Welcome!

Being a parent of two myself, I understand the importance of finding the right person to care for your child and the level of responsibility and trust inherent in this. When my eldest child was small, I registered as a childminder and achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted. We now live on a quiet, leafy street close to the centre of Berwick Upon Tweed with our two children (now 12 and 16) and our three pet cats.

Background and experience

Originally from Yorkshire, I studied a Bachelor of Education (Honours), specialising in Art, in Chester before beginning my teaching career in London. It was there that I met my husband and we started our family. Looking for more space and a closer connection to nature, we moved to Northumberland in 2017.

Specialising in Art allowed me to develop a creative approach to learning that I still use today. Alongside teaching in London schools, I have worked with children in Scotland, America and Australia. My background also includes teaching adults at college, online tutoring, supporting children with profound physical disabilities and learning difficulties, and creating educational resources sold on Etsy, the TES and Alphabet Learning.

Setting

In May 2026, I successfully re-registered with Ofsted as a childminder. I have always loved working with the youngest children and from June, I am ready to open Seven Steps from our Berwick home, which is ideally situated close to Holy Trinity First School for school runs.

Our home offers a nurturing, purposeful and inclusive environment designed to make every child feel safe and settled. We are close to the train station and within walking distance of the river, beach, historic walls, parks and town centre. As well as our indoor space, we have a lovely garden that we are constantly developing. Whether engrossed indoors, active in the garden or out exploring the local area, your child will be focused, engaged and active whatever the weather.

Approach to childcare

I deliver a high standard of professional childcare and look forward to working in partnership with families. This is built on open communication, sharing information and providing clear updates to ensure every milestone is celebrated. I am calm and patient, taking time to build a meaningful connection with each child, starting with their interests. I believe gentle encouragement combined with consistency and clear boundaries helps children feel secure, giving them the confidence to explore and learn. Activities are flexible, making sure children are motivated, engaged and able to develop at their own pace.

Our weekly routine includes:

• Baking: Developing early maths and coordination through measuring and mixing
• Sensory play: Exploring different textures, messy play and creative mediums
• Mindful moments: Enjoying yoga and quiet reflection to support and develop emotional well-being
• Books, rhymes and reading: Singing songs and sharing stories together, using props and puppets as well as weekly visits to the local library

Overview of Seven Steps

• Nurturing environment: Providing a calm, gentle and secure space where children feel safe, valued and emotionally supported as they grow
• Child-led learning: Following individual interests, activities fit around each child's needs and level of engagement
• Nature inspired: Throughout everything we do, the wonder of nature will be at the centre of it all
• Flexible care: Aimed primarily at toddlers and preschool children from 18 months, though this age range is flexible to accommodate younger or older children where possible
• Convenient hours: These are structured around an 8am drop-off and collection up to 6pm
• Immediate availability: Seven Steps is open for business as of June 2026, with days of operation fitting around the first families