Meet Annie: More Than Just a Childcare Provider

Meet Annie: More Than Just a Childcare Provider ✨

Hello, lovely readers! 👋 I'm so excited to share a little bit more about myself through this fun Q&A! So, grab a cup of tea ☕ and get ready to learn a bit about the person behind this blog. Let’s dive in!

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into childcare?

My path to working in childcare has been wonderfully varied, and like all good stories, it has a few twists and turns! Although I've always loved working with children, I initially explored my interests in a more academic setting.

I have a strong academic background, with a BSc in Government & Political Science from the London School of Economics (LSE), and an MA in Social and Political Thought from the University of Warwick. My MA focused on political sociology and philosophy, and I gained recognition of excellence across my taught module achievement by the head of the Sociology department. My studies were multidisciplinary, spanning the Social Sciences broadly, including politics and social theory, sociology of the body, anthropology, social policy, and feminist theories and epistemologies. My postgraduate dissertation explored young people’s experiences of sexual health and relationships education. If you had told me then that I would end up working with children, I’m not sure I would have believed it!

My professional career began in higher education, but my experiences have given me a really solid foundation for my childcare practice. My academic background has given me a deep understanding of people, society, and the importance of care and support. I have also worked in roles that have developed my communication, organisation, and leadership skills. For instance, in my role as Head of Engagement at St Cross College, University of Oxford, I learned how to foster relationships and really listen to people’s needs. I think that skill is vital in childcare, too – not just working with the kids but also with families. I love collaborating with parents and caregivers to ensure I’m providing care that is truly tailored to each child’s unique needs and personality. The same goes for my experience in fundraising and community-building – working with diverse groups of people taught me how to adapt and be flexible, which is a huge part of working in childcare. Being in a professional services career really helped me realise that I should follow something I love and am passionate about, and really reinforced that childcare brings me joy and fun, and fits with my unique skills.

Most recently, I worked as an Early Years Educator. This gave me valuable experience of providing nurturing and educational support to children aged 0-5, using Montessori and Waldorf approaches. I’m trained in safeguarding, paediatric first aid, food hygiene, and introductory Makaton. I’ve also worked as a children's bookseller, which has given me an in-depth knowledge of children's literature and a passion for sharing stories with young readers.

All of this has led me to where I am now, and I truly believe that every experience has shaped me into the childcare provider I am today.

2. What’s your childcare philosophy or approach?

I have a Montessori and Waldorf-inspired approach to childcare. For me, it’s all about creating a fun, nurturing space that celebrates each child’s individuality. I aim to help children develop independence and confidence, while also fostering creativity and emotional well-being. It’s really important to me that every child feels seen, heard, and valued, whether they are neurodivergent, have mental health challenges, physical disabilities, or are just growing at their own pace. Each child’s journey is unique, and I love being a part of that!

My core belief is that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn in their own way, at their own speed. Building those precious relationships and seeing children grow in confidence as a result of tailored care and encouragement is one of the most rewarding experiences. I strive to provide a warm and supportive environment where children feel secure, have fun, and most importantly, feel happy. 🥰

3. What’s your favourite part about working with kids?

For me, it’s building relationships with them and watching them discover new things! I love that moment when a child figures something out on their own, or when they find joy in something as simple as crafting, reading a story, or getting engrossed in an imaginative game. It’s so rewarding to create a space where they feel supported and can really flourish, whether that’s through an activity, a book, or just some quality one-on-one time. It's amazing to watch their confidence grow as they explore the world around them.

4. You mention that you’re a creative person – how does creativity play into your work?

I’ve always been drawn to crafting, particularly crochet 🧶 and more recently, sewing 🧵. These hobbies allow me to express my creativity, and I bring that love for creativity into my childcare. I believe making things with your hands, whether it's a toy, a blanket, or something as simple as colouring, is a powerful way for kids to learn patience and perseverance, and to enjoy self-expression. Crafting also offers a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about following a process and seeing a project come to life. It’s always amazing to watch kids get excited when they finish something they’ve worked on!

5. You’ve worked in some pretty diverse sectors – from the University of Oxford to community fundraising! How does that experience shape your approach to childcare?

My experiences outside of childcare have been incredibly valuable! My academic background has given me a deep understanding of people, society, and the importance of care and support. My previous roles have also developed my communication, organisation, and leadership skills.

For instance, in my role as Head of Engagement at St Cross College, University of Oxford, I learned how to foster relationships and really listen to people’s needs. I think that skill is vital in childcare, too – not just working with the kids but also with families. I love collaborating with parents and caregivers to ensure I’m providing care that is truly tailored to each child’s unique needs and personality. The same goes for my experience in fundraising and community-building – working with diverse groups of people taught me how to adapt and be flexible, which is a huge part of working in childcare. Being in a professional services career really helped me realise that I should follow something I love and am passionate about, and really reinforced that childcare brings me joy and fun, and fits with my unique skills.

6. You’ve got a lot of interests! Can you tell us more about your hobbies?

Definitely! I’m a huge fan of reading 📖 (I practically live in a bookshop!), crocheting 🧶, and sewing 🧵. I also love being outdoors, especially swimming (particularly wild swimming!), enjoying nature, and spending time with my husband and our rescue dog, George 🐕. I find that balance is key, and having creative hobbies helps me unwind, while my love for reading inspires me to learn new things and stay curious about the world. Whether I’m making something with yarn or getting lost in a great book, these hobbies keep me grounded and spark my creativity – both of which I bring into my childcare work!

7. Inclusivity is something you’re passionate about. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes! Inclusivity is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s something I passionately believe in. Growing up with anxiety and being surrounded by family members with autism and ADHD has given me a unique perspective on how important it is to create environments that are accepting and supportive for every child. I’m passionate about creating space that is welcoming for children of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. That’s why I focus not just on neurodivergence but on the full spectrum of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). I aim to build a childcare approach where every child feels empowered, heard, and valued.

8. What's one fun fact about you that people might not know?

Well, if you didn’t guess already from my hobbies, I’m a total bookworm 📚 and a crafting enthusiast. But here’s a fun fact: before finding my passion for childcare, I spent many years playing musical instruments! I played the flute, the piano (very badly!), and during my GCSEs, I was even in a steel pan band!

9. What can readers expect from this blog in the future?

You can expect a mix of everything I’m passionate about: childcare tips, book recommendations 📚, fun activities for kids 🎨, crochet projects 🧶, and of course, insights into inclusivity, mental health, and neurodivergence 🌈. This space will also feature personal reflections, seasonal ideas, and even the occasional post on LGBTQ+ topics, because I believe everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the world of childcare.

10. If you could offer one piece of advice to anyone in childcare, what would it be?

Take the time to listen – to the children, to the families, and to your own instincts. The best moments often come from truly understanding each child’s needs, and that’s when you can make the most meaningful difference.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! I'm so glad to have you here.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear from you. What’s something you’re passionate about? Drop a comment below and let’s get the conversation started! ⬇️💬