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Spooktacular Halloween Activities

Spooktacular Halloween Activities

October 23, 2025
Young girl dressed as halloween witch

Halloween isn’t just for the big kids! At KiddyKare, we know that even the tiniest pumpkins love a bit of seasonal sparkle. Whether you’re planning nursery activities or looking for ideas to try at home, here are some age-appropriate, safe and sensory-rich Halloween activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

👶 For Babies

1. Pumpkin patch sensory basket

Fill a basket with soft fabric pumpkins, textured leaves and baby-safe rattles in autumn colours. Let little hands explore under supervision.

2. Spooky sound bottles

Create sensory bottles with rice, googly eyes and Halloween confetti. Shake, rattle and roll for a gentle sensory experience.

3. Baby print ghosts

Dip tiny feet or hands in white paint and let them print all some black paper.

🚼 For Toddlers

1. Pumpkin scoop and explore

Let toddlers scoop out the insides of a pumpkin with spoons or hands. It’s messy, squishy and brilliant for sensory play.

2. Spider web sticky wall

Stick contact paper (sticky side out) to a wall and draw a web. Provide cotton balls, paper spiders and tissue to stick and unstick.

3. Halloween colour sorting

Use orange, black, green and purple pom-poms or blocks for a simple colour-sorting game with a spooky twist.

🧒 For Preschoolers

1. Ghost bowling

Draw ghost faces on white plastic cups and stack them. Use a soft ball to knock them down – great for motor skills and giggles!

2. Witch’s brew water play

Set up a cauldron (or water tray) with coloured water, ladles and Halloween-themed items like plastic spiders or eyeballs. Stir, scoop and pour!

3. Pumpkin stamping

Cut a small pumpkin in half, dip it in paint, and stamp onto paper. Add faces to turn them into Halloween pumpkin masterpieces.

4. Costume dress-up corner

Create a mini dress-up station with hats, capes and soft accessories. Let imaginations run wild – no scary costumes needed!

🧡 Tips for a child friendly Halloween

  • Keep it light and fun, avoid anything too spooky or loud.
  • Always supervise sensory and craft activities.
  • Use edible or baby-safe materials where possible.
  • Embrace the mess – it’s part of the magic!

Whether you’re crafting footprint ghosts or stirring up a witchy water tray, Halloween is a brilliant time to spark creativity and sensory exploration in little ones. These activities are more about giggles than ghosts and perfect for making memories that last longer than the sweets!

Posted in Childcarers, Uncategorized

From Nannies to Nightmares: How We Celebrate Halloween

From Nannies to Nightmares: How We Celebrate Halloween

October 22, 2025
Happy Halloween

We all know our childcare recruitment consultants are experts at finding the perfect nursery workers and school staff. But what happens when they trade in their client calls for costumes and candy?

This year, we thought it’d be fun to peek behind the pumpkin patch and find out how the team celebrates this spooky season! We asked them about their favorite Halloween traditions, their go-to costumes, and their best trick-or-treating memories. Get ready for some frightfully good fun as they share their answers below!

Ready to find out if they prefer a scary movie night or a full-on haunted house? Keep reading and 🎃 Happy Halloween! 👻

What’s your ultimate Halloween treat and what’s a candy you’d happily trade away?

Jen: A toffee apple would be my treat, and I would trade the sticky out of date treats handed out when trick or treating!

Jodi: I’m a sucker for a mini-Twix and fizzy sweets. But if you hand me a boiled sweet… we’re trading.

Kelly: Sweets—Cadbury Nibbles included—are stacked and staying put; if I need to share, I’ll dig out something from the cupboard I don’t even like.

Emily: Ultimate Halloween treat must be a milky way (best treat any time of year!!!). I would happily give away skittles – there are much better options.

Lois: My favourite sweet has 100% got to be a pear drop, but they don’t get given out on Halloween so I will settle for a lolly. I am happy to give away a flying saucer to Emily and Jodi, seeing as they like them!

What’s been your favourite Halloween costume (past or dream one)?

Jen: My favourite Halloween costume was a witch because I loved the mysterious vibe and the chance to dress up with fun accessories like a pointed hat and a broomstick.

Jodi: Winnie the witch would an incredible future costume!

Kelly: Cat woman.

Emily: A neon skeleton, it was even glow in the dark.

Lois: I always go as a dead schoolgirl, but this year I’m doing a duo of Woody and Jessie from Toy Story, LOL!

If you had to run a nursery in a haunted house for one day, what would be your survival strategy?

Jen: I’d ensure I was working in a room surrounded by children and team members, someone else could work alone in the office!

Jodi: Keep calm, carry snacks, and distract the ghosts with a sensory tray. Bonus points if it’s filled with slime and googly eyes

Kelly: No adult to leave me by myself I’ll be dead within 5 mins.

Emily: Run fast & wait outside.

Lois: Bring in the Warren family right away!

Carving, painting, or leaving it whole – how do you decorate your pumpkin?

Jen: Carving creating new designs alongside my family, it gets competitive!

Jodi: I go full carving mode classic triangle eyes, jagged smile, and a tea light inside. It’s tradition!

Kelly: I say “carving,” but let’s be honest I’m more of the creative director. I tell my partner exactly how I want my pumpkin, and he does the carving. I’m far too much of a girly girl to get my hands dirty! As for my son, I’d let him paint his pumpkin instead – way more fun and mess-free for him.

Emily: Carving and adding a tealight candle (although my artistic skills would tell me to leave it whole!).

Lois: If you are not getting your hands dirty to carve a pumpkin, then well we cannot be friends.

What’s the funniest Halloween moment you’ve ever had?

Jen: My young son walked right up to what he thought was a witch decoration – only for it to move and reveal it was a real person!

Jodi: The drive to work at a nursery in your Halloween outfit and the car next to you at traffic lights Is looking at you oddly, then you remember you’re dressed as a skeleton!

Kelly: One Halloween, my friend said, “get ready to fight”—I said, “good luck” and bolted. Survival mode: activated.

Emily: Taking my niece trick or treating at a young age and her wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!

Lois: When I was out with my friend and her little one realised his grandad was not collecting sweets for the kids but had both coat pockets stuffed for himself!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to nursery staff during a busy Halloween week?

Jen: Enjoy the sugar high children after having sweets for breakfast!

Jodi: Plan themed activities, expect costume chaos, and keep the camera ready—Halloween memories are golden.

Kelly: As many Halloween messy activities you can think of. It’s the best fun!

Emily: Enjoy it! There is only a small time of year you can do something of the amazing activities linked to Halloween.

Lois: Keep up the creative activities!

If you were a Halloween creature (witch, vampire, ghost, zombie), which one would you be and why?

Jen: I would have to say a witch – I love the cackle!

Jodi: I’m a cheerful witch – organised, creative, and always ready with a spell (or a spreadsheet) to save the day.

Kelly: Vampire? All I’m saying is—have you seen Vampire Diaries? Immortality, drama, and cheekbones for days. Who wouldn’t want to be one?

Emily: Vampire, purely because of my love of Vampire Diaries!!

Lois: I think we all know that it would be a Vampire, seeing as if I could be anything in this world, it would be a vampire.

What’s your go-to cosy autumn activity after a long day at work?

Jen: Getting wrapped up and going for a walk in the crisp leaves followed by a cup of tea and biscuit!

Jodi: Hot chocolate, fluffy socks, and a good Halloween film. Bonus points if there’s a scented candle involved.

Kelly: Walking my dog admiring the different colours of leaves and watching them fall from the trees.

Emily: Cosy evenings in, with blankets and warm dinners!

Lois: Again, very clear that mine is having a tea and taking a nice long nap.

What’s your “magic power” in the office – something you’re known for?

Jen: I like to think my “magic power” in the office is creating a positive and supportive environment for the team. I enjoy working alongside everyone and helping to pull all the pieces together to keep things running smoothly.

Jodi: I’m the shift-filling sorcerer – give me a last-minute request, and I’ll conjure up the perfect candidate before you can say “boo!”

Kelly: Being cold and making good hot drinks.

Emily: Summoning top talent and banishing tech gremlins – all in a day’s witch-work.

Lois: I come in each day and make everyone laugh, because I am funny and everyone knows that, must be boring on a Tuesday girls.

What’s your favourite thing about helping nurseries and candidates find their perfect match?

Jen: The reward when both parties are happy, they have been matched together.

Jodi: It’s like solving a puzzle – when the right person lands in the right setting, it just clicks. That’s the magic. Happy staff teams and happy children.

Kelly: It’s reassuring to know I can draw from my own experience and genuinely relate to them.

Emily: Casting the perfect spell to bring the right people and places together.

Lois: Being able to help fulfil someone’s career path and making them feel welcome and happy within a setting.

 

Posted in Uncategorized

Stepping Into Childcare: Landing Your First Role with Confidence

Stepping Into Childcare: Landing Your First Role with Confidence

July 21, 2025
Happy young boy dressing up with rocket wings

There’s something uniquely rewarding about working in childcare, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling. At KiddyKare, we know how thrilling (and a little nerve-wracking) it can be when you’re starting out. Whether you’re fresh out of training or just starting your career, getting your first childcare job is a milestone worth celebrating. Let KiddyKare help you make it a successful step.

Your First Childcare Role

Your first position in childcare is more than just a stepping stone, it’s where you begin shaping young minds, building trust with families, and gaining hands-on experience that will carry you forward. Employers aren’t just looking for qualifications; they want passion, reliability, and a real connection to childcare.  That’s what we look for too in our candidates.

What We Look For in Candidates

As a childcare recruitment agency, we’re your biggest cheerleaders and matchmakers. We help you present your best self by focusing on:

  • Genuine Enthusiasm: A warm smile and eager attitude go a long way in interviews.
  • Transferable Skills: Experience from babysitting, volunteering, or even customer service can demonstrate your ability to communicate and stay calm under pressure.
  • Relevant Training: Putting yourself through training such as safeguarding, first aid, and child development make your application shine.
  • Presentation: We’ll guide you on everything from interview attire to interview questions. We can even tweak your CV if you need us too.

Preparing for Success

Even if you’ve never worked formally in childcare, preparation is key:

  • Ask Questions: Interviews go both ways. Ask about team culture, training opportunities, and room for growth.
  • Know Your Why: Be ready to share what inspires you about working with children.
  • Practice Common Scenarios: What would you do if a toddler threw a tantrum? Roleplay helps you get comfortable responding thoughtfully.
  • Research: Explore the company’s website to show genuine interest and initiative in learning about your potential workplace. Revisit the job advertisement and carefully review the qualities and skills they’re seeking, this allows you to align your application with each requirement and make a stronger impression.

Your Path Starts Here

We believe every candidate has something special to offer. Whether you’re looking for a role in a nursery, pre-school, or a school, we work closely with employers who value great talent. Our mission? To help you find that first opportunity where your skills and personality will thrive.

Starting your childcare career isn’t just about landing a job, it’s about embracing a journey of care, creativity, and lifelong impact. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to find the right fit? Let’s get started. 💼✨

Call KiddyKare today on 01628675828 or email Info@KiddyKare.co.uk

Posted in Childcarers, Uncategorized

Get to know our consultants

Get to know our consultants

July 2, 2025
KiddyKare Team June 2025

We’ve all been there – you’re looking for the perfect childcare role or searching for that ideal candidate to join your nursery team, and you’re interacting with a recruitment agency. But who are the voices on the other end of the phone? What makes them tick? Here at KiddyKare Solutions, we believe that building great relationships starts with understanding each other. That’s why we’ve put our fantastic team of recruitment consultants in the hot seat for a fun Q&A session!

Get ready to discover the personalities behind the placements as we dive into everything from their favourite childhood summer holiday memories to their dream travel destinations. You might be surprised by what you learn! Let’s get to know the team:

Jen: Our Director

Q: What is your favorite summer memory from your childhood?

A: Sunny holidays playing on the beach with my family. I have always loved water, including watersports.

Q: Would you pick Ice cream or an ice lolly?

A: Ice cream every time a double gold caramel billionaire

Q: What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to doing this summer?

A: Quality time away in the sunshine with my family making more memories!

Q: Would you pick to watch a Sunrise or a sunset?

A: Sunset on a warm evening

Q: If the office had a beach day, who would win at sandcastle building?

A: Errr, yes, well my competitive streak would give it a good go!

Q: What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to in the UK during summer?

A: I really love Devon or West Wittering!

Q: What’s one place in the world you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?

A: I would love to go to South Africa and go on a Safari

Q: If you could work remotely anywhere in the world during summer, where would it be and why?

A: A lovely beach in Australia, a tea break dip in the pool!

Q: What’s the best way to bring summer energy into the workplace?

A: A mid-day walk enjoying the outdoors, making the most of the longer evenings at the end of the day to unwind.

Q: If you could take a road trip across one country, which one would it be?

A: Travelling from Chicago to Los Angeles ‘Route 66’ in a Winnebago!

Jodi: Our Recruitment Manager

Q: What is your favourite summer memory from your childhood?

A: A seaside caravan holiday – simple pleasures.

Q: Would you pick Ice cream or an ice lolly?

A: Ice cream forever! A classic Mr Whippy with strawberry sauce will always be my top choice.

Q: What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to doing this summer?

A: I think soaking up the buzz of warm longer days, chasing sunsets, exploring hidden beaches or walks and the carefree energy that comes with summer.

Q: Would you pick to watch a Sunrise or a sunset?

A; I am partial to starting the day early with a sunrise, to set yourself up for a positive day.

Q: If the office had a beach day, who would win at sandcastle building?

A: I’d like to say myself as I am a perfectionist, but probably Lois as I don’t think she would give up until she won!

Q: What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to in the UK during summer?

A: I think Cornwall will always be my favourite as everywhere you turn is so picturesque.

Q: What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?

A: There are too many to list but if I had to pick one I’d love to travel Sri Lanka.

Q: If you could work remotely anywhere in the world during summer, where would it be and why?

A: I would pick somewhere warm but if I had to pick a specific place, I’d choose America. So, I could travel to different places within the country at the same time.

Q: What’s the best way to bring summer energy into the workplace?

A: No jumpers or coats, summer dresses and sunny lunch time walks!

Q: If you could take a road trip across one country, which one would it be?

A: I would love to return to Australia a do another road trip The Explorer’s Way.

Lois: Our Trainee Recruitment Consultant

Q: What is your favourite summer memory from your childhood?

A: Going to my nans in Spain with whole family

Q: Would you pick Ice cream or an ice lolly?

A: Ice lolly

Q: What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to doing this summer?

A: Skydive

Q: Would you pick to watch a Sunrise or a sunset?

A: Sunset

Q: If the office had a beach day, who would win at sandcastle building?

A: Myself

Q: What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to in the UK during summer?

A: Cornwall

Q: What’s one place in the world you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?

A: Thailand

Q: If you could work remotely anywhere in the world during summer, where would it be and why?

A: Australia as it would be hot all the time, and could be there, but also travel around

Q: What’s the best way to bring summer energy into the workplace?

A: Good vibes, good plans made, summer clothes

Q: If you could take a road trip across one country, which one would it be?

A: Route 66

Emily: Our Recruitment Consultant

Q: What is your favorite summer memory from your childhood?

A: Visiting Hayling Island with my family and spending the day at the funfair and eating seaside doughnuts.

Q: Would you pick Ice cream or an ice lolly?

A: Ice cream – Mr Whippy with strawberry sauce will always be my favourite!

Q: What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to doing this summer?

A: Going on a beach day to West Wittering’s to enjoy the sandy beach.

Q: Would you pick to watch a Sunrise or a sunset?

A: Sunset! As the worst morning person you will probably ever interact with, I think the evening sunset would be much more enjoyable for me, and others around me!

Q: If the office had a beach day, who would win at sandcastle building?

A: Jodi, for sure!!! Charlotte would be in close running though.

Q: What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to in the UK during summer?

A: St Ives in Cornwall – such a lovely place to explore!!

Q: What’s one place in the world you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?

A: I would love to visit and explore Japan.

Q: If you could work remotely anywhere in the world during summer, where would it be and why?

A: On a warm beach somewhere very quiet where I have constant cold drinks bought to me.

Q: What’s the best way to bring summer energy into the workplace?

A:Bringing the summer scent into the office wearing my suncream.

Q: If you could take a road trip across one country, which one would it be?

A: It would have to be Australia, there is so much to explore and some many different environments.

Charlotte: Our Recruitment Consultant

Q: What is your favorite summer memory from your childhood?

A: Holidays to Spain, playing out till the streetlights came on

Q: Would you pick Ice cream or an ice lolly?

A: Ice lolly

Q: What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to doing this summer?

A: Going on holiday

Q: Would you pick to watch a Sunrise or a sunset?

A: Sunset

Q: If the office had a beach day, who would win at sandcastle building?

A: Probably Jodi but I would knock hers down, so I win

Q: What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to in the UK during summer?

A: Ipswich to see Ed Sheeran

Q: What’s one place in the world you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?

A: New York or Scarborough

Q: If you could work remotely anywhere in the world during summer, where would it be and why?

A: By the pool in a hot country

Q: What’s the best way to bring summer energy into the workplace?

A: Cake

Q: If you could take a road trip across one country, which one would it be?

A: America

Now that you’ve had a glimpse into what makes us tick, why not pick up the phone and give us a call? Whether you’re a candidate looking for your next role or a nursery searching for exceptional childcare professionals, we’re ready to chat.

You can reach us directly on 01628 675828. We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted in Childcarers, Nurseries, Uncategorized

Christmas is coming….

Christmas is coming….

December 2, 2021
Little girl dressing up as reindeer for Christmas

A statement that can cause pure excitement but also alongside it bring a long list of things to do. The KiddyKare team know how much everyone wants to enjoy Christmas this year and make it the best possible. So, whether that’s watching all your favourite films, planning lots of Christmas days out or just making sure you spend time with the people closest to you. We thought we would put together some top tips to ensure you have the most stress-free Christmas possible!

1. Plan ahead

As it’s only the 1st of December this is a great time to sit down and make a Christmas plan, we find creating a list of things you need to do alongside a list of things you would like to do helps. This creates a structure for you to follow, showing which things need to go on your priority list and which things can be done if you end up with some extra time on your hands. (Do remember if you’d rather have five minutes to sit down, that’s ok as well)

2. Write things down

Following on from planning ahead and creating two different lists, you can break these down. I find creating a list for each week or daily lists dependant on how you personally prefer to structure it. This way you can do things when you know you’ll have free time rather than trying to do lots of things when you don’t!

3. Share the load

This is one of our MUST DO TIPS. Make sure you share the load with others. Pull in your best friend to help decorate while you catch up or let your children create the Christmas cards to send to all the family. Whatever is on your list, make sure to delegate some things to others and I’m sure they’ll always be willing to help. You never know, they might even enjoy it!

4. Spread activities out

To ensure one weekend isn’t more stressful than the other, be sure to spread things out. It’s a classic for all of us in December to forget we have other weekends, other evenings, and other days. If you try and fit every activity into a small amount of time, you will end up feeling stressed rather than enjoying yourself.

5. Create your own rituals

We know personally it’s hard to run away with an idea that you’ve seen on social media or heard from a friend. We are all guilty of wanting to create the perfect Christmas experience and we forget that we already have the perfect Christmas experience with the ones we love, anything we do is just an extra. So, create your own rituals, find out what works for you and your family. Create your own traditions, this way you’ll enjoy the activities you’re doing.

6. Embrace at home DIY activities

Its easy to fall into a trap of having to attend a million festive events in the run up to Christmas, which can end up being very time consuming, stressful but also expensive. The self-planned DIY home activities can be just as fun and a great way to spend time together. You could make something to decorate the house or bake a festive treat to share with friends/family.

7. Try and keep your routine

Everyone knows that during the Christmas period we all change our routine to allow for the different activities. However, we think that keeping to your routine as much as possible will really help when returning to normality in January and help to keep the calm in the Christmas chaos.

8. Make time for yourself

Throughout all the planning, festive activities, and family gatherings one of the most important things to remember is to make time for yourself. Everyone needs a bit of me time, so if for you that’s a nice bath, catching up on your favourite tv show or going for a daily walk. Try and keep this as normal as possible so that you get some time away from the Christmas chaos!

9. Don’t panic – if you haven’t got the Brussel sprouts!

When it comes down to it Christmas will be the best if you are all together. So, if you don’t manage to organise that extra activity or make a different pudding, don’t worry! Everyone will be happy if they are together

10. Remember to slow down and enjoy

The most important tip of them all is just to enjoy yourself, we know that we all spend lots of time making sure everything is so perfect so much so, we actually miss out on enjoying what we are doing. So however, you spend Christmas, whatever you do or whoever you are with, just remember to sit back and enjoy the moment.

Have a lovely festive season!

From,

The KiddyKare team

Posted in Uncategorized
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