National Childminding Week

There is something incredibly special about childminding.

Not because it is easy. Not because it is glamorous. But because every single day, childminders across the country quietly show up and give pieces of themselves to the children and families they care for.

In honour of National Childminding Week and Mental Health Awareness Week, I wanted to take a moment, not to talk about paperwork, policies, inspections or curriculum frameworks, but to celebrate you.

The people behind the play.

The ones wiping tears while hiding their own overwhelm. The ones planning invitations to play at 10pm after putting their own children to bed. The ones answering parent messages during dinner. The ones constantly spinning plates while trying to remain calm, nurturing and professional.

Childminders wear so many hats.

You are educators. Comforters. Safeguarding leads. Cleaners. Chefs. Risk assessors. Story tellers. Business owners. Nappy changers. Outdoor explorers. Record keepers. Advocates. And very often… the safe place someone desperately needed.

And somehow, despite the pressure, you continue to create environments filled with warmth, belonging and love.

But behind the cosy shelves, the tuff trays and the carefully planned invitations to play, there are real people.

People who sometimes feel lonely. People who question whether they are doing enough. People who carry the emotional weight of supporting not only children, but entire families. People trying to balance their own mental health while caring endlessly for others.

This role expects a lot from you.

And while childminding can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, it can also feel incredibly isolating at times.

That is why support networks matter so much.

Whether that is a WhatsApp group with other childminders, a local meet up, an online community, a trusted friend who “gets it”, or simply having one person you can message after a hard day: connection matters.

You were never supposed to do this completely alone.

At The Early Years Edit, I have always wanted to create spaces that feel real. Not perfect. Not polished. Not “Pinterest childcare”.

Real settings.

Real children.

Real practitioners.

Real challenges.

Because the truth is, children do not need perfection. They need emotionally available adults. They need consistency. Connection. Safety. Joy. Belonging.

And childminders provide that every single day in the most powerful ways.

So this week, I hope you take a moment to recognise yourself too.

Not just the business owner. Not just the practitioner. But you as a person.

Rest when you can. Reach out when you need to. Ask for help. Celebrate the small wins. Be proud of the environment you are creating. And remember that what you do genuinely matters.

To every childminder showing up day after day - often quietly, often unseen - thank you.

You are shaping childhoods. You are building secure foundations. You are making children feel loved, safe and valued.

And honestly?

You are truly fabulous.

- Chloe