Meet the '˜Fairy Godmother'

After a career change and a move to set up her own business, she is now expanding her firm – and holding a charity event next month.

She decided to leave her career of 13 years – as a primary school teacher in Thornton – to start a child-minding business, Fairy Godmother childminding, after the birth of her own daughter, Isabella, now two.

It was so successful she took on another staff member, Christina Adams, and will soon be expanding, to cater for 12 children. At the moment, the pair look after six youngsters aged from eight months to three years.

Linda, of Thornton, said: “When I fell pregnant with Isabella, I realised I would feel I was looking after everyone else’s children when I went back to work, but not my own. I wanted to do something which involved working with children, so I decided to set up a child-minding business.

“Some people did think I was mad, going from a teacher’s salary, to earning a lot less in the outset, but I took the plunge. With me living in Thornton, I already had some connections to local parents.

“We’re planning to expand, to 12 children, but keep ratios small – one adult, to three children, keeping that close personal care. I’m made up with how it’s going since starting last September.

“At Fairy Godmother childminding, we are about a home-from-home environment, where children are nurtured as if they are our own. We update the parents through the day on how their child is doing – through photos and messages and we fill in daily diaries containing key information.”

And Linda has arranged a Big Toddle, to take place on June 26, in aid of Barnardos. After a short walk, children and parents – dressed up as animals – will head back to Fairy Godmother’s to enjoy a picnic.

She said: “I thought it would be nice to get the families together and have a real community event.”

Visit www.facebook.com/fairygodmother
childminding