Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely confident and settled in the childminder's exceptionally well- organised home. They excitedly engage in their play, using the extensive resources to develop their ideas. For example, on arrival, young children used the dolls, wipes and nappies to change their 'babies', demonstrating an excellent awareness of hygiene. Children used a mirror to see and clean their runny nose and washed their hands afterwards, demonstrating to their dolls what to do. Children are highly motivated and eager to participate in all activities, choosing whether to be indoors or outdoors. They are fascinated by the environment and recall previous learning. For example, seeing the book about a bear hunt, they explored mud, grass and water, using all their senses to remember the story. Younger children counted to five as they filled smaller tubes from a larger container with water, and older children recognised shapes. Children make rapid progress in all areas of their

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The provision is outstanding

development and particularly have a love of books. They select them independently and ask the childminder to read to them. Children of all ages listen, concentrate and engage extremely well in asking and answering questions. They have excellent communication skills. The youngest children repeat words and use three-word sentences. Older children speak very clearly, building their vocabulary and understanding. For example, as they played with ice, they noticed that it got smaller and smaller, recognising this as melting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder continues to provide outstanding care and education for children because she evaluates her practice highly successfully. The childminder works closely with other childminders who share the same vision for excellence. They observe each other to provide honest critical feedback, which helps her to provide continually inspiring teaching. n To enhance children's exposure to nature, the childminder has gained a Forest School Leader qualification, and plans many rich experiences for children in the local area and in her garden. Even very young children have an excellent knowledge of the natural world, such as toddlers pointing out rainbows and noticing the wind blowing. Older children understand about fire safety and use thinking skills well to solve problems. n The childminder provides highly sensitive support for children to manage their emotions, enabling them to think of solutions to a frustrating situation. For

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need to do better?

example, when an older toddler got into a doll's cot and could not get out, the childminder acknowledged their feelings and calmly engaged them in thinking about what they needed to do. When the child considered their actions, they were extremely proud when they got themselves out. n Partnerships with parents are excellent. For example, the childminder provides books and activities for parents to share at home with their children, and

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need to do better?

28 January 2020 parents confirm their children have become highly inquisitive. She works very proactively with parents and other settings the children attend. As a result, the childminder meets children's individual care and learning needs extremely well. n The childminder has an exemplary knowledge of what children can do independently and what they need to learn next. She is skilful at planning activities that motivate children, so they become engrossed in their learning. For example, children gained a very good awareness of people's differences in their pretend Chinese restaurant. The childminder joined in with their role play, asking for a menu, pointing out words and signs to order food. n The childminder extends children's learning extremely well, while acknowledging their own ideas. For example, children laughed as they attempted picking up rice with chopsticks and persevered with the task. The childminder challenged them

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need to do better?

further by asking them if they could move the rice into another container. She then praised their clever thinking, when they tipped it in. n Children have extremely positive relationships, with each other and the childminder. The childminder provides an outstanding role model and a highly inclusive provision. She supports very young children exceptionally effectively in being kind, sharing and thinking of others' feelings. As a result, even very young children show good understanding of others' feelings. n From training and research, the childminder has developed her knowledge of attachments and children's emotional well-being. As a result, she has an excellent awareness of the impact this can have on children's ability to learn; so, she works very closely with parents to help children settle, especially when they first start.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She has an excellent understanding of signs and symptoms of all aspects of child protection. She knows what to do if children are at risk of harm and reports concerns. The childminder applies stringent risk assessments to her environment and activities. She involves older children in thinking of risks and what to do about them for themselves, such as avoiding rabbit holes in the woods. Children automatically put on a safety helmet to use tricycles and steer to avoid obstacles.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY368135 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10125651 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 to 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 21 July 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Bridgwater, Somerset. She operates her service on Monday to Thursday from 7.30am until 6pm, throughout the year. The childminder holds an early years qualification and Forest School Leader qualification at level 3. She receives funding to provide free early education to children age two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder to find out how she organises her provision and the range of activities. n The inspector took account of the written feedback left by parents and the childminder's evaluation of her own practice. n Observations were made of the quality of teaching and learning, including tracking children indoors and outdoors. n Discussions took place between the childminder and the inspector, at convenient times. n The inspector checked safeguarding information and sampled documentation, including evidence of the childminder's professional development.

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Inspection activities

28 January 2020 We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

28 January 2020 regulates and inspects to 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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