About Us
Who are Rutland Early Years?
Here at Rutland Early Years we are passionate about giving children the best possible start, and as childminders ourselves we know first hand how much hard work, dedication and care that takes.
We set up Rutland Early Years in response to the government's new childminder agency initiative as we felt that if this was going to be the future, then the best way to shape it around what childminders actually need, was to do it ourselves.
We have built Rutland Early Years on one very important foundation - we listen. We listened hard to what childminders thought about the agency idea, what they wanted to help them run a successful business, and what they said they needed to ensure that the children in their care got the best start.
Then we set ourselves the mission of building a business around these needs.
Childminders wanted their independence, they wanted a choice and they wanted support, so here at Rutland Early Years that is exactly what we do.
The Benefits We Offer
Click the options below to find out more about what we can offer both new and existing childminders..
Meet Mel & Sam
Mel and Sam are the leadership team and driving force behind Rutland Early Years. Sharing a passion for early years, both firmly believe how important the first 5 years of a child’s life are - the experiences and learning they are exposed to in these years will shape their future successes. You can read their story and meet them below:
Mel’s daughter was the first baby that Sam looked after when she registered as a childminder, and that is how the two of us met. Sam then went on to care for Mel’s younger daughter too until Mel was made redundant, when Sam gave her the idea of registering as a childminder herself.
They then spent the next 8 years working alongside each other, providing wonderful experiences and supporting the learning and development of over 70 children between them. As their own children got older and family life changed they began to think about what could be next, and with the passion for early years as the overriding factor, a chance conversation with the local authority started the journey of Rutland Early Years.
Sam Hearth
Sam worked in financial services as a manager and financial adviser for over a decade before changing career after the birth of her daughters.
She was a registered childminder for 14 years, retiring in 2019. Prior to that she had already started Rutland Early Years alongside Mel in 2015, after working with the local authority on the pilot scheme.
Mel Pitkeathly
Mel worked in telecommunications as a senior manager for over a decade before making the career change into childminding following being made redundant.
Mel was a registered childminder for 8 years - retiring in 2019 - and in 2015 she started Rutland Early Years alongside Sam, embarking on the childminder agency journey together.
Childminder Testimonials
Anyway, I just want to say thank you really for everything so far, from both myself and Abi. It’s refreshing to know you're there for us with advice and clarification in these uncertain times - I’m so pleased I chose you guys and when I did.
Vicky Skyner
I just wanted to say thank you! It’s my 2 year anniversary of being open and I couldn’t have done it without you! Sometimes you need to borrow the belief off someone else to let your own belief shine through. So, thank you so much for always being there! I love my journey and love having the opportunity to watch other little people grow on their new journey! So here is to year 3!
Leanne Cope
You offer new childminders peace of mind that they are not alone and are able to pursue a rewarding career at such an unusual time. Thank you for your support.
Amy Morgan
