Sara Ellen Knowles

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 24 May 2016 3 April 2013

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Since the last inspection, the childminder has worked hard to improve her practice. She has developed an effective self-evaluation process that helps her to make targeted changes.  The environment is safe, warm and welcoming. Children settle quickly, and have good attachments with the childminder.  The childminder has a strong bond with the children. She is aware of their needs and provides activities that interest and engage them. Children's behaviour is good.  The childminder works closely with parents, communicating on a daily basis. She uses an electronic system to monitor and record children's progress, which successfully encourages parents to see and contribute to their children's learning, and helps her to close gaps in children's achievements.  Children make good progress and enjoy the range of activities. The childminder supports them well in their learning and development.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always make the best use of all planned activities to help children make connections in what they learn to recent themes and topics.  The childminder sometimes misses opportunities to engage children more, to express their ideas and extend their vocabulary.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 make better use of planned activities to help children make connections in their learning  engage children more to express their ideas and extend their vocabulary further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at documents relating to the suitability of all household members.  The inspector took into account the verbal and written views of parents.  The inspector looked at a sample of documentation, including children's learning records, policies and training records.  The inspector spoke to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector observed the children and the childminder.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder provides a safe environment and knows the procedures to follow if she has any safeguarding concerns, to protect children from harm. Effective self-evaluation has helped the childminder to make good improvements to her garden. Children use it all year round and benefit from the many interesting learning experiences. The childminder develops her practice and skills well. She regularly attends childminding support groups to share ideas and good practice, and engages in training. This helps her to keep up to date with new childcare developments. Since the last inspection, the childminder has gained an early years qualification, which has helped her to improve her practice. She has provided better storage for resources that children access independently, giving them more choices and control over their learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder knows the children well and plans activities that challenge them, and support their good progress. She knows what children need to learn next and includes this in activities. For example, she supports children well to explore different shapes, sizes and colours during a sticking activity, and to discuss textures in the sand outside. The childminder uses routines well to include learning opportunities. For example, she teaches children about the colours of their food bowls, the shapes of the fruits, and encourages them to count the cups at snack time. The childminder interacts well with the children. She is responsive to children's interests; for example, when a younger child starts clapping, she starts singing, encouraging their exploration of sound and rhythm.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder's calm manner helps children to feel safe and secure. She supports their behaviour well, reminding them to be gentle and to share. The childminder supports the younger children well when changing their nappies. She makes them aware that she is going to change their nappy, and uses it as a learning opportunity, singing counting songs. The childminder teaches the children about following good hygiene practices, talking to them about having to have clean hands before they eat. Children's social skills are good. The childminder frequently takes children to local groups, so they socialise with other children and learn how to work as part of a large group.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children develop good early mathematical and literacy skills through everyday routines, and planned activities and experiences. They understand rules and expectations of good behaviour, and socialise well with others. Children are curious and confident learners. They develop the key skills needed to support them for future learning, such as going to pre-school and school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY290009 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 1048869 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 3 April 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Frome, Somerset. She operates each weekday throughout the year. The childminder has a level 3 early years qualification.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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