Event shines light on work of childminders

"It's a real privilege to look after other people's children, be trusted with them, nurture them and see them grow."

That is how Guernsey childminder Dana Denning spoke of her vocation at an event marking Childminding Week on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of childminders by celebrating the work they do and building a sense of community within the sector.

Mrs Denning said the event, which was organised by the States of Guernsey's Early Years Team, helped to promote childcare workers and the "good that we do caring for other people's children".

Childminding Week runs from 10 to 16 May with various events put on by the States including craft activities, food advice and physical activities.

Mrs Denning said she currently has four children in her care.

"I started 21 years ago and it just fitted in with my children being small and they've just got loads of extended brothers and sisters," she said.

"[The event] promotes us as childcare workers and the good that we do caring for other people's children while they go out to work, knowing that they are in a safe environment."

Sharon Gill, who has been a childminder for 11 years, said children had more freedom when in a childminding environment.

"When there are days where they're not quite feeling like doing anything outdoorsy then you can create activities for them inside," she said.

"A smaller environment for children is really important.

"Sometimes childminders get unnoticed, with just being a small private business."

Kerry Brown, the Early Years PE and sports development officer, hosted a class on promoting movement and the development of motor skills in childrne.

"We just want children to love moving which means that they'll be more active throughout their lifespan," she said.

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