Somerset and Bath families now have access to their very own Norland qualified Childcare Expert following the decision of Norland nanny, Zoe Fearnley to bring Harmony at Home, the international childcare and nannying agency, to Somerset and Bath. Zoe trained at Norland College, which has become one of the world’s most highly regarded educational establishments The post Childcare Expert Launches Harmony at Home in Somerset and Bath appeared first on Harmony at...

Somerset and Bath families now have access to their very own Norland qualified Childcare Expert following the decision of Norland nanny, Zoe Fearnley to bring Harmony at Home, the international childcare and nannying agency, to Somerset and Bath.

Zoe Fearnley, Harmony at Home Nanny Agency Somerset and Bath Owner

Zoe trained at Norland College, which has become one of the world’s most highly regarded educational establishments specialising in early years education and childcare, since it was founded in 1892.

25 years have passed since training at the Norland College, and in that time, Zoe has immersed herself within the childcare industry. Zoe has a broad depth of experience as a Nursery Manger, Regional Nursery Manager, a Norland Nanny to private households and more recently as a Level 3 Childcare Assessor at her local college. Zoe’s experience within the childcare industry coupled with her Norland training give her a unique understanding of this elite market.

Zoe’s new nanny agency is expected to be welcomed throughout Somerset and Bath, giving a distinctive touch, and making the right matches for parents and work seekers. Zoe plans on visiting parents in their homes and will meet all her nannies and work seekers face to face, to ensure peace of mind and to give an elevated level of service.

On her new venture Zoe comments: “Using my varied experience in both Nurseries and private families, I will build strong relationships. I know first-hand what is needed from childcare staff and can deliver a match making service with a personal touch. My experience speaks volumes, I know the role from both sides! I am thrilled to be working with Harmony at Home and am very excited to have the opportunity to provide my services across Somerset and Bath.”

Launched by Frankie Gray in 2004 after qualifying as a Norland nanny, Harmony at Home has now grown into a global enterprise offering a wide spectrum of services.

On welcoming Zoe to Harmony at Home, Frankie said: “I am delighted to welcome a fellow Norlander, whose experience, ethos and skills add such value to both Harmony at Home and our Franchise Network. I wish Zoe enormous success and am pleased that we can further our professional services in South West UK with such an experienced recruiter and childcare expert.”

To make an enquiry contact Zoe at Harmony at Home Nanny Agency Somerset and Bath on 01275 269326 and 07909813499 or by emailing zoe@harmonyathome.co.uk

Zoe Fearnley, Harmony at Home Nanny Agency Somerset and Bath Owner

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SUPER MUM LAUNCHES HARMONY AT HOME IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH! Cambridgeshire families now have access to their very own Childcare Expert and Super-mum following the decision by Kate Rich to bring Harmony at Home, the International Childcare and Nanny Agency, to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Kate has extensive experience within commercial recruitment and customer services. Highly The post Super Mum Launches Cambridgeshire Franchise appeared first on Harmony at...

SUPER MUM LAUNCHES HARMONY AT HOME IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH!

Cambridgeshire families now have access to their very own Childcare Expert and Super-mum following the decision by Kate Rich to bring Harmony at Home, the International Childcare and Nanny Agency, to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Kate has extensive experience within commercial recruitment and customer services. Highly regarded by all who have worked with her, Kate has now made the decision to work with Harmony at Home, one of the leading Childcare and Household staff agencies.

Kate is passionate about excellent childcare, and from her office in Linton, will deliver a premium and straight forward service.

Kate’s’ new Nanny Agency is expected to be welcomed throughout Cambridgeshire, giving an accessible and straightforward process, focusing on excellent customer service for parents and work seekers.

Kate will visit parents in their homes and meets all her nannies and work seekers face to face, to ensure peace of mind.

On her new venture Kate comments:

“When I had my second child, I found the support of a professional child carer invaluable. I feel strongly that all parents should have easy access to high quality childcare, I am here to make that happen.”

Launched by Frankie Gray in 2004 after qualifying as a Norland Nanny, Harmony at Home has now grown into a global enterprise offering a wide spectrum of services.

On welcoming Kate to Harmony at Home, Frankie said:

“When it comes to childcare there can be no compromises. Quality must always be at the forefront both in terms of those selected to become franchise owners and, of course, when it comes to the nannies chosen to represent Harmony at Home. I’m delighted to see Kate launch her own business and proud that our UK presence continues to grow.”

Kate Rich

To make an inquiry contact Kate at Harmony at Home Nanny Agency Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on: 01233 892399 and 07973575158 or by emailing: kate.rich@harmonyathome.co.uk

Harmony at Home Limited, All Rights Reserved 2018

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2018 Marks Harmony at Home’s 14th Year of Trading! This year our Conference and Annual Awards took place at The Birch Hotel in Haywards Heath. We welcomed Nanny Tax as our corporate sponsor of our Awards and enjoyed a training session hosted by Nanny Tax and Ward Williams HR. Olivia Grafton, Kim Dalton and Sally Philips The post Harmony at Home Annual Awards 2018 appeared first on Harmony at...

2018 Marks Harmony at Home’s 14th Year of Trading!

This year our Conference and Annual Awards took place at The Birch Hotel in Haywards Heath.

We welcomed Nanny Tax as our corporate sponsor of our Awards and enjoyed a training session hosted by Nanny Tax and Ward Williams HR.

Olivia Grafton, Kim Dalton and Sally Philips gave a detailed presentation on Employment Law, PAYE and GDPR. This was extremely helpful and was well received by our network delegates.

The 2018 Awards:

Top Franchise Award

Philippa Day – Harmony at Home Berkshire

Ambassador Award

Melanie Haslock – Harmony at Home Oxfordshire & Wiltshire

Customer Service Award *(Public Vote)*

Emma Kay – Harmony at Home Surrey

Best Newcomer Award

Andi Keenen – Harmony at Home Kent

Went the Extra Mile Award

Emily Martin – Head Office

Associate of the Year Award

Allie Bell – SW | TW | KT London & Maternity Division

The Leadership Award

Katie Bryson – Harmony at Home West Midlands,  Bristol & Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire

The Unsung Hero Award

Louise Davidson – Recruiter

Innovator Award

Gemma Leadbetter & Maxine Wall – Harmony at Home Hampshire

Heart of Gold Award

Michelle Harvey – Harmony at Home Essex

Community Engagement Award

Clare King – Harmony at Home Sussex

Shows Most Promise Award

Gemma Leadbetter & Maxine Wall – Harmony at Home Hampshire

Melanie Haslock – Ambassador of the Year, Philippa Day – Top Franchise of the Year, Emma Kay – Best Customer Service of the Year

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended our Annual Awards this year.

Here’s to another amazing year ahead!

Photos by Beth Mercer Photography ©

Written by Emily Martin for Harmony at Home Limited. All Rights Reserved, 2018

Back left to right: Kate Rich, Tracey Webb, Emily Martin, Maxine Wall, Kim Dalton, Olivia Grafton, Sally Phillips, Gemma Leadbetter, Jessica Ramsay, Katie Bryson. Front row left to right: Frankie Gray, Louise Davidson, Philippa Day, Emma Kay, Melanie Haslock, Andi Keenen.

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Unfortunately, the British Weather is very unpredictable. As we approach summer time, we long for a bit of warmth and sunshine and look forward to spending days at the beach and the playground. However, we can not always guarantee the weather is always going to be so nice. It is most likely that our summer The post Rainy Day Fun! appeared first on Harmony at...

Unfortunately, the British Weather is very unpredictable. As we approach summer time, we long for a bit of warmth and sunshine and look forward to spending days at the beach and the playground. However, we can not always guarantee the weather is always going to be so nice. It is most likely that our summer will contain many rainy, wet days.

It can be hard to keep children entertained when you are stuck at home all day. Coming up with new ideas to keep your children or charges occupied can be hard.

Discover our ‘Rainy Day Guide’ for ideas to entertain all!

Grab a jar and some paper and write a few of these ideas down. Fold the paper and put in the jar. When the sun is not shining, grab the jar and pull out an idea!

• Make a Scrapbook
• Do some baking – cakes, cookies or cupcakes
• Have a go at a jigsaw puzzle
• Play a board game
• Invite a friend over
• Read a book
• Write a story
• Imaginative play
• Create your own cinema – watch a film
• Have a clear out/ de-clutter – toys, clothes
• Dress up in fancy dress
• Organise a fashion show
• Get creative with crafts – check out our paper plate craft activity!
• Do some colouring or painting
• Build a den/ fort
• Play hide & seek
• Have a treasure hunt around the house
• Have a dance or singing competition
• Plan an activity for a sunny day
• Go for a splash in the Garden – if the rain is not too heavy

So, when the sun is not shining and you find yourself stuck indoors with your children or charges, grab your jar of rainy day activities and have fun with these fun ideas! Who said staying in has to be boring?

Written by Emily Martin for Harmony at Home Limited. All Rights Reserved, 2018

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Stuck for an Easter Gift to give to your children or charges? Harmony at Home Children’s Boutique have some stunning gifts that are suitable for any occasion. This year, Easter falls on Sunday 1st April 2018. Discover our Easter Gift Guide below: Easter Gift Guide for Children Baby’s First Swing – £22.99 As we approach The post 10 Top Easter Gifts for Children 2018 appeared first on Harmony at...

Stuck for an Easter Gift to give to your children or charges?

Harmony at Home Children’s Boutique have some stunning gifts that are suitable for any occasion.

This year, Easter falls on Sunday 1st April 2018.

Discover our Easter Gift Guide below:

Easter Gift Guide for Children

Baby’s First Swing – £22.99

As we approach the warmer weather, this baby swing is ideal for the garden and makes a lovely gift. With its bright, bold colours, small children are sure to love.

This swing easily attaches to a tree branch or existing swing frame and is suitable for ages 6 months plus.

Seat size approx: 30 x 30 x 31 cm

Toddler Swing – £24.99

If you are looking for a gift for a toddler, then why not have a look at the toddler swing. This lovely swing is made of solid wood and offers great fun for children in the garden.

This swing easily attaches to a tree branch or existing swing frame and is suitable for ages 2 years plus.

Size approx: 30 x 30 x 140 cm

Easter Hanging Decorations – £1.99

If you are looking for a little gift to give, then these Easter Hanging Decorations are ideal.

Not only do they make cute gifts, they are also perfect for adding a little extra touch to your home this Easter time. Each decoration has a string attached to the top so they can easily be hung up around the house.

There are 2 different designs to choose form:

Bunny: These adorable egg-shaped decorations are hand painted to look like bunnies and come in 3 different colours: Green, Blue & Grey

Chick: These adorable egg-shaped decorations are hand painted to look like chicks and come in 2 different colours: Pink & Blue

Grow it yourself Garden Egg Kit – £7.99

This fun and unique gift idea is ideal to give to all children to encourage them to look after and care for something, giving them the sense of responsibility.

Simply crack open the top of the eggling, just like you would a normal egg, add some water to bring it to life, and place in an area with some sunlight. It really couldn’t be simpler. The seeds have already been planted and spares are also provided. This is such a fantastic Easter Gift idea for children that gives them a little bit of responsibility.

This is also a gift that can last. The plant can grow for up to 5 months in the eggling and after, can be planted directly in soil to keep its life going.

You can even choose what you would like to grow. Choose from:

• Strawberry
• Sunflowers
• Lavender
• Basil

Bunny Costume Set – £4.95

The is the perfect Easter gift for all children aged 4 years plus. This 3 piece costume contains a pair of bunny ears, a pink bow and white tail, and allows children to dress up and get in the mood for Easter.

This will make the perfect present for anyone who loves to dress up and will be a great addition to the fancy dress box. A great alternative to a chocolate Easter egg, that children will still love.

Fun Easter Egg warmers – £6.95

These fun Easter egg warmers are perfect to give as a little gift. They also bring lots of fun and entertainment to the breakfast table on Easter morning.

2 fun designs to choose from. Choose either the Happy Bird or Easter Bunny!

Giant Colouring Poster – £3.99

If your children love to colour and get creative, then this 126cm long colouring poster full of gorgeous illustrations, would be the perfect gift.

Have fun over the Easter break colouring! Choose from these 2 stunning designs: Under the Sea or Butterfly Ball.

Fashion Studio Activity – £16.50

This makes the perfect gift for older children, aged between 9 – 15, who have a passion for fashion!

This fun kit contains:

• 34 paper dolls
• 8X colour felt tips
• 7X sheets of different clothing items
• 2X sheets of patterns
• 2X sheets of sticker accessories

Are you planning on having a Easter Egg hunt this Easter?

Easter Egg Hunt Kit – £6.50 – £7.50

If your family is planning an Easter Egg hunt, then this hunt kit is ideal. Lots of fun is set to be had with this kit.

This kit is complete with: 6 card signs, 3 pairs of bunny footprints to mark the trail, and 8 treat bags to collect the hidden eggs.

If your children love to be creative then the East Egg Hunt Craft kit is perfect. This kit is complete with: 5 pointers, 4 masks, 6 stickers, 4 crayons and 4 colouring pictures.

So, this year if you are looking for something different to give children for Easter why not consider one of these lovely gifts. Alternatively, check out the Harmony at Home Children’s Eco Boutique for even more gift ideas!

Written by Emily Martin for Harmony at Home Limited. All Rights Reserved, 2018

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Snow is forecast and more wintry weather is expected! Employers and Nannies, discover what needs to be considered… Employers and Parents of Household Staff If your nanny or housekeeper is unable to travel to work, you should advise and make them aware that unless specified differently in the employment contract: In these circumstances, all time The post Get set for Snow appeared first on Harmony at...

Snow is forecast and more wintry weather is expected! Employers and Nannies, discover what needs to be considered…

Employers and Parents of Household Staff

If your nanny or housekeeper is unable to travel to work, you should advise and make them aware that unless specified differently in the employment contract:

• In these circumstances, all time off will be unpaid unless agreed otherwise
• The time taken off can be used as annual leave or, if preferred, the time can be made up by working additional hours.
• Pay will paid on a discretionary basis and only in exceptional cases

It is important to be aware that if your nanny asks to leave work earlier than usual due to the weather conditions, the same conditions would apply.

If one of your nanny’s duties is to collect your children from school or drop them off in the mornings, they need to be aware of the places they can check to keep updated with last minute school closures.

For information from the school and nursery, always check:

• The school and nursery’s website – all information is usually posted on the website to keep parents updated
• Social Media – some schools use Twitter and Facebook to share announcements
• The local radio stations – they usually announce school closures.
• Your mobile phone – many schools send out text messages to inform you of the latest information

All schools and nurseries will have a procedure in place for such events. It is worth making sure your nanny is aware of what this is.

Have a snow and adverse weather plan in place!

Communication is key! Have a snow plan in place in case of any last-minute closures due to the weather. Some nannies are only employed to work before and after school. If this is the case for you, talk to your nanny to see if they can look after your children during the time they should be at school. Factors including additional pay need to be consider and agreed.

It is important to have a plan put in place for such events, as alternative options might need to be considered.

Employees and Nannies, Drive Safe

One of the most important things to remember is to only drive in the snow if the journey is crucial! Do not drive unless you have to – check the Met Office website and weather websites for snow warnings and advice. Be sure to call your employer and let them know that it’s unsafe for you to travel, don’t risk having an accident.

It is also a good idea to consider the possibility of staying over at your employer’s house. Think ahead, check the weather forecast and plan for adverse weather conditions.

Stay Safe in the Snow

Remember to ensure you keep safe and warm in the snow. The impacts of the cold weather are worse for young children, babies and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Make sure you:

• Stay tuned in to weather forecasts
• Check and maintain daytime room temperatures of 21C
• Check bedroom night time temperatures and maintain it at 18C or warmer
• Keep warm and active and if you must go out, dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes.

Written by Emily Martin for Harmony at Home Limited. All Rights Reserved, 2018

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