Welcome, my name is Joy Fleet-Thompson and I own and run Abbey Mill Childcare.

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 I am an Early Years Practitioner and run Abbey Mill Childcare from my home, which Ofsted rates as "Outstanding". I look after children from age 0-12 years of age.

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I have been an Ofsted registered child minder since 2009, prior to that I was a Primary school teacher for 20 years, and Head teacher for 5 of those years. 

I live on the outskirts of Morpeth, in a Grade 11 listed woollen mill. I live with my husband Peter and two children.

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​The children I care for have a large area to access comprising of; front porch, family room, snug, utility area, downstairs toilet, garden room and enclosed back garden.

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​At home we are always busy. We role play, read stories, write, count, get creative with messy play, paint, glue and cut with scissors. The children may be allowed a short period of supervised screen time. We build with Lego and Duplo and play with Happy Street town and the farm. The children also enjoy the Brio train set, Thomas trains, cars, garage and a dressing up box. We cook and bake together and model with Play Dough. I have a large selection of board games too. In the garden we like to explore, dig, grow plants, play with the outdoor toys and make dens.

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​My house is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and river walks, which the children and I explore regularly, watching the wild life and seasons change. Morpeth is within walking distance from Olde Abbey Mill and we make the most of its amenities. We visit the library, Toddler groups, soft-play, parks, river and gardens. We complete real-life activities like shopping for our snack or choosing toys or books for the playroom. In the school holidays we travel further afield to beaches, an adventure playground, National Trust and English Heritage sites, parks, Bolam Lake, Plessey Woods, museums and art galleries. 

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​I have a GCSC in Food Tech, food hygiene training and a five star food hygiene rating. I provide simple meals and snacks [ £2.50 a meal, £1 a snack] using whole foods and fruit and vegetables. A typical day's menu might be a morning snack of fruit and a drink of water or milk. Lunch might be a pasta dish, baked potato, soup and fruit. Simple evening meals are provided and are usually a grazing plate which may include; fruit, vegetables, wholemeal toast, crackers, cheese, breadsticks etc. I cater for children with specialist diets or allergies. Fruit and drinks are available throughout the day.