Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)

small red potatoes (cut into cubes (450g))

frozen whole kernel corn

chicken broth ((720ml))

half-and-half ((480ml))

cornstarch

freshly ground black pepper

fresh thyme (chopped)

crumbled crispy bacon (divided (300g))

salt

shredded cheddar ((70g))