My name is Nicky Sutherland.  I live in the Tarring area of Worthing and I am a Registered Childminder regularly inspected by OFSTED. I have two sons, Ben and Luke. We have two cats and a hamster.

I have been a Registered Childminder since May 2001.  I am registered to care for 6 under 8 and also over 8's.  At my last Ofsted inspection I received an overall "GOOD" grading with three Outstandings. Online link to my Inspection Report

We live in a three-bedroomed house with an enclosed back garden and a dedicated playroom.  Both inside and outside are equipped with various toys and resources for all ages with these being regularly updated and added to.

I take my chosen occupation very seriously and try to take any steps which I feel will increase my effectiveness as a Registered Childminder and improve the service I provide.  Therefore, I am always keen to update and refresh my knowledge through relevant training courses.  I have completed a Level 3 qualification "Certificate in Childminding Practice" by CACHE, a Level 3 Quality Assurance Scheme "Quality First" by NCMA and the Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice through the Open University.  Please see my Qualifications page for further details of evening courses and workshops too.

I am a member of Magic Minders Childminding Group, the Worthing Childminding Network and a member of a Childminding Internet Forum called UKChildminders, which helps me keep up-to-date with Childminding issues and offers support. You can be rest assured as I have Public Liability insurance run by Morton Michel. I also have car insurance with business use.

Your child will be cared for in a home-like environment within a family atmosphere.  They will receive individual attention whilst also enjoying interaction with children of various ages. I attend regular sessions at Toddler groups, soft play centres and visits to other friends and childminders with young children.  When we can, we spend as much time out of the house as possible, visiting places such as the beach, library, park, zoo's, countryside, museums and other places of interest (weather permitting!) Please ask to see to see my folder of what we did when visiting!

You will receive a regular newsletter to keep you informed of what your child has done in the month and important information to keep you updated.  For the under fives, I provide a daily diary which details events that have gone on throughout the day, food eaten, nappy changes etc.  A 'Learning Journey' folder will be completed during their time here which will include photographic evidence of the fun and learning.  I also complete regular observations linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage and include samples of their work.  For the under 5's each month revolves around a loose focus point, for example, minibeasts or transport, where planning is linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. We do activities and outings around that topic or follow the child's interests, ensuring the children get new and fun experiences each month!