Child´s Play
Zoe Campbell has been working with children since she was 15. In 2018, after moving to the Algarve, she opened Kids Entertainment, offering childcare for weddings and a babysitting service. She went on to start Little Nipper ́s Toddler Groups as a free service for local parents.
“I started as a nursery assistant in a crèche when I was a teenager. I also ran holiday clubs and play schools. I went on after school to do my NVQ in childcare which fell through, as numbers became so low the college could not carry on funding us. I carried on my training with online schooling.”
After having her second child she became a registered childminder working from home for five years until she embarked on a career change as a kitchen designer!
“After the birth of my 3rd child in 2011, I trained in photography and started my own business. I combined my skills taking photos of children and newborns and creating children's parties.”
Zoe moved to the Algarve when her youngest daughter was five and she started to babysit and carry on using her skills as a photographer. In January 2019 she was joined by Davina & Ellise and started Little Nipper's toddler groups and hosting kids parties.
“The ethos of the group is for families to come and enjoy a morning together making arts and crafts while mixing with other children from many backgrounds and with different interests. This is of huge benefit to the children, learning to play with each other, communicating and making new friends. They develop their hand and coordination skills whilst having fun playing, gluing, sticking, colouring,” explains Zoe.
It's not just the kids that benefit though, mums are able to talk to one another and share valuable information and tips for others who may be struggling in areas of child development. It is also a great place to share and pass on clothes and equipment that are no longer needed.
Ironically the Mother that may have benefitted the most is Zoe herself! “I was struggling with getting my daughter to go to school, a mum suggested a heart on the hand and a reward chart. We have done both and it worked!”
What is extra special about these groups is that Zoe does not charge the parents: “I wanted to offer a service that could benefit everyone, parents, venues and my business. I am asked to babysit for pretty much all the children in the groups and I’ve been asked to host their children's parties. Venues gain by the parents drinking tea or coffee and enjoying some amazing food from the cafes so we all benefit from Kids Entertainments free generosity.”
Zoe runs regular toddler groups at Carvoeiro Clube de Tenis every Monday morning at 10 am -midday and at Burgau sports centre every Wednesday at 10 am -midday. During the holiday seasons she hosts kids workshops in various venues for the older ones to enjoy and this summer she will have a selection of Pool Parties. All the details can be found on her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/thebabysittingcopt/
