Every year in May, something really special happens at tiney.
Hundreds of childminders from across the country step away from their busy settings, leave behind the educational toys and lunchboxes, and gather in one place to learn, connect and grow together. It’s called INSET Day—our flagship professional development event exclusively for tiney childminders—and it’s unlike anything else in the early years sector.
This year, we’re heading back to the stunning County Hall in London on Friday 23rd May for our biggest INSET Day yet. And while the speakers, workshops and learning are always exceptional, what makes this day so powerful is the why behind it.
Reimagining professional development for childminders
INSET stands for “In-Service Training”, a term most commonly associated with school staff. But at tiney, we believe childminders deserve that same level of time, investment, and professional recognition. After all, as well as being early years educators, they are also independent professionals who are part of a powerful, professional community and trusted partners in a child’s earliest and most formative years.
That’s why we created our own INSET Day. It’s a moment for registered tiney childminders to press pause, reflect on their purpose, and return to their settings equipped with new tools, fresh strategies, and renewed inspiration. It’s a full, immersive day of learning—designed not only to elevate early years education, but to normalise the idea that childminders should benefit from the same professional opportunities and respect as any teacher or educator.
At the heart of this is a belief in Professional Power and Personal Impact—because when childminders are empowered to grow professionally, the impact on the children and families they serve is immeasurable. INSET Day is a celebration of that power, and a chance for our vibrant community to connect in person, share experiences, and grow together as confident, capable educators.
A celebration of purpose, practice and voice
Our theme for 2025 is Connect. Cultivate. Communicate—three words that capture the heart of what it means to be a tiney childminder.
It’s about connecting to a bigger purpose and a nationwide community of like-minded educators. It’s about cultivating your practice—continually learning, evolving, and striving for excellence. And it’s about learning how to communicate your unique value with confidence, clarity, and pride.
This theme isn’t just a tagline—it’s a reflection of the journey every childminder is on, and a celebration of the impact they make every day. This year’s programme will feature thought-provoking sessions from inspiring early years leaders, including Lucy Lewin, Ben Rolfe, Nigel Rolfe, Kirstine Beeley, and tiney’s own Marc James.
A thriving community of educators
What we believe sets tiney apart is the deep belief that childminders are stronger when they’re part of a powerful, professional community. INSET Day is a key expression of this, and a unique reminder of how much value there is in meeting together.
There’s a special kind of magic when hundreds of like-minded educators come together in one room, sharing stories, learning from experts, and cheering each other on. It’s not just about individual growth—it’s about collective energy. The kind that drives real change in the sector. Here’s a highlights video from last year, which captures a taste of what this looks like!
Why it matters—for parents, too
For parents choosing a tiney childminder, INSET Day is also a reminder of what we stand for: ongoing professional development, community accountability, and a deep commitment to quality - all with children at the centre.
When a childminder closes for a training day, it can feel like a disruption. But behind that temporary closure is a professional who’s investing in themselves to provide even better experiences, care and learning for your child. We want families to know that this isn’t time off—it’s time in. Time to grow, to reflect, and to return re-energised and equipped to give children the very best start in life.
Looking ahead
As we gear up for another incredible INSET Day, we’re reminded that professional development isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And when done well, it’s joyful, transformative, and powerful.
This event is just one of the many ways we at tiney are reshaping what it means to be a childminder in the UK. It’s part of our promise to raise the profile of the profession, support each individual to thrive, and ensure that children in our care benefit from passionate, well-trained educators.
Personally, I can’t wait to share this moment with our community once again—and to keep raising the bar together.
See you at County Hall!
Kim Esnard, Head of Education and Training, tiney
