Paddington
London
Located in the lovely suburb area of Northfields, this setting sits on the literal doorstep of Blondin Park. Providing us a perfect balance of outdoor and indoor activities.
About Paddington
A Home-From-Home Nursery Setting
Blondin is the first Seedlings’ Tale setting and remains at the heart of our story. Thoughtfully designed within a garden outhouse dedicated entirely to nursery life, the setting combines the comfort of a home with the resources of a fully equipped early years environment to provide a fun, safe and loving space for children.
With Blondin Park quite literally on our doorstep — offering both a playground and beautiful woodland walks — children enjoy daily opportunities to explore and connect with nature. Inside, we have a separate baby room, a spacious garden for outdoor learning including messy and water play, and a dedicated area for meals and creative activities.
Children benefit from the structure and facilities of a larger nursery while experiencing the warmth, care and nurturing atmosphere of a home-from-home environment.
Daily Life at Paddington
A Fun and Structured Day
Morning Welcome
(08:00-09:30)
Breakfast, free play and gentle settling in.
Focus & Learning
(9:30-11:30)
Circle time, phonics, early maths, reading and structured activities, followed by snack and child-led play indoors or at the park.
Lunch & Rest
(11:30-14:30)
Lunch together, quiet time, naps for younger children and calming activities for those who are awake.
Afternoon Exploration
(14:30-16:30)
Snack, group activities, creative play and outdoor exploration.
Wind Down & Home Time
(16:30-18:00)
Tea, tidy-up time and relaxed free play before collection.
Room Overview
Spaces Designed for Little Learners
Baby Room
A calm, nurturing and exceptionally safe space for our youngest children. Designed to support early attachment, sensory exploration and gentle development, the room features soft furnishings, age-appropriate resources and quiet rest areas with blackout blinds to create a reassuring and peaceful environment.
Nursery Room
Our garden outhouse serves as our main dedicated learning space, encouraging independence, curiosity and structured exploration. With resources ranging from small world play and home corner to dressing up, reading and creative activities, it provides a safe and inspiring environment where children can nurture their imaginations and build confidence in a warm and engaging setting.
Garden & Outdoor Space
With easy access to Blondin Park, our garden offers additional daily opportunities for movement, exploration and outdoor learning. From water play on warm sunny days to sand play, chalk drawing and a wide range of outdoor resources, children are encouraged to explore freely and actively. Outdoor play is a vital part of early years education, supporting physical growth, resilience and imaginative discovery.
Meals & Changing Area
A dedicated space for shared mealtimes and creative expression. Children enjoy eating together, helping with simple preparations and exploring arts and crafts in a bright and welcoming environment. From painting to card making, they take pride in sharing their creations at the end of the day.
This versatile space also supports gentle play and circle time, and is thoughtfully arranged to provide a calm transition while children finish their meals or await collection at home time.
Meals & Arts Area
A dedicated space for shared mealtimes and creative expression. Children enjoy eating together, helping with simple preparations and exploring arts and crafts in a bright and welcoming environment. From painting to card making, they take pride in sharing their creations at the end of the day.
This versatile space also supports gentle play and circle time, and is thoughtfully arranged to provide a calm transition while children finish their meals or await collection at home time.
Sensory Room
Coming Soon!
About the Team
Experienced, Caring and Dedicated
We are proud to have a dedicated and highly skilled team who truly embody the values at the heart of Seedlings’ Tale. Each member brings patience, warmth and attentiveness to their role, creating an environment where children feel secure, understood and genuinely cared for.
This sense of safety and connection is reflected in our Ofsted report:
“They frequently snuggle up to the childminder and her assistants and demonstrate that they feel happy, safe and emotionally secure in their care.”
It is this emotional security — alongside thoughtful teaching and guidance — that underpins everything we do.
Aimee Shurmer
Ofsted Childminder & Manager
15 years of experience working and studying in education, holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and previously Head of Year 1 at an Ofsted-rated Outstanding school, Aimee brings both experience and heartfelt commitment to early years education. She chose to move from a larger school environment into a smaller setting in order to play a more personal and meaningful role in young children’s development.
With years of classroom experience, she understands the importance of balancing structure with creativity, curiosity and joy. Aimee also has extensive experience supporting children with SEND and is deeply committed to inclusive, individualised care.
Assiya Ben Hsain
Ofsted Childminder
Assiya has been part of Seedlings’ Tale since shortly after our inception seven years ago. After a 30-year career in the legal sector, she chose early years care as a way of giving back to the community in a more personal and fulfilling way.
Her dedication is reflected in her ongoing professional development, including completing her Level 3 qualification and gaining childminder registration. Full of warmth and energy, she delights in woodland walks, playground adventures and building strong, trusting relationships with both children and families. A solid reliable foundation and a massive reason for making us what we are today.
Shaimaa Filali
Childminding Assistant
After a career in corporate compliance, Shaimaa sought a more meaningful path and joined us in early 2025. It quickly became clear that early years care was where she truly belongs.
Her genuine enthusiasm, attention to detail and thoughtful communication style are warmly received by both children and parents. She is currently completing her Level 3 qualification and looks forward to becoming Ofsted registered in the near future.
Iqra Shah
Childminding Assistant
Our newest team member, Iqra brings gentleness and exceptional patience to the setting. Having worked as a Teaching Assistant for the past five years, she has particular strength in supporting children with SEND.
Her calm presence, nurturing approach and strong work ethic add an additional layer of reassurance to the team, ensuring every child feels supported and understood.
Ready to Visit?
If you are seeking a nurturing, home-from-home setting where children receive both personalised care and meaningful social experiences, we would be delighted to welcome you.
Come and explore the space, meet our team and see for yourself what makes Blondin so special.