Magic of childminding – celebrating the incredible work childminders do

Coram PACEY’s Magic of Childminding campaign celebrates the truly unique role childminders play in supporting children, families and communities across England and Wales. This year, we are celebrating Childminding Week 11 to 17 May 2026 and the theme for 2026 is ‘Magic of Childminding’.

A group of childminders from North Devon met together at a local event in Pilton Park, Barnstaple which was held to celebrate the Magic of Childminding Week. The event was a lovely example of community, connection and the magic that childminding brings every day.

We asked the childminders to let us know why they enjoy childminding and if they would recommend it as a career:

Childminding gives me the work/life balance that I’ve always needed. I can continue my love of teaching the EYFS without being restricted to 4 walls and a small outdoor area.

 

Being a childminder is so much more than just a career to me, it’s about being a trusted part of the families I support, past, present and future. For the last 13 years I’ve had the privilege of supporting children through some of their most important early years, building bonds that often last long after their time in my care. As a mum of two I am especially grateful for a role that gives me flexibility for my own family whilst also allowing me to support other families, helping them feel reassured as their tiny humans grow, gain confidence and reach new milestones. I feel incredibly lucky to do a job that I genuinely love whilst supporting so many other families along the way.

Childminding allows me to combine my passion for outdoor learning, creativity, and child-led play in a way that supports positive mental wellbeing for everyone involved. I believe children learn best when they feel happy, safe, and free to explore the world around them through play and real-life experiences. Spending time outdoors is incredibly important to me, not only for children’s development and confidence, but also for my own mental wellbeing. I love creating a nurturing environment where children can learn naturally, use their imagination, build independence, and enjoy every stage of their growth in a fun and meaningful way.

I love the flexibility, you can chose your days and what hours you want to work. Take the little ones out everyday to explore their town, village they live in, learning through play all the time. Bringing them up like they are part of the family helping them all to flourish and then look back feeling super proud of what a great job we do helping  them grow with independence, feel safe and loved  and be school ready.

I love the bonds you build with families and the children. I feel privileged to be a small part of the child’s journey; hopefully turning them into independent, inquisitive and friendly children.

Childminding allows me to carry on doing what I love – working with children. It is lovely seeing how much the children develop from when they first arrive. I enjoy the versatility of the job. Each day can be so different. It’s such an honour to work so closely with families and be trusted to look after their little ones.

Childminding fits around my family so well and I love the flexibility it offers. I am super passionate about the children I work with and building relationships with families is a highlight! I also get to bring nature into our lives on a daily basis. I wouldn’t do anything else!

Acknowledgment from Ofsted

Wendy Ratcliff HMI, Principal Officer, Early Education:

Happy childminding week to all those amazing childminders out there – thank you for what you do day in day out – helping our youngest children get off to the best start. During childminding week I’m thinking about the childminders who helped my own children (who have been ‘adulting’ for a while now 😅) get off to such a great start. Thank you childminders.

Linked In post: #themagicofchildminding | Wendy Ratcliff

Ofsted Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, would like to thank all childminders across the country for your hard work and for everything you do to give our youngest children the very best start in life. With thanks to Coram PACEY for running this event each year and highlighting the #MagicofChildminding.

Linked In post: #magicofchildminding | Ofsted

Want to know more about becoming a childminder in Devon?

If you have been inspired by the Magic of Childminding campaign, and want to find out a bit more about becoming a childminder, why not attend one of our childminder information sessions? The informal and relaxed session will provide you with the information that you will need to decide childminding is for you and the cost to attend is only £25 per person.

What will the session cover?