Hi, my name is Michelle. I started Childminding 15 years ago to allow me to spend more time at home with my two beautiful girls,Megan who is now 20 years old and studying at Winchester Uni, and Amy age 17 years who is currently at 6th form college. I previously I worked as a care assistant /cook for the elderly. I have been happily married to Ian for 20 years. We live in nice quiet part of Springbourne, close to local amenities such as ,parks, beach, shops, library & Children's centre. I am Ofsted registered to care for 6 children under 8 years of age in addition I care for a small number of over 8's. I am currently caring for 2/3 under 5's each day. I also care for a small number of children after school who's ages at present range from 5 - 9 years. I was recently awarded "Childminder of the year' by Bournemouth council early years.I was extremely honoured to have won and receive so many wonderful nominations from parents past and present! I enjoy the outdoors, animals, theatre & film, swimming, music, Arts & crafts, gardening & cooking. Our pets include Tropical fish,a Guinea pig and a miniature Labra doodle called Teddy. New baby rabbits arriving in April, we are very excited! Our spacious home provides a caring,safe and fun environment for all ages with a dedicated playroom providing books, small world toys,dressing-up,Music, books, puppets,home-corner,puzzles & games. We have a large, fully enclosed garden with a sandpit, playhouses, slides,trampoline, ride-on toys, water play/sand play and gardening/planting area. Many activities, resources and outings are provided for the children to learn and develop through play and every day events and activities, such as, Outdoor play, Arts & crafts,Sand & water play, Baking, Singing, Music making, Role-play & ICT. We attend a forest school and regular workshops at the science zone. We also visit local children's centres, swimming pools, Library's, parks,soft play centres & beaches. Outings may include Farmer Palmer's, Moors Valley Country park or New Forest Wildlife park to name but a few. The children always get to experience a fun and educational day and make new friends of all ages and cultures. They are taught to have confidence in their abilities, to respect other's and use good manners and All children in my care receive individual attention to their specific needs. Our Multi cultural society is celebrated through books,cooking, music, crafts and puppets ect. My aim has always been to provide a loving, fun, healthy & educational, home from home setting where all children are treated with equal concern,free from discrimination and are encouraged to reach their full potential I work with guidance from the EYFS and provide each child under 5 years with a learning journal, which contains Observations, photo's, plans and next steps towards their learning and development. I positively welcome your input in planning for and sharing in your child's achievements. I am happy for you to contact me for more information or to arrange a visit.