Lucie Bugg

Childminder

Some of the activities and resources I provide are:

• Baby and toddler toys

• Imaginary and role-play: dressing-up, play kitchen and food, shop, etc.

• Small world: dolls, cars, animals etc.

• Jigsaw puzzles and games

• Music and movement: musical instruments, music CD’s etc.

• Books, videos and DVD’s ( I limit screen-time)

• Creative play: playdough, painting, colouring, cutting and sticking, sensory experiences through foam etc.

• Cooking: simple biscuits and cakes, preparing lunch etc.

• Outdoor play: ride-on toys, tents and tunnel, playhouse, balls, slide, water/sand table

• Older children have access to the computer if necessary, although I limit the time spent on it, encouraging them to use the other resources available instead. I also occasionally use the computer with younger children. However, I prefer to let such screen time take place at home so that you, the parents, have the control as to the apps etc. your child uses and length of time children use such devices.

• We use the Alexa devices to listen to music, play games such as Guess The Animal noise, and to ask questions (even though she often doesn't know the answers!)

• I use a lot of loose parts (pine cones; shells; wooden items such as pegs, blocks and discs; cardboard tubes and boxes; fabrics; shiny and metallic items etc.) to allow children to follow their sense of curiosity and exploration, and encourage them to use their imaginations. However, the children can still access cars, animals, dolls etc.

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I try to introduce a weekly theme, such as Minibeasts, Dinosaurs, Valentine’s Day etc, to direct the activities on offer. However, I will always be led by the children’s current interests and preferences.

We also go on regular outings to local parks, such as Cherry Lane Park off Rushmere Road, local shops, as well as  attending Tiddlywinks toddler group at St. John's Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and The Salvation Army Toddler group on Woodbridge Road on a Wednesday morning.