Family matters: childminding Shooting stars

In each issue, we spotlight a young person in Islington who has excelled themselves or is making a positive contribution to their community. This time: Ameera Abdi, Islington’s new Young Mayor

“I feel ecstatic about being elected as the new Young Mayor for Islington! This is going to be an amazing experience. I want to make my peers on the Youth Council proud. I’m looking forward to going to events and representing them.

Childminders Danielle Franklin and Sarah Kenna on how Forest School – where trained practitioners support children to explore, discover and learn through hands-on experiences – opened a world of opportunities for the children they look after

We’ve got nearly 30 years of childcare experience between us, and every day is still different. We live nearby, so we often comind children. We like to ask the children what they’d like to do. It’s usually something outside, whatever the weather!

We were increasingly convinced of the importance of giving children time in nature when we found out about Forest School. We do lots of work with Bright Start and the council and they agreed to fund our training. We jumped at the chance.

It started during Covid, when we had to change the way we do things. Many families don’t have a garden, so time outside was top priority. We started using local spaces, like King Henry’s Walk.

At Forest School, children are given experiences they can’t get elsewhere. They get their hands dirty, use mud and grass to make artwork and connect with nature.

We’ve made friends with the squirrels in Highbury Fields – the children call them and they come and play hide and seek! Parents comment on how enthusiastic their children are about it and how all that fresh air makes bedtimes much easier.

Forest School is free for underfives and runs Mon–Sat, 10am–12noon. For childcare support, contact the FIS on 020 7527 5959 or visit islington.gov.uk/fis

“I feel like this is a great opportunity and at 14 years of age, this is an achievement and experience I do not want to waste.”

Ameera will represent Islington’s Youth Council at regional young mayor meetings as well as civic events and award ceremonies. She will work alongside newlyelected deputy mayor Areeb Ahmed (also pictured) and Ayokunnu Fawole, Islington’s new London Youth Assembly member. The 14-strong youth council will be the voice of young people in Islington for the next two years.