New Food Allergen Regulations

From December 13^th 2014, EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EUFIC) comes into force. These European rules will be enforced in the UK by the Food Information Regulations (FIR).

The new regulations give food businesses, including childminders legal responsibility to provide correct allergen information about the ingredients in meals and/or snacks they provide. 
 
When I first look after a child I obtain information about whether or not they have any allergies, intolerances or health requirements.  It’s important that parents notify me if this information changes.  

I complete daily diaries for the children which include a list of what food they have eaten.  If parents require more detailed information about the ingredients or allergens contained I will provide this.

If you would like to read more about the new requirements, visit the Food Standards Agency website.

"Fabulous Childminder"

I've recently recieved a new review on my Childcare.co.uk profile, thank you Laura!

"My little boy has been going to Michelle for 19 months now. He started there aged 15 months, after a very unsettled start at a local nursery. We immediately felt at ease with Michelle, and decided that she would be the best person to look after our little boy. Taking him out of the nursery and entrusting him with Michelle was the best decision we could have made!
Michelle and her family live in a clean and tidy house, with a dedicated playroom, downstairs toilet facilities and a huge garden equipped with slide, climbing frame, playhouse, a rabbit and chickens! Michelle and the children rarely have a day when they don't leave the house...she takes them to various toddler groups, the library, to the shops, to cafes and to hundreds of different playgrounds and country parks.
Michelle prepares freshly made meals which I am told my little boy loves (he often has at least two helpings!)
We have noticed such a difference in our little boy since he has been with Michelle...it has been lovely to see him develop into a confident, chatty and independent little man. Michelle is also always looking for ways to continually improve her practice by attending evening and weekend courses related to child development.
If anyone is looking for a childminder I would not hesitate to recommend Michelle. I am happy to provide a reference, or speak personally to anyone who may be considering Michelle as a childminder...you won't be disappointed!"

More parent reviews can be found here. 

The Big Toddle 2014

Last Friday we took part in the Barnardo's Big Toddle 2014.  A sponsored toddle had been organised by local magazine, Time for Tots at Wicksteed Park.  Prior to the event I created an online sponsorship form.  I took along four children. Between them and their parents they raised £165 for the charity. Anyone who raised £10 or more received tickets for a free ride on the park train.

We had a lovely day, it was just a shame that the awful weather cut it short. I promised the children that I will take them back to Wicksteed soon.

Easter celebrations

Today we learned a new Easter counting rhyme at the Totscise group. One of the children often asks his Mummy and Daddy to sing the songs at home.  Here are the words so they can join in too:

Five Easter eggs sitting on a wall,

Five Easter eggs sitting on a wall,

If one Easter egg should accidently crack (jump and clap your hands),

There would be four Easter eggs sitting on the wall……..

Yesterday we made Easter bonnets.  The children have been invited to make hats for three of the groups that we attend. We made a simple cardboard hat and created a chick. Its body was an egg shape and the children’s handprint formed the chicken’s wings. We decorated them with feathers too.  The baby loved the sensory experience of playing with the feathers.  I’m now on the lookout for a feather boa for her to play with. Photos of the finished bonnets can be found on my Facebook page.

Its Mother’s Day this weekend.  The older children decorated a little vase for their Mummies which they filled with daffodils.