An Ely childminder whose husband gave up his job as the bakery manager at Tesco to work at her successful business, has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for being outstanding in all areas.

Ely Standard: Susan and Richard Morris of Little Pumpkins in ElySusan and Richard Morris of Little Pumpkins in Ely (Image: Archant)

Susan Morris, 34, launched Little Pumpkins eight years ago.

Eighteen months ago her husband Richard, who before baking worked in the city for HSBC bank, joined her, and is currently completing his training and qualifications.

Susan said: “Working as a team is great. My passion is being with the children watching them play, problem solve, having fun together.

“It is such a rewarding job.”

The pair make sure they use the outdoor environment to provide a stimulating and educational focus to develop learning about the wider world and have attended training offered by the Early Years Services including Forest Schools.

Susan said: “Richard’s always had a passion for helping to teach young children, He’s been the now Ely City Crusaders Under 11’s joint coach for the past three years and still loves volunteering in this role.

Being involved in our local community has always been an ethos of ours and we are hopefully passing this on to not only our own children but to our minded children aswell.”

Ofsted inspector Jacqueline Baker said Little Pumpkins, in Falcon Mews, was outstanding for its leadership, teaching, learning, development, behaviour, welfare and outcomes.

“Children are happy and extremely secure in the care of the childminder,” she said.

“The standard of teaching is outstanding. Activities are interesting and children quickly become absorbed in their play.

“The drive for improvement is admirable.

“The childminder is passionate about her role and develops her knowledge and skills continuously.

“Equally the supervision of her assistant is robust and ensures he too offers the high level of practice expected.”

She added that children “relish in the exciting activities and thoroughly enjoy the attention they receive from the couple who have three of their own children who are 16, 11 and four.