Are you a childminder working with early years children (0-5 years)? Are you feeling isolated or overwhelmed? Do you have assistants but no support in leading your team? Would you like some support in running your childminding business?
You’re not alone. The challenges of running your own business and caring for children can be immense. Our free online supervision sessions are here to help.
You can access up to 3 free online sessions over a 6-month period with your allocated supervisor, funded by the Stronger Practice Hub. These will be arranged on an individual basis, during a day or evening that suits you.
Supervision provides a dedicated space for you to reflect on your work, explore challenges, and celebrate successes. Think of it as a confidential, non-judgmental space to talk through anything on your mind, from tricky behaviours to parental relationships or even just the daily pressures of the job.
Our experienced childminder supervisors are here to support you in confidential sessions.
What you’ll get from supervision:
- A safe, confidential space to talk
- Support in managing difficult situations
- Space to reflect on your own well-being
- A chance to celebrate your achievements
- Opportunities for professional and personal growth
- Time to reflect on how to improve outcomes for children
- Support to access resources and further training
Ready to find out more?
Fill out the Expression of Interest Form today to take the first step toward feeling more supported in your role.
The Stronger Practice Hub will review your request and allocate a supervisor, who will be in touch in due course.
There might be a short waiting time, depending on demand.
Meet the Team
Caroline Vans
Hi, I am the Childminder Network Lead for the Bristol and Beyond Stronger Practice hub. I also work for Gloucestershire County Council as an Early Years Quality Improvement Lead supporting childminders. I love my job because I can visit and support so many amazing settings. I will always advocate for childminders, as I believe they provide young children with what they need from childcare. Previously, I was a childminder for 9 years, and I completed an MA in Early Years Education based on research from my own setting. I was an area lead and mentor during the DFE childminder mentor programme and achieved outstanding at my last Ofsted inspection. I have also worked in children’s centres for many years. I am passionate about supporting children with their emotional well-being and creativity skills. I have two children of my own and love a spa day with friends and a holiday in the sun.
Katherine Walsh
I am a fully qualified and experienced teacher-turned childminder working in Wiltshire. I’m passionate about providing quality home-from-home Early Years education personalised to each child. I am proud to have been graded ‘Ofsted Outstanding’ in both of my inspections, but I am even more excited to share in the wonder and joy of a child’s earliest years.
At my setting, we plan in the moment and go with the flow, whether that involves flying kites on a windy day, mapping the Budapest Metro system or planting seeds and watching them grow. We have lots of muddy fun at our allotment and explore locally too – my classroom has definitely expanded and I love it!
I am also aware of the challenges facing the Early Years sector, and how tough some days can be. I have worked with a range of providers as a Mentor on the Covid-19 recovery programme, and I work with the Bristol Stronger Practice Hub, where I continue to provide support to other childcare professionals.
Janine Haenel
I’m a Level 3 Early Years Educator with a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies and SENCO training. For 13 years, I’ve been childminding (twice Outstanding), and even spent time as a DfE mentor supporting other childminders post-Covid.
Together with my husband, I run our setting — a warm, home-from-home environment where children grow through nature play, outdoor adventures, Montessori/Froebel-inspired learning, and the development of real-life skills. We’re committed to nurturing relationships and creating lasting memories.
Originally from Germany, I incorporate bits of language and culture into our daily lives. Beyond childminding, I love reading, travelling, and swinging glow sticks at my weekly clubbercise class!
