About us
Our Mission and Vision
We’re delighted to introduce ourselves as a mother-and-daughter team of registered childminders, and we can’t wait to share our joy for caring for little ones with you!
Our name, Hopanda, comes from the Mende language of Sierra Leone, meaning “Hold it with care” — and that’s exactly what we aim to do. We’re truly passionate about nurturing and guiding every child who comes into our care, fostering an environment where they can grow into kind, compassionate individuals. In our cosy setting, we’re able to tailor our activities to match each child’s unique interests, all while weaving in the wonderful elements of the early years curriculum.
We both have a deep love for music and storytelling, and we absolutely adore celebrating different cultures through lively singing, dancing, and even using fun instruments and costumes! At Hopanda, we believe that teamwork with parents is essential, and we’re excited about involving you in your child’s learning journey.
We can’t wait to embark on this adventure together!
Francess' Story
I was born in the beautiful country of Sierra Leone and made the big leap to the UK when I was just fifteen to join my mother and my two younger siblings. Here is where I met my wonderful husband, who's British, and together we are blessed with two gorgeous mixed-race daughters. We truly treasure the vibrant mix of our cultures, as it adds so much richness to our lives!
Back in Sierra Leone, I always had a soft spot for helping out with the neighbour’s children. I would watch over them while their parents went to the market or went off to work. When I arrived in Bristol, I took on a similar role, helping my mum with my younger siblings, who are quite a bit younger than me.
My passion for nurturing children led me to pursue a degree in childcare, which opened the doors for me to work as an early years practitioner. I realised that by blending my experiences as a mother with my professional skills, I could create a wonderful environment right at home. It would be the perfect solution for parents looking for a more homely setting for their children, while still having someone with the knowledge to support their development. And that’s how the idea for Hopanda came to life... I can't wait to get to know you and your little ones!
Patricia's Story
I had the wonderful opportunity to teach children while I was in Sierra Leone, and upon returning to the UK, I continued my journey by caring for our elderly community. My heart has always been in the education of young children, and it was this passion, partly sparked by my daughter, that led me to pursue a childcare degree a few years back. Now, let me tell you, balancing studies as a mature student alongside managing a home and raising teenagers wasn't the easiest challenge! But oh, I’m so proud of what I achieved; it feels incredible to have reached this milestone!
Since earning my degree, I’ve had the joy of working in a nursery, and it has been a truly rewarding experience. What makes our approach special is the playful spirit I’ve seen in children, especially during my time in Sierra Leone. There, children spend so much time outdoors, using their creativity to turn natural objects into toys and games. It’s heartwarming to see how much they thrive when they’re encouraged to be imaginative and self-motivated. Plus, we’re so fortunate to have a lovely green space right on our doorstep for the children to explore! My son-in-law has even planted a wild garden at the front of the house, which has become a little haven for all sorts of mini beasts and delightful birds, showcasing the beautiful changes each season brings. Isn’t nature just incredible?
Our Setting
Indoor
At Hopanda, we understand that all children are individuals and have different needs. We aim to provide a nurturing, safe and warm home to home setting that covers a holistic approach effective learning suitable for all children.
We have a dedicated indoor play room fully equipped as a role-play and home corner. We believe that a role-play area offers numerous developmental benefits for children; fostering creativity, communication, social skills and cognitive development. It allows children to explore different scenarios and emotions in a safe and imaginative space; promoting empathy, problem-solving and language development.
Our living room area will be reserved for nap times, providing a quiet space for sleeping away from the play areas.
Outdoor
The main garden area provides a secure outdoor space where we will explore further activities. At Hopanda, we explore messy play with sand, water, mud, paints and play-dough as well as building with loose parts (tyres and wood, etc.). There also a planting area where we grow crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc. which we encourage children to be part of.
We also have a calm and relaxing sheltered outdoor area, which offers a refuge from overstimulation, allowing children to de-stress, process emotions, and develop self-regulation skills. It also supports independent play, creativity, and a sense of security.
Our front garden has a tree and a mini wild flower meadow, encouraging the birds and insects and highlighting the changing seasons.
Enrichment Activites
We aim to provide enrichment activities outside of our home setting, utilising nearby spaces and occasionally further afield. This includes
- Play park visits
- Nature experiences (nature walks to the woods and making dens)
- Picnics in the park
- Soft play visits
- Bus trips to the city centre
- Day trips (Museums, at Bristol, zoo or farm trips)
- Trips to the local shops to buy ingredients for baking, etc.
For video tour of our setting please contact us at enquiries@hopandachildcare.co.uk
Our Pet
Our setting also doubles as our family home, and part of the family is our dog Chase. Chase is a calm and friendly whippet who is used to children being in the house. He has a number of dedicated safe zones where he can retreat if wishes.
Join Our Family
Enroll today for a fulfilling childcare experience that prioritizes love, safety, and fun.
Let your child grow with us in our Ofsted certified home care environment!