My name is Lorayne Rutter and I began childminding in January 2012.  Prior to providing child care at home, I had worked within a school setting since April 2008 and qualified as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant.    Before having my own children I worked within a Government Department as a Visiting Officer.

My daughter attended Nottingham University.  She is 26 and a surveyor in Stevenage.  My son turned 22 this July and is a plumber.  We live with our ‘Man about the House’ – Ken, who pops in and out during the day as he cares for a local friend.

Many crafts are taken outside – we painted bear masks whilst visiting the bears at the zoo.  In the spring, using glue and tissue paper, we made a blossom tree whilst sitting near one in full bloom and we watched the bees hover around it.  We talked about those bees making honey -then sat down to try our honey sandwiches.

Children will spend many years inside a classroom so while they’re young and can explore, I take them on a journey of discovery.

Their typical day is a mixture of adult led activities with the remainder being free play.

I encourage free play because a child needs to discover and learn.  This is how they make sense of the world and they need this knowledge in order to problem solve.  This teaches them a way of learning which will enhance their life skills.  Being encouraged to try again and to concentrate, if embedded at an early age, enhances their learning through life.

I introduce many adult led activities because adults need to teach children new things.  It’s not ideal to sing ‘Old MacDonald had a farm’ if a child hasn’t any idea what a pig or a cow is.  As the adult, I provide the awe and wonder of the world around them – I try to bring songs and stories ‘to life’.