Teacher Spotlight: Lockdown Transformations

This week on our ‘Teacher Spotlight’ series we hear from Amy Bayliss, a childminder talking about her recent transformation!

‘I have been a childminder since 2016. When I began my journey I became inundated with toys, brightly coloured plastic toys and posters all in my front room! It took over everywhere and was so chaotic.

We never really went into my garden as it was just super depressing so we always ventured out into the woods and parks.

I stumbled across a video of The Curiosity Approach and it got me thinking and reflecting on my practice as an early years provider. I began by slowly removing the posters around my living area which is my only family space too. I then picked neutral colours and we re-decorated.

In 2019 I was going to join the Curiosity Approach Accreditation but as I followed them more, I realised that I wanted to become more connected with the outdoors.. so I tackled my garden. I am so glad I did this because my garden is used more than my front room now, the children are totally engaged and just love playing!

2020 I entered a competition to win a free Accreditation with The Curiosity Approach.. to my extreme surprise I won it!

Entering into the Academy I found there was so much to learn and it wasn’t just about the pretty pictures, you had to understand your WHY! Studying and working through the pandemic had its issues. I tried to become an all year round outside setting so purchased gazebos. They lasted through some awful storms and then unfortunately everything was ruined. We were devastated. But we pulled ourselves together and plodded on.

I brought myself a puddle suit to become that weather warrior and be more involved with the children. We had an absolutely amazing time through the winter. Being connected with the outdoors wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t had the opportunity with The Curiosity Approach.

Learning about the different theorists that The Curiosity Approach takes from changed my whole way of interacting with the little ones. Learning about intelligent resources and authentic resources was such an eye-opener. The little ones in my care are fully engaged and hitting their next steps quicker than ever before.

In the first lockdown, The Curiosity Approach looked for Ambassadors within the Academy. I put my name forward, went through Zoom interviews and I am now an ambassador for them for West Suffolk. I will be holding discovery sessions when the world allows us.

Stephanie and Lyndsey the owners of The Curiosity Approach are so passionate about Early Years and I am so grateful to share my passion with them.

The journey has been absolutely incredible and I would advise anyone to take up the accreditation! I don’t think I would have carried on Childminding without having The Curiosity Approach ?’

Amy shares some amazing transformation photos of her childminding space, this is what made her stand out to us..

Visit Amy’s Instagram page at @huggleschildcare to find out more