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About Me

About Me

My name is Jemma Crichton, and I am the proud founder of Wynyard Tiny Tots, offering childminding services to families in the local area. As a mother of three wonderful children, aged 1 to 15, I bring not only hands-on parenting experience but also a deep passion for nurturing young minds and fostering their development.

With over 13 years of experience in the education sector, I have worked across all year groups from EYFS to Year 6 in both schools and nurseries. My expertise includes supporting children from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including those with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

I am a fully registered and Ofsted-inspected childminder, committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety. I hold comprehensive child liability insurance, and both my husband and I have undergone enhanced DBS checks. Certificates and documentation are available upon request for your peace of mind.

At Wynyard Tiny Tots, my ethos is centered on creating a warm, home-like environment where children feel safe, secure, and valued. My goal is to support each child’s holistic development—physically, socially, and emotionally—while inspiring a lifelong love for learning.

I incorporate Montessori-inspired methods to teach children about their surroundings through hands-on activities, fostering independence and curiosity in a structured yet flexible way. Additionally, I embrace the Curiosity Approach, encouraging child-led learning where children are free to explore, make their own choices, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

By combining these innovative approaches with my extensive experience, I strive to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can truly thrive.

I look forward to welcoming you and your little ones to Wynyard Tiny Tots!

Qualifications

With 15 years of hands-on experience raising my own children and over 13 years of professional experience working in various schools and nurseries, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to early childhood care. In addition to my practical experience, I hold several relevant qualifications and am committed to ongoing professional development, regularly undertaking courses to enhance my skills in working with early years children. Here is a list of my current qualifications –

  • BA (Hons) Level 4 Degree in Supporting and Teaching EAL Learners
  • BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art
  • CASHE Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
  • Paediatric Infant & Child First Aid Level 3 trained
  • Level 2 in Mental Health in Early Years
  • Level 2 in Food Safety Early Years

One of the key distinctions of a Montessori education compared to most other schools is its unique approach to play. In Montessori, play is about learning practical, real-world skills—engaging and enjoyable at the same time.

Maria Montessori, the founder of this educational philosophy, famously said, “Play is the work of the child.” Her vision was to seamlessly integrate play with learning, nurturing children’s curiosity while ensuring they still experience the joy of discovery. Since its inception, play has been a vital element of the Montessori curriculum.

Often referred to as “real pretend,” the Montessori approach emphasizes playful learning rooted in reality. Instead of dress-up games or fantasy tales about magical creatures, children in Montessori settings engage in hands-on activities that reflect real-life scenarios. This method encourages curiosity and creativity while building essential life skills in a fun and meaningful way.

The name says it all—the Curiosity Approach is about sparking a child’s natural desire to explore and learn about the world around them.

Rather than giving instructions or directing activities, this method emphasises child-led learning. Children are encouraged to make their own choices and solve problems independently, fostering confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Drawing inspiration from educational philosophies like Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Pikler, and Steiner, the Curiosity Approach nurtures “thinkers and doers” rather than passive learners who simply follow adult directions.

By empowering children to take charge of their own development, this approach creates active, engaged learners who have fun while exploring their interests.

The Curiosity Approach is a modern educational philosophy embraced by over 4,000 educators in more than 20 countries, redefining how children interact with their learning environments.

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