Learn all about ladybirds and the ladybird life cycle with this special toolkit for childminders. The toolkit contains lots of fun ideas and resources and also contains special training and CPD activities and information to help you follow childminding best practice and be the best childminder you can be.

Your Learning Section:

• A self-evaluation question based on the new 'Inclusion', Early Years Inspection Toolkit area of evaluation. Includes additional information and things to think about.
• A CPD module about 'Changes to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026'.

‘Working Together to Safeguard Children is an essential document which you must be aware of.

‘Childminders must also take into account the government's statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework, Sep 2025 3.10)

The guidance was updated in March 2026. This CPD module looks at the changes you need to be aware of taking information from the Summary of Changes, published by the Department of Education in March 2026 and the full ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children' document.

Quick and easy learning segments covering:

• Inspection preparation: what would you do if your inspector asks you?
• Safeguarding: DBS Referrals.
• SEND: What is attachment disorder?

Curriculum and learning activity ideas and resources:

• Planning ideas covering all areas of learning.
• International Day of Families activity. 
• Exploring Simple Concepts with the under 2's - Spots and Stripes' Teaching about spots and stripes allows you a simple, engaging way to introduce complex scientific and mathematical concepts, such as pattern recognition, classification, camouflage and habitat adaptation. Using familiar animals to explore these patterns helps children develop observational, logical and cognitive skills while fostering an interest in nature and biodiversity.

Ladybirds themed section including:

Planning grids to help you choose appropriate activities and assess the children's learning.

An original illustrated story about 'Ellieday the Forgetful Ladybird.' Ellieday is a very forgetful ladybird. One day she forgets that ladybirds do not wear shoes, another day she forgets how to be the right way up! The main thing she always forgets though is how to count. Can you help her keep track of her children by helping her count them at each life stage? This fun story helps children learn about the ladybird life cycle while practising some counting skills at the same time.

Accompanying the story is a wealth of activities and resources to help children learn about ladybirds and the ladybird life cycle.

Activities:

1. Ladybird themed tuff tray. An open ended sensory activity featuring ladybird counters made from pasta. This introduces children to ladybirds and can encourage children to do things like practising counting, fine motor skills like scooping and pouring and more.

2. Ladybird craft activity. Make this cute craft together and learn about ladybirds as well as simple maths concepts.

3. Story Time - 'Ellieday the Forgetful Ladybird.' Read the story together and learn about the ladybird life cycle, all while practising counting up to five. Then use the resources included to:

Play games like snap, 

Complete simple jigsaws,

Make a number line or 

Make a ladybird life cycle poster. 

There are also resources to make puppets to go with the story 

Fun colouring in sheets to go with the story.

4. Ladybird life cycle spinner. Learn about the lifecycle of ladybirds while using creative and fine motor skills.

All the activities come with full instructions, including 'What I Want Children to Learn,' and 'I Can' statements' to help you plan and assess children's learning.

Pack Length: 52 pages

Save money: Join the Childminding Best Practice Club and get a toolkit like this every month PLUS a generous 25% membership discount off other Welly Wren resources. Annual membership costs the equivalent of less than £2.95 a pack meaning you will save lots of money!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ

N.B This pack is supplied as a downloadable PDF document. If you cannot find your download links please check your junk box first in case it has gone there. If you have any problems contact me at jennifer@wellywren.co.uk and I will help.

If, once you have received your PDF file, you would also like the Word version, please email me and I will happily send you a copy.

Products ARE NOT sent out by post.

Copyright/Fair Usage Statement

Please support my small business by using this pack in a fair way.

By purchasing this pack, you agree that it is for use only in your individual use. You may make as many copies as you need for the children and families in your setting BUT MUST NOT share, copy or distribute any of the materials in any way, to anyone else. If you are part of a larger group, for example, a childminding group, or a chain of settings, please purchase one pack per setting. 

The contents of this pack remain the copyright of Welly Wren Ltd.