Newts
Childminder in Rochford
Usually responds within 2 hours
Female Member since May 2010 Last Updated Dec 2024 Last Login 20 Dec 2024
My Summary
About Me
I'm Suzanne Aldridge (known as Suz to the children) an Ofsted Registered Childminder, rated three times now as 'outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted. I enjoy providing quality childcare in a spacious and well equipped home setting in Rochford /Ashingdon. Children from just 2 months to 13 years have enjoyed growing in our family setting already. Often children don't want to go home as we work so hard to make all children feel loved and welcome. Regular outings form part of our routine as not many children want to be stuck in one place for too long. New environments also provide amazing learning opportunities for all ages during play.
I care for children from birth to whenever they still need a childminder. I cover from early in the morning until late into the evening for many of my existing children. I try to be as flexible as I can.
As an accredited childminder I can offer free funded preschool places for those eligible. Existing parents enjoy the online learning journals I create for all preschool children in my setting, recording the amazing milestones achieved with photos milestones met, activities and art creations. The online system we use allows parents to view what their child has been doing often on the day and add comments too, allowing a partnership approach to childcare.
Some children are booked with me on term time only contracts where parents do not have to work in the school holidays. Others come just for the school holidays and it's no wonder when you see some of the things we get up to!
When a child joins us at Little Newts I work hard with all the children to build new friendships to help them settle quickly and ensure everyone feels part of our family. Any issues are talked about as we go along as a happy childhood is so important. Good manners, house rules and treating others fairly are all important to us in our home.
I am married with two daughters.
I was also one of the founding members of the Rochford Network of Childminders - a group of professional childminders who take pride in continually updating their practices and , training. Our network strives to work together to provide the most exciting opportunities they can for the children they care for. We often plan activities together both in term time and the school holidays, giving the children we care for larger friendship groups and greater opportunities to experience new things. For example as a network we have visited Southend and Rochford Fire Station, been to the Coast Guard Station and sat in a life boat on the beach, Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, Scuba Diving, Cliffs Pavilion to see shows and many more exciting things are in the planning pot. We aim to give every child the best foundation for life.
Excellence in all standards is what I aim for, so it should be no surprise that official awarding bodies have given me their highest ratings - For example Food hygiene 5 stars. Risk assessments are carried out regularly and documented and children grow up being risk aware and join in with the day to day assessments and so learn how to keep themselves safe at all times.
Come and visit to see why children love coming to Little Newts.
My Experience
As a teenager and young adult I worked with children on a volunteer basis attending many training courses giving me an excellent foundation. I trained volunteer workers in best practice for Safeguarding children from the nineties until I began childminding. I have 25 years of senior management business experience procceeding my childcare work so I understand first hand what working parents need.
Since becoming a childminder I have built an extensive portfolio of training giving me the most up to date practice for caring for children from all age groups effectively. I am qualified in childcare - Level 4 and have completed all the essential courses you might expect like Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health and Safety Level 2, Safeguarding Children.
I have also completed many courses connected with the Early Years Curriculum and also seminars to help children who may experience difficulties with communication, behaviour and learning. I never stop researching and learning in order to provide the most up to date care and development possible.
Already I have built up experience in caring for children from tiny babies of just 2 months to 13 year olds who still want to come as they love meeting up with the other children and being kept busy with lots of new things to do.
I also have a background in Human Resources, Professional Communications and Training - all skills that are still proving useful in producing photo filled newsletters and professional paperwork for parents.
Having been a working mum who once needed childcare - I now adore providing professional childcare with the flexibility a home setting allows - children need both good routines and the ability to seize opportunities and change plans - it's not unusual for us to zoom off to the local woods, visit the beach or take a ride on a train. Children are supported to develop and grow as individuals at Little Newts and following their interests is a normal part of our planning. My experience in developing children outdoors is supported by my membership of the Forest Childcare Association.
My Qualifications
You can be rest assured that I have completed all the training you would expect and much, much more! My plans for training never stop.
Here are some details from my extensive portfolio:
Paediatric First Aid
Food Hygiene Course
Level 4 Childcare
Level 3 Childcare - Diploma in Home based Setting
Level 2 Health and Safety
Safeguarding Children levels 2 and 3
Early Years Foundation Stage
Early Years Hygge Accredited Teacher
.
My Availability
My setting is open Monday to Thursday.
I am happy to discuss your personal needs for childcare as I know that working parents sometimes need to start their working days very early or finish late. So please do contact me to discuss your needs in more detail.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 20/12/2024 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £6.75 per hour
For a quality setting I am able to offer a very competitive rate by the hour.
Please come and visit us to find out more.
My Local Schools
This childminder has not yet informed us whether or not they provide any drop off or pick up services at local schools.
My Ofsted Inspections
The inspection grades below have been obtained from the Ofsted website based upon the registration number the childminder has provided to us. You should verify this information yourself prior to using the childminder.
My Documents
- UK Passport (added 29/01/2019)
- First Aid Certificate: 12 Hour paediatric first aid (added 29/01/2019)
- Ofsted Certificate (added 29/01/2019)
- DBS Check (added 29/01/2019)
Reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Newts. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk users and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
Both my daughters have been with Little Newts from a very young age and have grown tremendously in confidence and character during their time with Suz. Suz and her family truly feel like an extension of my own, such is the strength of the relationship between us and I know every day when I drop my girls off (currently aged 4 1/2 and 18 months) that they have a wonderful day ahead planned for them. Every day is a new adventure, whether that involves a day trip out somewhere to the woods or the beach or simply playing in the back garden; the setting Little Newts have created is a home away from home, filled with great learning opportunities. I could not recommend highly enough. Over the years Suz has shown extreme patience with the children, especially when my own wears thin and I have learnt a lot, especially as a new mum from all Suz’s experience and the tips she has given me. I think I would have been lost without her!
And although it makes me sad at times, the days when my eldest cries because she doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day, actually tells me I’ve done the right thing. Her memories of Little Newts and the wonderful friendships formed there will be with her forever!
If you’re looking for the best, contact Suz!
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This profile has been produced from information provided to us by the user. We have not verified or confirmed the accuracy of any of the information and members should undertake their own vigorous checks and references. Please ensure you read our Safety Advice and information on how to Check Childcare Provider Documents.
