A home from home early years and before and after school childcare setting in
DOWNHAM MARKET - NORFOLK
Little Squiggles Childcare
Ofsted Registered Childminder
About me
I’m Esme, an Ofsted-registered childminder and mum of two, based in Downham Market, Norfolk. I grew up in Norfolk and have over 15 years’ experience as a childminder, caring for and supporting local families.
Becoming a childminder has allowed me to create a career that I am truly passionate about - supporting children in a calm, nurturing, and home-based environment where they feel safe, valued, and confident to be themselves.
I provide a warm home-from-home setting where children can learn through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supporting each child’s individual development at their own pace.
I believe children thrive when they feel secure and understood. I take time to get to know each child’s personality, interests, and needs and build strong, positive relationships with both children and their families.
My setting is designed to feel like an extension of home - happy, relaxed, and full of opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun.
My approach..
At Little Squiggles, I offer a warm and balanced approach to childcare, combining child-led and adult-supported learning.
Children are encouraged to explore, make choices, and follow their interests, while also being gently guided to support their learning and development.
My aim is for every child to feel safe, settled, and confident to explore the world around them.
My Family
Childminding takes place in our family home in Downham Market, creating a warm and familiar environment for children.
My husband is a retired police officer, having served for over 25 years. He has also worked within the Safer Schools Partnership and now works in a local secondary school in an attendance and safeguarding role.
I have two children, aged 10 and 17, who attend local schools.
We have two friendly cats who are part of our family. They are used to having children around and children will have the opportunity to become familiar with them as part of everyday family life.
Why I Became a Childminder
I became a childminder because I genuinely love supporting children in their early years and watching them grow in confidence, independence, and personality.
I’ve always been around children growing up, and when I had my own, it naturally led me into childminding as a career. It felt like the right fit for something I’ve always enjoyed.
It is a real privilege to be part of such an important stage in their lives, helping to provide a caring and stable environment where they feel happy, safe, and valued.
My Values
At Little Squiggles, I believe children thrive in a safe, caring, and respectful environment where they feel listened to and valued.
I aim to support children to be kind, confident, and curious, while allowing them to learn at their own pace.
Strong, trusting relationships with both children and families are at the heart of everything I do.
Childcare Qualifications & Training
I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure I provide high-quality childcare.
I hold a range of Early Years, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Nutrition training qualifications, including Paediatric First Aid, EYFS training, and safeguarding certification.
Full training certificates are available on request.
At Little Squiggles, we follow our Flourish Pledge, supporting children’s wellbeing and development through regular time in nature.
We enjoy weekly visits to local forests and outdoor spaces, helping children build confidence, resilience, and a connection with the natural world.
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FFA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
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Trained in the use of an adrenalineauto-injector (e.g. EpiPen)