Unique Opportunity

We are looking for childminders, early years practitioners and early years professionals who would like to share their knowledge and experiences for the benefit of others in our publication for childminders.

I am a childminder myself with Early Years Professional Status and developed this publication during my studies. The aim of the publication is to support and inspire childminders in their delivery of the EYFS and to improve outcomes for children.

We are looking for people to contribute in any of the following areas;

Planning & activity ideas
Personal experiences, opinions or stories
New approaches or initiatives
Articles on specific areas of childcare
Reviews or whats new
Festivals, celebrations or events

Contributions can be a simple one off submission or a regular placement within the publication. They can be one paragraph, one page or two pages in length with or without illustrations or photos. The actual layout in the publication will be designed by us. Your own website, blog or details can be included or you may prefer to contribute annonymously. We are happy to discuss requirements or answer questions.

Please remember this is not an option for advertising your products or services. This is an opportunity for you to share your unique knowledge and experiences with others to support and inspire them.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please contact me with any further questions at essentialchildminder@yahoo.co.uk

Kay Fisher BA (hons), EYP
Editor

'How to' factsheets

We have compiled a selection of factsheets to explain some of the features of the digital magazine, including how to purchase, your home page and what each of the icons and buttons do. Simply click here to access the factsheets:
http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html

May edition coming very soon....

 

May edition is out on Sunday.

Explore the wonderful world of Mini Beasts

Join in with our Table Manners Month

Remember to check out our blog and facebook for additional planning ideas and news.

 

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html 

Royal Wedding Crown Biscuits

 

To celebrate this week's Royal Wedding, why not make some beautiful crown biscuits.

Using ready made sweet pastry, cut out crowns using a crown shaped cutter (available from most cookware/cake stores). Follow the 'how to cook' instructions on the pastry packaging. Once cooled, decorate with glace icing and sweets such as, jelly tots, smarties or mini gems.

 http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/blog/2011/04/26/Crown-Biscuits.aspx?alt_id=9JCF7-5A732-8N2&ts=1303812762206

Easter Treasure Hunt - activity 2

And here's our 2nd alternative to the traditional Easter treasure hunt!

Essex Bee Farm

We visited Essex Bee Farms today! Check out our Art Director kitted out in her bee suit!!

 

For more information and activities on Bee's don't forget to purchase the May edition of The Essential Childminder Magazine or subscribe today!

 

http://www.thurrockhoney.co.uk/

 

Easter Treasure Hunt - activity 1

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/blog.html

Are you looking for alternative ideas to the traditional Easter Treasure Hunt? Here's the first of this week's suggested activities.

Competition reminders

Don't forget to enter the two fantastic competitions we have for you in the April edition.
Pg 24 - The Childminding Shop are giving away 2 life cycle layer puzzles. Simply email us 'layer puzzle offer' with your name and address to enter.
Pg 36 - TTS are giving away Prince and Princess cloaks. Simply email us 'cloak offer' with your name and address to enter.www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe.html

Childminders prevented from offering free places to parents

Please click on the link to read the article.
http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/bulletin/NurseryWorldUpdate/article/1065037/?DCMP=EMC-CONNurseryWorldUpdate

Ofsted registration fees

Please click on link below to see details of current Ofsted registration fees.
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General/Childcare-registration-form-Paying-fees-for-application-and-continued-registration-on-the-Early-Years-Register-and-Childcare-Register

Moonwalk

Kerry a member of our Cheeky Monkey childminding group is bravely doing the moonwalk in aid of Breast Cancer on 14th May 2011. Please click this link to sponsor her & this very worthy cause. Thank you!
http://www.walkthewalkfundraising.org/beehive_mums

Also don't forget to let us know of any charity events you organise or are part of. Send us the details at info@essentialchildminder.co.uk and we will do a shout out for you.

Mini-beasts

We need your help!
Do you have any weird or wonderful mini-beasts or insects as pets? If so, please could you send photos of them to us for the May edition of ECM. Email: info@essentialchildminder.co.uk (no children in the photos though please)www.essentialchildminder.co.uk

Mother's Day

So how was your Mother's Day? I hope you were spoilt? Have parents commented on things that the minded children made for their mummy's? Share your experiences with us.
www.essentialchildminder.co.uk

New Edition Out Today

Click on the image above to access the latest edition of The Essential Childminder Magazine out today.

If you haven't logged in yet you will need to check your emails for your password previously sent to you and log in to view the latest and previous editions. Before accessing your copy you will also need to confirm your email address. It is a fairly simple process, however if you experience any problems please feel free to email us. info@essentialchildminder.co.uk

Let us know what you think!