Coleen
Childminder in St Edmundsbury
My Summary
About Me
My name Is Coleen Carpenter, I am 57 years old and am a childminder in Stanton. I received a good grading in all areas of my previous Ofsted inspection. I live at home on my own…..I have a son Rhys (28) and two daughters Abbie(34) and Jade (32) they are both married with 4 grand children (11,8,6 and 2) In Stanton we have two doctors surgeries which I live close too, a large village shop, a post office and a children's centre which offers information to us childminders and families as well as hosting groups and sessions to attend. We have a large park and a recreation ground which we visit regularly, also a large woods area (Bluebell woods) which is very good for the imagination. Currently I have two homely cats, and a beautiful 9 month black Labrador, which play a large part in children's understanding of caring for animals and the world around us. I have a 7 seater car which gives us the opportunity to go out further afield. I registered as a childminder in 2008 but have looked after children for many years before becoming registered. I enjoy being a childminder as I feel as though I play a big part in helping children grow and develop, It is important to me to have trust and a good partnership with the parents also. When a child needs a cuddle I will always be there for them.
I offer funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
I am currently offering childcare for key workers in this difficult time
My Experience
I look after children of all ages, The youngest coming to me at 5 weeks old. I plan activities to suit the needs and ages of the child. I use the child's interests to help keep the activities interesting and fun for them. Each early years child has a learning journal (Folder) these are filled out regularly (weekly) with photos, their own arts and crafts as well being linked to the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework. The children in my care have an opportunity to go outside each day into my garden which Is well equipped with toys, activities and learning resources. Throughout the day we do lots of activities and craft, we use paints, pens, glue and other messy play. We like to go outside and plant plants and occasionally vegetables.
I offer school, nursery and pre school drop offs and pick ups from Stanton school.
My Qualifications
Many areas of First aid, Many areas of Safeguarding, Food hygiene.
Always willing to do more courses when the opportunity arises to better myself.
My Availability
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 6:00pm
My Fees
- Childminding from £4.50 per hour
My Fees are £3.80 per hour but also offer funding for 2,3 and 4 year olds.
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 30/04/2020)
Reviews
5 out of 5
Parents say
This childminder is highly praised for providing exceptional care and fostering children's development. Parents consistently report their children thriving, learning quickly, and enjoying their time. The childminder is described as kind, dedicated, and supportive, offering a nurturing environment with various educational activities and excellent communication with families.
Summary generated by AI from the text of recent member reviews
Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Coleen. 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.
Coleen is absolutely incredible she looked after my little girl for just over a year and Colleen's dedication to the children was incredible. My daughter came on so far whilst in Colleen's care and also completed potty training! Coleen will always go above and beyond for all the children in her care and honestly you wont have a better person looking after your child/children.
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Kerry
on 12/01/2026
My son has been going to coleen for 16 months now and he absolutely loves going.
He's learned so much so quickly. Coleen is a kind women with a big heart, and will always try and help where she can.
Coleen has a large variety of toys, a well equipped garden and she does lots of arts and crafts with the children.
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Sarah
on 11/01/2026
I couldn’t be happier with Coleen. From the very beginning, she made us and our daughter feel completely comfortable and supported. My daughter has thrived in her care coming on leaps and bounds and always comes home happy, settled, and excited to tell us about her day.
Her setting warm, safe, and nurturing, with lots of fun and educational activities that really support learning and development. Communication has always been excellent, and i feel confident knowing my daughter is in such caring and capable hands.
Not only has Coleen cared for my daughter she has supported us as a family through medical issues and feeding problems my daughter is currently undergoing medical care for.
I would highly recommend Coleen to any parent looking for high-quality, reliable and amazing childcare you can't go wrong with Coleen.
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Ashley
on 08/01/2026
My little 20 month old son has been going to Coleens for a year now. All I can say is she’s one of a kind.
Each morning I drop my son off, I feel like I’m handing her my whole heart to protect until I get back. What an amazing job she does. My son has flourished during his time with Coleen. I can’t recommend her enough.
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Hollie
on 07/01/2026
My boy Kajus is going to Coleen’s now for 2 years, he was such a shy boy when he started there, me and my husband didn’t had any family around us so it was always just 3 of us, Coleen took him under her wing and bless her, he’s completely different boy now. At the beginning he was a loner, now he’s so involved into everything, loves doing crafts with all the kids as well, every day he’s excited to be there and it’s just so relieving for me to let him go into a place where he feels safe and happy to be there. Coleen always gives her 100% for all the kids, you can see that she has loads of experience with kids and gives me loads of advice what worked for her when i ask as i’m a first time mom. She’s been just brilliant that even when we moved from Stanton, I still drive my boy everyday to her. 100% recommend.
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Dagne
on 07/01/2026
Our 17month old daughter has settled in so well at colleens, she absolutely loves going each day. The care, kindness, and attention she receives give us complete peace of mind. The attention to detail and the amazing activities Colleen offers are just brilliant! Her speech has come on leaps and bounds since starting and we really couldn’t ask for a better childminder for our little girl! Thankyou!
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Megan
on 19/09/2025
Coleen is such a highly experienced childminder that I have been extremely happy to send both of my sons to her for their pre school childcare while I have been working. Both my sons are very different, and have needed very different levels of reassurance when being left. However with the help and support of settling in sessions, great levels of communication between us both and a comforting homely feel to Coleen’s house it makes the whole process of leaving your children with her an easier experience to do.
Coleen’s home is excellently kitted out with a range of educational and fun toys and has a garden with a large choice of outdoor play equipment. Very highly recommended!
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Abbie
on 20/05/2020
Coleen has been looking after my son for quite a few years now. She has been absolutely amazing with him as it takes a special person to bond with him and for him to bond with, especially in his younger years. My son thinks the absolute world of Coleen and loves going to her house after school and on days when his dad and I have to work and the school is closed. Coleen has played a big part in my sons early years education and has shown him nothing but love, care and consideration, even when he has his off days. She has been not only amazing with my son but also with myself aswell, she is so much more than a childminder, she has come to be a great friend. Her home is her business and you always feel welcome, no matter how busy she is. I have, over the years, recommended Coleen to many many other parents as one of the best, if not THE best, childminders I have ever used. I couldn't imagine leaving my son with anyone else now.
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Amanda
on 14/04/2020
Coleen has looked after my little ones since they were 1 year old they are now 5 and 6. She has been amazing not just with the children but a support for me and my husband. We have discussed every step of my children's progression and she has supported us through some tough times. My children love her to pieces and just think of her as an extension to our family network. If you want a caring childminder you won't find better
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Daniels
on 13/04/2020
I first used Coleen when I was in need of a reliable and safe childminder because I was previously using someone in another local village who was not meeting the needs I was expecting and paying for. From that day my son and I were welcomed into Coleen’s front door I instantly knew this was going to be a lady who not only was to be major care and support for my son she also become a dear friend where I have been able to use her shoulder to cry on and has become part of my support and rock to allow me to work and grow my career in the relevant fields I have explored after having a child.
She ensures she gets to know individual children’s interests and personalities. She knows what the children like and dislike.
Her home is also her work space and has ample amounts of toys and activities for the children to use and have each day. And a well organised garage for them all to be stored in!
There is no problem or issue that prevents Coleen from doing her very best to support and provide care for the children.
My son has made many friends that without time in Coleen’s care he would not have the time to play and learn with them outside of school time.
Being a working parent Coleen has always provided professional paper work to show her career is organised and up to date. She provides care for children at a very reasonable price. Her working hours are catered to suit all working parents. She is an emergency number on my sons school details if I cannot get to school as soon as possible. I do not know what I would do without Coleen. She is a star, an outstanding, caring and genuine childminder that any child who gets the opportunity to be in her care will always know they are safe, protected and cherished!
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AJK
on 13/04/2020
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This profile was last updated on 6th January 2026 and 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.
