"I struggled every day by getting stressed and my mind was racing which stopped me from enjoying running the setting"

Jan 03, 2020

In this weeks blog post hear from my lovely member Karolina on how she felt before she started on the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation™️ (find out more here!) and how it's changed all aspects of her life for better!

When I started developing my childcare setting I had no knowledge about Early Years at all. I struggled every day by getting stressed and my mind was racing which stopped me from enjoying running the setting, as I was working on my own I didn’t have anyone to speak to reflect on my practice and continuously thought that I am not doing enough. However, I was very passionate about teaching children independence through real life play situations using natural toys and equipment. I very much struggled to understand how to observe children, plan in accordance of children’s interests and next steps. In general, I needed help with everything. When I came across Hygge course I knew that this was exactly what I needed to help me reach consistency, harmony and good, stress less daily experiences which allow me to enjoy running my setting.

I have created a vision that I will enable children of all backgrounds and abilities to develop and learn through play in caring, supportive and happy environment. I am now watching children and staff working in the environment which promotes emotional well-being and friendship. Children are feeling comfortable to explore, have fun or just snuggle down when they want to. The sense of security and trust is in the atmosphere and I feel that staff are happy to be in the setting and enjoy their jobs too.

I have made changes to my personal life by knowing when to stop and take a break. I started enjoying life even when I am under pressure of deadlines and Ofsted visit. I started being involved in play and enjoying children and their experiences which made me learn children better and understand how to observe them and plan for interests and next steps. I have also completely stopped doing daily notes for parents and instead started using that time for learning about individual children’s development stages, interests and next steps, also observing children every day. I started relaxing in the week after work and going swimming, walking or playing with my daughter more and believing that I can do this and I will achieve good quality setting which is my dream.

The setting has become extremely attractive due to new ideas that I am using from Hygge course. Children are very happy and do not want to go home when parents come to collect them. I am in process of purchasing a new property and I absolutely can’t wait to be creating and setting up my new setting. Hygge course inspired me to view the setting through the eyes of the child. I have started inviting children and staff to create play environments and be involved in looking after our setting. We have now got child sized cosy spaces to encourage children to interact. I have provided plenty of blankets and cushions so children can get cosy while reading books. I have added lots of led candles and lights which has added a sense of magic in our setting. Hygge course has impacted on learning and children’s progress at our setting and helped me show children how special they are.

I feel extremely happy and fulfilled every day running my setting where children and parents are happy and grateful for what we do, moreover one of my assistants has recently completed Level 2 qualification apprenticeship in childcare which has given me even more motivation and strength to continue improving my setting so both of my assistants can start Level 3 qualification in the New Year.