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.
Whether you have a newborn curled into your chest, a toddler exploring the world with determined little footsteps, an older child who seems to grow and change by the hour, or even one who now towers above you… this is for you. For the parent who is doing their best — even on the days…
There is no denying it anymore: the early years sector is standing in the middle of a storm. Childminder numbers continue to fall at an alarming rate. Nurseries are closing their doors. Practitioners — some of the most compassionate, dedicated people you could ever hope to meet — are walking away from a job they…
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…
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.
This week, I say goodbye to a very special little person — a child who has been with me for over three years. Since they were tiny. Since the early wobbly steps and sleepy snuggles. Since those first words, first drawings, first friendships. And now… they’re off to school. People often ask me how I…
A Barefoot Conversation Why play, presence, and connection matter more than the DFE’s version of “school readiness” A barefoot conversation with a ladybird.That’s what stopped me in my tracks. Tiny toes curled against the grass, a child crouched low and still—whispering gentle words to a ladybird resting on a leaf. No rush. No noise. Just…
Inspiration is everywhere — sometimes loud and life-changing, sometimes quiet and steady. Often, we don’t even realise we’ve been inspired until we look back and see how far we’ve come, guided by the encouragement, belief, or example of someone else. Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by people who have inspired me, lifted me up,…
‘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 