I am Sally, I am married to Dave, and we have two children Chloe and Alex. I also have two-step children Katie and Jamie from Dave’s previous marriage. The step children have both grown up and moved from home. We have two family pet cats called Pixie and Badger. 

I have been a Professional Registered Childminder since June 2000, after the birth of my second child, Alex. I have always enjoyed looking after children and saw this as an opportunity to share my experiences of my children with others. My children love to build relationships with the children I care for. We have a large garden and a fishpond, which is totally fenced off to prevent access to children.

There is a climbing frame, swings and trampoline for the children to explore and a playhouse for the little ones. The garden is very secure from anyone wandering around from the front of the property. A gate is kept locked at all times and a key is kept inside the house away from the children.

Over the years I have cared for a number of children of various ages and abilities. I have seen children grow through their years from pre-school to secondary school. Some families have moved overseas and we love to keep in contact with their progress within new schools and countries.

I have been an NCMA (National Childminding Association) member since I was first registered.  They provide regular newsletters and magazines, which are full of very useful information. Every November the NCMA hold their National Annual Conference, which is open to all childminders, Nannies and Early Years Managers. I have been lucky to have attended this conference for the last 5 years and will continue to attend every year if possible. It is a good weekend which provides useful training, resources, meeting other childminders and to forward a voice of opinion towards any debates.

I am an Approved Network Childminder on the “Herefordshire Children Come First’’ Childminding Network’. We have regular meetings and training along with support available to us if and when we require it. I am also an active member of the Herefordshire Childminding Association committee.