A CHILD-MINDER in a Borders town has helped the children she cares for develop an affinity with nature, a new report finds.

Lisa Burne’s child-minding service operates from a family home in the rural town of Lauder, providing care to a maximum of six children under the age of five at any one time.

An unannounced visit to the service was paid by a representative of the Care Inspectorate on October 18.

The key messages were that the children received “nurturing and loving care”, that very good use was made of the local outdoor spaces, supporting children to be active and involved, and that parents were happy with the service.

Inspectors awarded ‘very good’ ratings in four categories – the quality of care, play and learning, the setting, leadership and the staff team.

The report says: “Children had very good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They spent considerable parts of the day outdoor using the local woods, walks, rivers and green spaces. One parent told us: ‘Lisa takes them on adventures and helps them to develop and thrive.'”