Claire Sambrook - Bloom & Grow Childminding

Hi, I’m Claire, a qualified and experienced childminder in Edwinstowe, Mansfield. For the last 25 years I have taught 4–7-year-olds as a primary school teacher. I qualified as a SENDCo in 2016 and was responsible for ensuring children with special educational needs had their needs met. I am passionate about providing all children with the best possible care and education in their formative early years and providing parents with a flexible, Ofsted-approved childcare service.

I’m a mother first and foremost, and so appreciate how precious your child is to you. I live with my partner Phil, daughter Emilia (who works with me as an assistant), my son Dylan, Rufus (our dog), Scruffles & Patchy (our 2 guinea pigs) and our tank of fish. Our family are warm and friendly, and we welcome you into our happy home!

I believe effective early years education is:

• Child-centered – designed to meets the needs and interests of the child.
• Holistic – designed to support the growth of the whole child.
• Play-based – playing is what children do naturally!
• Collaborative – designed to develop communication, cooperation and social skills.
• Following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.

I provide this by:

• I focus on developing strong, nurturing relationships with the children I care for.
• I follow the EYFS curriculum.
• I observe your child’s capabilities and interests.
• I provide learning environments that are rich in open-ended resources to stimulate their development.
• I introduce new activities and experiences that build on prior learning.
• I allow your child time to practice and perfect new skills.
• I reflect on your child’s next steps and plan accordingly.
• I read current research about child development and education, and use this to inform my practice.

My home from home setting comprises of a large lounge, which I use as our main indoor play space. This opens up to our back garden which I use as our outdoor play space. I have a separate dining room with a large table where we eat and socialise together. Food is at the heart of family life and at Bloom & Grow,this is no exception. Your child will be served healthy, balanced, home-cooked meals each day. I provide a seasonal menu that uses seasonal produce (when possible) and informs you of the main meal and dessert your child will receive each day. Meals are designed to incorporate a variety of ingredients met repeatedly. This enables children to gain confidence and acceptance of new foods. My aim is to provide enjoyable mealtimes that nourish your child.

My teaching style and learning environment draws on ideas from Hygge, Montesorri, Reggio and the Curiosity approach. Being based in Edwinstowe, we are so lucky to have Sherwood Forest on our doorstep. We use the forest to explore the changing seasons, go on nature hunts, build dens, jump in puddles, gaze at clouds and tree canopies, explore light and shadow, pattern and texture, and create transient art using 'forest finds'.

I have lots of resources to spark your child’s imagination, from interesting objects to open-ended toys which can be combined in different ways (this creates endless opportunities to play.) I have provision that is constantly available for the children. I also set up invitations to play that encourage your child to learn in a way they may not have experienced before. This helps to keep play engaging and helps your child to develop their concentration. I also add enhancements to extend learning and develop skills further.

My adult led learning is based around modelling new skills and having quality conversations. Thoughts and language are intrinsically linked. Quality conversations develop and deepen your child's understanding, expands your child's vocabulary which supports your child to 'know and understand more'. I am also passionate about reading and children's literature and love to share quality picture books with children. At Bloom & Grow, we have a fantastic selection of books in the 'little library' but we also regularly visit our local village library too! I hope to instil a life long love of reading by supporting your child to make choices about what types of books they want to read and explore. Having spent the last 25 years teaching children to read, I am also able to support school-aged children with their individual journey to reading independently.

I have a comprehensive fee list which covers many different options. Contact me directly and I will share my fee based on what your needs are.

Times and availability

Opening Times

I provide early opening from 7.30am and late closing till 6pm which is available on request with an additional charge.

I have a comprehensive fee list which covers many different options. Contact me directly and I will share my fee based on what your needs are.