A Chatteris childminder is celebrating after being rated as outstanding across all four of Ofsted’s inspection criteria.

Caterpillar Childcare, run by Siobhan Brookes, has risen from ‘good’ to ‘oustanding’ in a glowing report compiled by inspector Carly Mooney following an inspection on September 21.

Ms Mooney praised Siobhan and her assistant, Amy Smith, saying the pair “play, interact and talk with children in a warm and highly enthusiastic way” and that they “skilfully follow the children’s interests as they happen, extending and enhancing their knowledge and skulls further”.

“They are both experienced and highly skilled at using a broad range of teaching methods to challenge children and fully enhance their learning,” Ms Mooney added.

The 12 children on roll were described as “very happy, enthusiastic learners” and the activities they are involved in are “highly motivating,” making them “squeal with laughter” as they run around the garden.

“Children make rapid progress in their learning from their individual starting points. They develop extremely strong skills for future learning, such as starting school. Children enjoy the exploration of phonics. Children are given very good opportunities to develop their social skills, as they meet a variety of people on excellent trips out in the community,” she added.

The childminders’ relationships with parents also came in line for praise, with Ms Mooney saying parents are “overwhelmingly positive” about the service and that in turn “significantly enhances” the children’s learning.

Siobhan and Amy were also said to have made excellent use of indoor and outdoor space and their ambition to create “exciting play opportunities for children to explore the natural world, using the garden and local woods” was also hailed.

Siobhan, who has a childminder since 2010, said: “Amy and I are extremely proud of our Ofsted report which reflects our professionalism to provide the very best childcare in the town.

“We work extremely hard, not just when we are open, but over weekends and evenings.

“The biggest reward, however, is seeing the children happy and having fun.”