Nannies and Ofsted – the pros and cons
When families first set out on their childcare journey and are exploring all the options, they can be overwhelmed and confused by the jargon. I understand, don’t worry!
First day of school – preparation and expectations
First day of school – preparation and expectations
Does your child start school in September? If it’s your first child to start school, you may have mixed emotions about what that all means, I’m sure. It’s a milestone in their and your lives, they’re gaining some independence and at the same time, perhaps freeing up some time for you, allowing you to focus on your own pursuits, your other children. There’s no denying that the first day can be emotional but I’ve compiled a list of practical steps to help you, as well as some thoughts on what to expect from your child come September.
Maternity Leave Implications
One of the things which shocks many families when they take on a nanny is the fact that they become an employer. Many families think that recruiting a nanny is like hiring a babysitter for the night – cash in hand, say goodbye when you come home and see you next time.
Employing a nanny is much more involved than that – you are an employer, you need to pay tax, issue payslips etc. There is help at hand along the way, don’t worry, not just from me but from other organisations like the nanny payroll companies, however, one subject which still causes a stir, is dealing with a pregnant nanny and all that that involves.
How does your garden grow?
Recently I’ve started gardening with my nine year old daughter and it’s been so lovely. My daughter and I, luckily, have a great relationship anyway – I know it will all change as she hits the teenage years! – but this has given us time away from the indoors and helped us connect in a different way.
Nannies and Redundancy
At East Green, we like to help you with all aspects of being a nanny and employing a nanny … and all the fun stuff in between! In this blog, though, we’re talking about when the nanny relationship comes to end – I know that for some of you, both nannies and families, it’s hard to imagine it happening but one day it will.
Points to Consider When Exercising During Pregnancy
When I was pregnant with my first child I wanted to do everything I could to make sure the baby was safe, I guess that is a mother’s natural instinct and number one priority and so it should be. There are many arguments for and against exercising whilst pregnant and it is a completely individual choice. Here are my thoughts, for what they are worth….
DO’S AND DON’TS OF RETURNING TO EXERCISE POST-PARTEM
I had two quite large babies (7lbs11 & 9lbs3) and I was pretty big with both of them, putting on around two stone with each. I, like many mothers was very keen to shift the extra weight as soon as possible, which leads me nicely to point one:
I had two quite large babies (7lbs11 & 9lbs3) and I was pretty big with both of them, putting on around two stone with each. I, like many mothers was very keen to shift the extra weight as soon as possible, which leads me nicely to point one:
Choosing a baby name
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen their son’s name and shared it with the world. It is definitely breaking from tradition when it comes to royal family member names but I’m sure they agonised over it just as much as I did with mine!
Sleep Coaching
I started Googling sleep quotations for this piece and became very distracted! The one that caught my eye, though, was “People who say they sleep like babies, usually don’t have them.” It made me chuckle but, after talking to my friend Alison Humphrey-Walters, infant sleep coach, it made me wonder whether maybe we could all sleep as well as her baby clients.
Why nannies lose out on net pay rates
Why nannies lose out on net pay rates
Some nannies and nanny agencies still talk in terms of net pay, yet nannies that agree a net rate almost always lose out. Parents don’t like it either – with good reason – so why does the practice continue? And how much more could a nanny get by agreeing a gross rate?
Mother’s Day Food and Drink inspiration!
It might be three weeks’ away but, as we all know, time flies and Mother’s Day on 31st March will be here before you know it! Yep, I know, last year you said you’d be more organised this year so here’s your chance! It’s NOW!
A passion for reading – how to nurture a book worm
A passion for reading – how to nurture a book worm It goes without saying that reading is an essential skill but a passion for reading is not. It needs to be nurtured and encouraged which, isn’t as hard as you think. Firstly, children want to be their parents. I know – when they’re telling […]
The Importance of Learning to Swim at an Early Age
‘Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill’ Swim England 2019. Pupils should leave primary school able to swim 25 metres unaided and be knowledgeable and safe around water. The annual census from Swim England, based on a survey […]
Returning to work…..
Happy new year! I know it’s already January 21st but hopefully it’s not too late to be saying that. There’s always a great deal of chat around January about resolutions and what you’re going to achieve in the year which can feel over-whelming to the point of off-putting. But if, as a mother, one of your goals for the year was returning to work then read on as there may be some people who can help.
Ten things you didn’t know about….Mary Poppins!
It’s a cliché I know but I can’t say I’m not excited about the new ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ film that’s out on release on 17th December. Here are some little known facts about the original Mary Poppins that you can impress your family with this Christmas when it’s on TV again!
Christmas is coming…..
Christmas is coming – I think the ‘C’ word is definitely allowed with less than five weeks to go! As an independent business based in Kent I wanted to share with you some other local independent businesses that have great products for Christmas and gift ideas.
Pensions for nannies
The government have been phasing in legislation across the last 8 years that requires all employers to provide a pension scheme, no matter how few employees they have. This means nanny employers must set up a pension scheme in their name, to facilitate contributions by both the nanny and the employer.
10 Great Emergency Meal Ideas
10 Great Emergency Meal Ideas
You’ve got a million and one things to do as soon as you get through the door. You turn the key in the lock, take a deep breath and pray that you can all get through the next couple of hours without loosing it….
One of the first things you need to do is sort the evening meal. Groan. What to do?
Preparing for interview – nannies and families!
Taking on a nanny might seem daunting. You’re used to working with others in your day job; you might even be used to recruiting and hiring at work, but hiring for your family – how do you approach that?
Remember, remember, the 5th of November!
Remember, remember, the 5th of November…. first aid kit, water and gloves!
Before we know it Bonfire night will be upon us and amid the ‘oooh’s and the ‘aaaah’s we need to know the safety of our children is not compromised.
Struggling to get your children to eat well? Let’s get them in the kitchen!
My name is Carol, I am the proud owner of children’s cookery school, Cookies Kitchen and I am passionate about the importance of encouraging children to cook.
Today’s headlines are full of shocking facts and figures about childhood obesity, Public Health England say that nearly a third of children aged between 2-15 years are now over-weight or obese and with that figure only set to rise we really have to step up and change children’s relationships with food and exercise.
I need some help!
If you read the guest blog from Alice Backlog a few weeks’ ago, you’ll know that she talked about having suffered from post-natal depression and anxiety. I wanted to give you some pointers on who to turn to should you be feeling like this and share some stories of women who have been on their own mental health journeys as mothers.
Life Casting, all you need to know…..
Would you like to know a little more about life casting and how to capture a moment in time??
My name is Christine Sharman and I own Babyprints Tunbridge Wells. My job is to capture memories for you. I am a life caster, which means I create 3d replicas of the hands and feet of your loved ones, whatever age they are.
Having babies abroad – an ex-pat’s experience
Having babies abroad – an ex-pat’s experience
Clare White has lived quite literally all over the world. She was born in Kent, moved to Switzerland when she was one, later came back to Kent and then once married, embarked on a worldwide adventure with her husband Roger that would take them to Austria, Trinidad , Mumbai, Egypt, Singapore and Thailand. Clare has three sons who were born in different countries, Egypt, Singapore and Thailand and here she recounted to me some stories of having babies abroad and how she took inspiration from a Thai hospital to start her business.
Early skills required for writing preparation
For a child to be able to write, there are so many requirements, including a combination of gross and fine motor skills to help with both mental and physical development.
We’re only human!
We’re only human!
Nannies are brilliant! I’ve been one, I’ve worked with lots and now I place lots to families in Kent, Sussex and beyond. But nannies are only human and just like any working relationship, the smooth relationship between parents and nannies is critical to success.
Simple Self Care By Alice Backlog
As we journey through parenthood we are faced with so many shifting and conflicting ways of being. A new phase with our child creates a new phase within us. I am a mother of two, Co- creator of Kingdom Yoga, Freelance Photo Editor, friend, daughter and Wife.
Parenting consultants – ready to help you when you need it
Are you feeling challenged?! Do you have a baby that isn’t feeding well? Do you have a toddler who’s struggling to sleep through the night? Or perhaps, you’re feeling more than challenged, overwhelmed in fact, and you just need someone to talk to.
Hypnobirthing……….what’s it all about??
‘Hypno’ what?? That’s the response I tend to get when talking about hypnobirthing. If I’m honest it’s the ‘hypno’ bit of the word which tends to put people off. Perhaps it’s the images of pocket clocks on gold chains, tie dyed skirts, incense diffusers and chanting which spring to mind for most people, confirming that hypnobirthing is definitely not for them. “A little bit weird and alternative” or “definitely not for me as I am not that type of person” are often quoted.
East Green Child Care Services; our story
East Green Child Care Services has been around for 22 years! It is one of the longest running child care agencies in Kent that has remained under the same ownership & management. Over those 22 years I’ve enjoyed lots of nannying roles myself and had my two children, so life has never been dull! Throughout it all I’ve continued to offer the same service that I committed to in 1997 – I’m passionate about creating placements that really work and I also aim to deliver quality customer service to all my clients.
The benefits of swaddling
For thousands of years, mothers all over the world have swaddled their babies. Swaddling helps your baby to feel safe and secure and is a great way to soothe them. It can even help your baby sleep longer!
Why a Nanny?
Why a nanny?
I understand that there is a plethora of child care options available to parents and I am often asked, “Why would I choose a nanny over, say, a nursery or child minder?”. There are hundreds of reasons why a nanny works well for so many families but here are my top 5.
If you want to hear more or just discuss, give me a call! 01732 838417 or 07778 923 400.
Tax Free Child Care
At East Green Child Care Services, we not only help you find childcare that fits your family, we like to try to help you manage the costs that accompany such a relationship. Tax-Free Childcare is a Government scheme that was launched in 2017 to help working parents/carers with the cost of childcare. Tax free childcare can save up to £2,000 per child so it’s worth checking to see whether your family is eligible!
You’ve heard of baby day care but have you heard of baby night care?
You’ve heard of baby day care but have you heard of baby night care?
You might be preparing yourself for your baby’s arrival or perhaps reading this whilst your new baby sleeps – either way, you may be considering help with your new addition. East Green Child Care Services can offer you a variety of childcare options, one being a maternity or night nurse.
5 Top Tips For Fussy Eaters
If you’re the parent of a fussy eater (and most parents I know are, including me) then chances are you’ve tried lots of different ways to get your child to eat different foods.
Maybe you started off quite patiently, being very encouraging and trying a variety of tactics to make mealtimes fun. Several months on though, maybe nothing has worked, you’re anxious your child isn’t getting all the daily nutrients he or she needs, and mealtimes have become a constant battleground, with tears and tantrums and stress.
THE JOURNEY TO FOREVER
Most parents I work with tell me I am very patient, but this project had me hopping from foot to foot wanting to tell you all about it!
TOP TIPS ON WHAT TO EAT DURING LABOUR
I have been planning a blog about what to pack in your hospital bag for a while now and one of the things everyone agrees on taking is snacks. It got me thinking so I asked my friend Chloe Stephens who runs the bootcamp I go to, if she had any advice on this.
FIREWORKS
Remember, remember, the 5th of November…. first aid kit, water and gloves!
Hushabye Photography
One of the many advantages of our digital world is just how easily we can record our lives and our children’s.
Boys and Girls
Boys and Girls clothing range is relatively new to us but we are well and truly hooked.
SWEET UMAMI
This week I thought I would let you in on a new Sussex company that delivers freshly prepared meals to your door DAILY!!
SIGNS OF REFLUX
June is Reflux Awareness month so I felt it apt to focus our blog on this subject. Sadly it seems to be all the more common these days, but that does not mean that you will generally have an easy ride getting it recognised or diagnosed and then finally treated.
Twins
TWINS A MUM’S PERSPECTIVE
I was asked to write a blog…something about having twins. So I did what any person does. I Googled. There are plenty of Top
Ten Tips sites and literature. The word that seem to be mostly associated with this experience is survival.
WHAT IS A MATERNITY NURSE?
A maternity nurse is somebody who specialises in the care of newborn babies and will literally move into your home when you come home from hospital with your new baby or babies! She will be on hand pretty much 24 hours a day for up to 5 or 6 days a week and will stay for as long as you choose to book her for.
ABOUT EAST GREEN CHILD CARE SERVICES
So here we are, established for 18yrs and a newly (well fairly new) revamped website and now a Blog!
We want to hear from you about the things you would like us to blog about, but to start with we thought we would start with a bit about ourselves and the business….