mistakes happen even if they are edited out for full episodes! Expect some smiles, earworms and good old human error in this mini episode! Music credit : Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio Library
S1 · E12
Dec 14, 2025 · 53 min
Ep 12: Childminders deserve joy!
In this episode, your host and colleague Charlotte is taking a reflective stance on how joy could be found in your Childminding setting and beyond. After this episode you should gain lots of ideas about how to find joy whilst staying authentic to who you are, and how this could trickle into your Childminding setting. Charlotte also considers the qualities/attributes of children's entertainment that you could foster into your practice in order to promote more joy all around. Music: Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio LibraryReferencesLittle, C., & Karaolis, O. (2023). The lost art of joy in early childhood education. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 49(1), 81-90. https://doi.org/10.1177/18369391231219819 (Originalwork published 2024)Bethlyn Vergo Houlihan,Cara Coleman, Dennis Z. Kuo, ; Benjamin Plant, Meg Comeau, 2024https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-063424Fhttps://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/measuringprogresswellbeingandbeyondgdpintheuk/may2025#measuring-personal-well-being-in-the-uk https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
S1 · E11
Oct 5, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep 11: Taking Action on Climate Action Plans: Making it make sense for Childminding settings
In this episode, your colleague and host Charlotte is joined by sustainability industry professional Amy Nicholass to make your role as a sustainability lead make sense. You will come away with an understanding of what to put in a climate action plan that makes sense for your setting and feel inspired about how little actions make a huge difference to the climate as well as the habits you will be teaching young children in your care. To find out more about Amy's work: Instagram @amynicholass_greenparty+Department for Education sustainability guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainability-leadership-and-climate-action-plans-in-education+NHS guidance on hot weather: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/+Save the children climate survery results: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/news/media-centre/press-releases/2022/survey-reveals-scale-of-climate-anxiety-among-british-children-on-eve-of-cop27Ministry of Eco Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcKqYf19Q5UMusic: Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio Library
S1 · E10
Aug 22, 2025 · 44 min
Ep 10: Mission Nutrition!
Join your host and colleague Charlotte as she welcomes her first ever guest to discuss all things nutrition! Make the nutrition guidance 2025 more achievable for yourself by joining this conversation with registered dietician Dalia Weinreb as topics such as the importance of good nutrition, menu planning and tips for picky eaters are all covered in less than an hour! For more of Dalia's work: https://www.dalianutrition.com/ EYFS Nutrition guidance 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-nutrition EYFS changes 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 Music: Cute Avalanche, YouTube Audio Library
S1 · E9
Mar 9, 2025 · 51 min
Ep:09 Childminding and Outdoorsy Stuff
In this episode we are going to have a little look into outdoor requirements for Childminders, as well as thinking about some research that impacts our every day lives. We are going to shout about how Childminders have a really unique opportunity to be outdoors with children but also how to become just a little bit more outdoorsy ourselves. This episode will also have you wondering with your host Charlotte about where all the babies are when thinking about outdoorsy stuff and generally help you to feel validated in your experiences with multi age ranges and our home lives. Music: Cute avalanche YouTube Audio Library References: https://arquitecologia.org/Baker_1.pdf https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1434936 Kemp, N., & Josephidou, J. (2021). Babies and toddlers outdoors: a narrative review of the literature on provision for under twos in ECEC settings. Early Years, 43(1), 137–150. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2021.1915962 https://www.froebel.org.uk/training/films/where-are-the-babies https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11432191/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09575146.2021.1915962#d1e597
S1 · E8
Dec 30, 2024 · 59 min
Ep 08: Sourcing Sound Sleep Suggestions
In this episode Charlotte talks you through why sleep is so important for everyone and gives you the reasons of why it is vital to share research backed information with families. Charlotte also talks about the sweet spot that Childminders are in being both professionals but also having the vibe of being an informal advice giver, and why we have to use that position of power wisely when we are working with families of young children. Grab that cuppa and let's get chatting! Music: Cute Avalanche- YouTube Audio Library References: *How parents seek information about infant and young children's sleep: Cook G, Appleton JV, Wiggs L. UK parents' help-seeking for child sleep: A qualitative investigation into parental preferences and reservations about resources. Health Soc Care Community. 2022 Nov;30(6):e5378-e5390. doi: 10.1111/hsc.13959. Epub 2022 Aug 9. PMID: 35942805; PMCID: PMC10087529. *https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/procedures-and-treatments/sleep-hygiene-children/ *https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/sleep/ *https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/camhs/self-care/sleep/what-happens/ *https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/children/children-with-send/ *https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/59wQtwGQZ2TVsxvrpq72btG/can-music-help-me-sleep-better *https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/
S1 · E7
Nov 24, 2024 · 52 min
Ep 07: Community! The three steps you need to know to bring community to your Childminding Setting
Childminders are in an exceptional position to bring young children into the community. This episode gives you research backed definitions of community and why it's so valuable. Charlotte discusses why she thinks young children are at risk of not being members of their communities and how to ensure they don't miss out! Charlotte also shares ideas with you so you can create opportunities for your own Childminding setting. Music: Cute Avalanche RKVC Oct 2019- YouTube Audio Library. References: (Am J Public Health. 2001 Dec;91(12):1929–1938. doi: 10.2105/ajph.91.12.1929) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1446907/ (accessed 9/11/24) Cobigo, V., Martin, L., & Mcheimech, R. (2016). Understanding Community. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 5(4), 181–203. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v5i4.318 (accessed 9/11/24) Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A. et al. Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review. Voluntas 35, 97–128 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z (accessed 9/11/24) Moloney 2022 https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/features/men-in-childcare-in-the-balance/ (accessed 9/11/24)
S1 · E6
Oct 27, 2024 · 50 min
Ep:06 Skills, Self Esteem and Self Compassion
It's time that Childminders recognise their amazing and varied skills!In this episode we are having a conversation about the skills you use every day and how valuing these will help you to feel happier both in and out of work. Why can inspections feel jarring? How can skills be of value if no one else is talking about them? How does speaking kindly to yourself help protect you?All these questions answered plus your host and colleague Charlotte shares a deeply personal experience.Trigger warning: Mention of domestic violence.If you need support regarding this topic you can find more information here https://refuge.org.uk/Resources/References:Music: Cute Avalance- Youtube Audio Libraryhttps://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/childminder https://embrace-autism.com/reading-the-mind-in-the-eyes-test/https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-NHS-talking-therapies-service/https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/how-to-improve-self-esteem-10-tips-to-value-yourself-morehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10406111/Robbins M, 2021,The High Five Habit @melrobbins
S1 · E5
Oct 13, 2024 · 4 min
Ep 05 : Blooper Special!
Your host and colleague is here keeping it real with a blooper reel. Hopefully it will keep you smiling until the next full episode! Enjoy!
S1 · E4
Sep 29, 2024 · 53 min
Ep 04: Potties, Poop and Professionalism
Potty training has been something that has popped up in lots of media sources recently. Find out why is is such a hot topic, get support in thinking about what a childminder's role in potty training could be and also feel validated about any concerns you might have about it. We are banishing the shame about bodies and bodily functions and digging into the vocabulary and research, so be brave and let's build your professional confidence!Resources/References. Music: Cute avalanche- Youtube audio libraryhttps://www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2024/08/one-four-children-not-toilet-trained-school-charity-warnshttps://eric.org.uk/potty-training/infographic and survey https://kindredsquared.org.uk/projects/school-readiness-survey/Tips and parent support https://www.pacey.org.uk/working-in-childcare/spotlight-on/2-year-olds/toilet-training/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/potty-training-and-bedwetting/how-to-potty-train/#:~:text=Leave%20a%20potty%20where%20your,explain%20what%20you're%20doing.Normal poops 0-5 years https://eric.org.uk/childrens-bowels/baby-and-toddler-poo/cultural practices of potty training https://babycollege.co.uk/the-science-of-potty-training/
S1 · E3
Aug 25, 2024 · 23 min
Ep 03: What is a childminder and where do I fit in?
Is there more than one way to be a childminder?What childminding styles are out there?Am I doing it wrong if I am not childminding in the same way as I see other childminders online or in my local area?Let's find out together!Grab that cuppa or stick on those headphones to do the chores as we get stuck into chatting about independent childminding, childminder agencies and lots of different approaches that make each childminding setting completely unique, including yours!As always here are the links to the research I did:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childcare-on-domestic-premiseshttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/applying-to-work-for-up-to-50-of-the-time-on-non-domestic-premises-eyahttps://www.careinspectorate.com/images/documents/157/Registering%20and%20running%20a%20childminding%20service%20-%20what%20you%20need%20to%20know%20-%20Oct%2013.pdfhttps://montessorieducationuk.org/faq/ detail https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230131-does-the-montessori-method-actually-workhttps://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hyggehttps://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/ https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/childminder/how-to-becomehttps://hub.careinspectorate.com/media/5076/quality-framework-for-early-learning-and-childcare-2022.pdfhttps://nicma.org/Become-a-Childminder/Childminding-as-a-profession.aspxhttps://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/register-a-care-service/register-a-childminding-serviceand a big thank you to tiney.co for sending me answers to lots of questions! Music: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC Oct 2019 (Sourced from YouTube audio library)
S1 · E2
Jul 28, 2024 · 45 min
Ep 02: A Sense of Wonder! Why you should get some and how!
What is a 'sense of wonder' anyway?Let's delve into it together, and along the way find out about some research, how it links to frameworks in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We'll also chat about ideas on how a sense of wonder might appear in your setting and how childminders are perfectly placed to support this approach!EYFS https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65aa5e29ed27ca001327b2c6/EYFS_statutory_framework_for_childminders.pdf (date accessed 24/6/24) Journal: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4186291/ (date accessed 24/6/24)journal (primary approach) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03054985.2020.1856648 date accessed 24/6/24mindful walking: https://www.headspace.com/articles/walk-into-a-mindful-moment accessed 24/6/24adult wonder blog - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adults-we-able-wonder-like-child-dr-glenn-hole accused 24/6/24scottish framework https://www.gov.scot/publications/early-years-framework/pages/3/ accessed 24/4/24Scottish Curriculum for Excellence https://education.gov.scot/media/wpsnskgv/all-experiencesoutcomes18.pdf accessed 24/6/24journal: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02568543.2023.2192249 accessed 1/7/24https://hbr.org/2021/08/why-you-need-to-protect-your-sense-of-wonder-especially-now accessed 1/7/24Welsh curriculum https://hwb.gov.wales/api/storage/b1801d78-38c3-4320-9818-d9996c21aef8/220914-a-curriculum-for-funded-non-maintained-nursery-settings.pdf accessed 1/7/24NI curriculum guidance : https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/PreSchool_Guidance_30May18_Web.pdf accessed 1/7/24Music: YouTube Audio Library: Cute Avalanche
S1 · E1
Jun 30, 2024 · 22 min
Ep01 Feeling isolated? You're not alone and here's how you can feel more connected.
Childminding can be an isolating job, and lots of people leave the profession because of it. But it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode you will get much needed validation for your feelings of isolation and some tips from your host and colleague Charlotte (BA hons Early Years and Childminder of the Year 2023), about how to conquer some of those feelings of isolation. Links to things mentioned in this episode: Statistics in fall in childminder numbers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspections-statistical-commentaries-2022-to-2023/a-focus-on-childminders#:~:text=Annex%3A%20Property%20data)-,The%20number%20of%20childminders%20is%20falling,than%20the%20number%20of%20leavers. (date accessed 17/4/24) Scottish Director-General Education and justice study https://www.gov.scot/publications/childminding-workforce-trends-qualitative-research-report/pages/7/ (Published 21/4/22) England's childminding mentor scheme https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childminder-mentor-programme#:~:text=use%20your%20data-,About%20the%20programme,between%20disadvantaged%20children%20and%20others. (Jan 2024 accessed on 17/4/24)

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