As the new term begins, childminders often find themselves welcoming new children and supporting those returning after the long summer holidays. While it’s an exciting time, it can also feel overwhelming.
Routines are new or have been forgotten, children and their families may need extra reassurance.
Here are the top 5 concerns childminders raise at this time of year – along with some helpful ideas to help you feel confident and prepared.
The concern:
New children (and even those returning after summer) may struggle with saying goodbye to parents. Tears at the door and unsettled behaviour can leave childminders feeling pulled between comforting children and reassuring parents.
Helpful ideas:
- Create a gentle settling-in plan with shorter sessions for new children.
- Use a comfort object (blanket, toy, photo book) from home to ease transitions.
- Share daily updates with parents during the first weeks – even a quick photo can reassure them.
- Use consistent routines (songs, greetings, handwashing rituals) so children feel secure.
The concern: After a long break, children may struggle with routines, boundaries, and self-regulation. Some may show regression in behaviour or emotional outbursts.
Helpful ideas:
- Plan extra calm, nurturing activities (story time, sensory play) to ease them back into the routine.
- Use visual aids like emotion cards to help children communicate how they feel.
- Reinforce positive behaviour with praise and encouragement, not just correction.
- Remember: regression is normal – it’s about readjustment, not failure.
The concern: September brings new EYFS updates, inspections, and the need for fresh policies and paperwork. Parents don’t always return forms quickly.
Helpful ideas:
- Prepare a September checklist for contracts, consents, risk assessments, and policies.
- Use digital forms where possible to speed up responses.
- Remind parents that paperwork is part of keeping their children safe – frame it as a partnership.
- Update policies with the new EYFS 2025 safeguarding requirements (DSL training cycles, safer recruitment, whistleblowing, etc.) You can purchase an EYFS compliant safeguarding policies & procedures at www.eyfstraininghub.com
The concern: New starters often bring new allergies, intolerances, or medical needs. Returning children may also have changes parents haven’t mentioned. Childminders worry about compliance with food hygiene, safeguarding, and health management.
Helpful ideas:
- Ask parents for updated health & allergy forms before the child returns.
- Keep copies of BSACI Allergy Action Plans for children with allergies
- Review menus against the new DfE nutrition guidance (EYFS 2025 update)
- Store emergency medication (e.g. inhalers, EpiPens) safely but accessibly, and train assistants on usage.
https://www.bsaci.org
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839b752210698b3364e86fc/Early_years_foundation_stage_nutrition_guidance.pdf
The concern: Summer often disrupts sleep, mealtimes, toilet training, and learning routines. Childminders feel pressure to get children back on track quickly – especially those preparing for school.
Helpful ideas:
- Reintroduce structure gradually – don’t expect children to slot straight back in.
- Share routine charts with parents to help with consistency at home.
- Plan activities to strengthen school readiness skills – independence, communication, and social confidence.
- Celebrate small wins – every positive step back into routine matters.
The September transition period is always a challenge – but with preparation, patience, and partnership with parents, it can also be a time of real growth and confidence.
Remember: you don’t have to do it all alone.
👉 At EYFSTrainingHub.com, you’ll find:
- EYFS 2025-compliant safeguarding policies and procedures
- Level 3 DSL training designed for childminders and early years leaders
- And brand-new resources being added every week to support your provision
🌟 Special Offer: Sign up this September for just £5/month for your first 12 months — https://www.eyfstraininghub.com/
