Magic of Childminding

Small settings, big learning, real connections.

Coram PACEY
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Magic of Childminding: Leanne and Darren

Spotlight on Leanne and Darren

Darren and Leanne are an inspiring husband and wife team who have been married since 2013. They have four children, aged twelve, ten, four, and two. Having vast experience working in nurseries and as a nanny, Leanne decided to lead the way and became a registered childminder in 2016.

Leanne and Darren began working together in 2019, initially trialling before‑ and after‑school care to ensure they would both be comfortable living and working alongside each other. Darren joined the setting as Leanne’s assistant, and later registered independently in 2023, just before the birth of their fourth child the following November.

“Childminding for me is the happy medium between a nursery and a nanny. Having worked as all three, childminding is a unique way for children to do activities as they would in a nursery, whilst being in a home setting like having a nanny. Childminders have a level of freedom you do not get when working in a nursery which in turn means we can provide ample opportunities and experiences for the children. For example, we visit National Trust places, farms, different parks, libraries, pet shops, we have even taken them to play on a beach!”

Leanne

Freedom and the outdoors

Living where they do means Darren and Leanne have the wonderful advantage of a local country park right on their doorstep, offering rich learning opportunities, freedom, and exploration for their very young learners. They use two wagon strollers so the children can enjoy a ride to their destination, get out to play on arrival, and rest whenever needed.

The children take part in painting, regular outings, singing and musical instrument sessions. They play with toys that reflect their interests and developmental stages. They also make full use of their garden, which is equipped with play resources and learning opportunities tailored to the children’s needs.

Flexibility

The flexibility afforded to parents by settings like this means that their needs are met by childminders like Leanne and Darren. Their setting operates from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 4pm on Fridays. They finish earlier on Fridays to ensure their own children have the opportunity to arrange playdates if they wish, and so the family can enjoy some time together at the end of a long week when everyone is tired.

Young children and continuity of care

Many children join Leanne and Darren as babies and remain in their care until they move on to secondary school. On average, children typically start between nine months and one year of age, often as parents return from maternity leave. The youngest child they have recently welcomed was just two months old at the time.

Leanne and Darren have cared for numerous sets of siblings over the years, which they always find a joy not only because siblings are often wonderfully different from one another, but also because it allows them to build on an already strong relationship with the parents.

"A setting full of toddlers all with exceptional personalities. Leanne and Darren absolutely love caring for early years children and it shows. They are fun, nurturing, inquisitive, guiding and gentle. It was a joy to be around them and watch them at work."