Every day as a childminder is great fun

Vicky meets... Dawn Spurway Pearson, from Little Treasures Childminding in Rose Green.
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• When did you open your business?

I opened in September 2005. Previously I worked as a sales manager for Comet, travelling up to 40 miles to get to work. I desperately wanted to spend time with my own children, who I was lucky enough to conceive in my early forties. I had already worked as a children’s entertainer and promoter, so the choice to care and educate other children whist I enjoyed being with my own was an easy one.

• How has lockdown affected your business?

Initially it crashed, but I’m now gently building it back up. Most of my children come to me via word of mouth. Sadly, lots of childminders have gone out of business due to Covid-19.

• What is the secret of delivering great childcare?

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Making learning fun and having clear boundaries. I am kind and loving, but I have iron-clad boundaries, which children really respond to. You also need to look for every opportunity to inspire, encourage curiosity and open up the little one’s thinking. Ultimately I hope to encourage children to become rounded, polite adults who can communicate and contribute to society in a healthy manner. I’m very hot on manners because they are key communication skills.

• What sort of activities do the children experience?

We go to lots of singing and percussion groups. I am very musical and so music is a big part of what I can offer the children. We also go to toddler groups, parks, beaches, forests and climbing and bouncing venues. I am always on the lookout for new opportunities.

• How do you cope with tantrums?

Children have no reason to tantrum if they are listened to and have words, or can sign, to express what they find difficult. Teaching your child the art of communication, then enjoying and listening to what they say in return, is the key to avoiding tantrums.

• What is a typical day at Little Treasures?

We usually start with free play, with toys laid out ready for the children to choose on arrival. Then we do the school run to drop off the older children, followed by an activity and snack time. Lunchtime, if it’s fine, might be outside. Then we have stories, focussed education and art and craft. We then collect children from school and end the day with free play.

• What do you love about your job?

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Watching children grow and taking their curiosity to a higher level is a privilege. Each day they make me smile. I love their laughter, their wonder at things they didn’t expect, their delight at being fully accepted and, especially, their imaginations. In my previous job as a retail manager I was always on duty. This is much lower paid, but the responsibility is the same. I absolutely love it. It is very rewarding and every day is great fun.

• For further information contact Dawn on 07880 720406 or 01243 261410.

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