Suzanne
Childminder in Gosport (also available for babysitting)
Usually responds within 24 hours
Female Member since Jun 2018 Last Updated Mar 2025 Last Login 08 May 2025
My Summary
About Me
My name is Suzanne Penfold. I have a childminding business called Discovery Ducklings. I live with my husband Kevin and my two children. Pippa is my
eldest, born in 2014 and Sebastian, my baby was born in 2017. We have lived in our house
for 7 years now and bought it because of the extra rooms and location which made it
ideal for childminding.
My husband, 2 children and I live in a 3 bed detached house next to Rowner junior school.
We have an enclosed private garden and two separate rooms which will be used for
childminding. The larger room has laminate flooring ideal for all messy play and meal times.
It has a selection of toys available for all age groups covering all areas of learning. The
smaller room is known as the “quiet” room and has a range of books, puzzles, games and sensory toys for your children to explore. This is also where they will nap if and when they
require them. I have a travel cot for babies and will use sleep mats for older children. All
children will use separate bedding which is washed weekly or more regularly if needed. The
children have access to our garden from the quiet room through my utility in the summer months. My garden has
enough space for children to explore, learn and play. I have bikes, ride on’s and scooters for
them to play on, along with water and digging area. There will be sand and
water play, balls, bug hunting equipment and many more ways for your children to explore
and develop fine and gross motor skills as well as build their self-confidence. We often spend time out in the local community as well learning about the world around us. Currently we are visiting Marwell Zoo and learning about the animals from real experiences
My Experience
I have been working with children and young people in various roles for over 13 years, and I am
level 5 qualified in early years. I have experience from new-born babies up to teenagers. I
have gained these experiences in nurseries, placements in schools, looking after friends and
families children and working for a short time with KIDS the disabled charity, providing
respite to families.
As a mother I know how hard and important it is to feel you have found the right childcare
for your child. Only the best is good enough! My aim is to use my knowledge of the early
year’s foundation stage to provide a safe and secure environment where your children can
explore, thrive, be supported and become a confident and independent learner. I want
them to have fun exploring, discovering and learning through activities and play.
My Qualifications
I have a level 5 foundation degree in Early Years and I am currently studying to complete my Bachelors of Arts in Early Years
Level 2 food hygiene and a level 5 rating from environmental health
Paediatric first aid
Safeguarding uk safeguarding children
CRB check
Rated Good by OFSTED 2021
My Availability
As of June I will be increasing my days to include a Thursday and a Friday from September.
School Holidays will be available!
My available hours are:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday before school and after school pick up from 7.30 and until 4pm! I currently have no daytime spaces for children under 5 however a space will be available on a Wednesday from April and spaces will be available on a Thursday from June.
In September I will have spaces Monday to Friday.
I drop off and collect from Rowner infants and Junior school and steady steps preschool.
Discovering Ducklings will is open from 7.30 am- 4pm, Monday to Wednesday both term time and throughout the holidays.
I will be closed all public and bank holidays and no charge will be taken on these days.
I will be closed for around 5 weeks (28 days) over the year including between Christmas and
New Year, you will be given plenty of notice of these dates and no charge will be taken
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Morning | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Afternoon | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no |
| After School | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Last Updated: 07/03/2025 | |||||||
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.50 per hour
- Babysitting from £9.00 per hour
Full time:4.50 p/h. Sibling discount is £4.20p/h.
Snacks are included in price.
Part time or term time: £4.80 p/h. sibling discount £4.50 p/h price is slightly higher to keep your child’s place over the holidays. No fees over this period.
2, 3 & 4 year old funded hours are accepted and can be used on a standard or stretched
offer. These can be used between the hours of 7.30-4pm. Snacks are included. .
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
- Ofsted Certificate (added 19/11/2020)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Suzanne. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members 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.
My daughter started with Suzanne when she was 17 months old, Suzanne built a brilliant relationship with Poppy and she loved going to Suzanne’s and would ask me when she would be going back as soon as she was in the car!
Suzanne supported Poppy through all stages from toddler to school ready, she supported her toilet training, her learning through play and her social and emotional development, Suzanne is great at communicating so I always knew what Poppy was up to, what she was learning next through different topics and activities and what adventures she had planned for them. Suzanne also sent me pictures of Poppy at play and what activities had been set up for them to do. No wonder she never wanted to leave! Suzanne had role play areas, a quiet area for nap time, music, reading and singing, she learnt numbers, sounds, name writing, all different creative activities, Poppy was always painting, drawing, making and would proudly bring them home, Suzanne made a folder for all her art work which was lovely.
Poppy loved going on outings with Suzanne she would take them to the farm, park, woods, stay and plays, and met with another childminder where Poppy made her first best friend.
I couldn’t have asked for a better childminder as Suzanne always went above and beyond and Poppy absolutely adored going there where Suzanne made her safe, secure and happy. I’d highly recommend Suzanne to anyone looking for a childminder.
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by
NatashaH
on 05/10/2022
Suzanne has had my daughter for around a year and she is amazing. I know my daughter is in safe hands with her and she learns so much. She was able to write her name and knew the alphabet off by heart within a couple of weeks of going to Suzanne’s. She comes home and tells me new songs they have sung, new adventures they have been on and new things she has learnt. If there is any issues she will ring me right away so I know exactly what is going on, she is flexible as she can be.
After lock down my daughter had separation anxiety and would cry constantly as soon as I left her with anyone, and Suzanne worked with my daughter over this. I would get a text before I was at the end of the road to say she was settled. I can always text and ask how she is doing so great for anxious parents too!!
If we are not going to Suzanne’s that day my daughter asks when she is next going, she loves it there! I’d recommend to anyone to get their little ones booked with her. It is a home from home x
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kirstyb
on 14/04/2021
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