Oxenford Susan

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 thrive in the care of this warm, nurturing childminder and have strong, loving bonds with her. They demonstrate they feel wonderfully safe and content. Children behave extraordinarily well and play together beautifully. The childminder is a positive role model. She provides children with consistent and timely reminders about the importance of being kind and sharing their toys. Children quickly become independent in choosing toys and putting them away when they have finished with them. The childminder skilfully weaves mathematical concepts into children's activities as, for example, she encourages children to count out loud and compare the size and shape of building blocks.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's enthusiasm inspires children to learn and concentrate. She uses high-quality interactions to ignite children's interest and engagement. Children excitedly explore sand to find hidden toy animals. As they seek them out, they proudly hold up their finds. They confidently name familiar animals and ask curious questions about the animals they do not know, such as kangaroos. The childminder skilfully extends children's knowledge as together they discover where kangaroos come from and discuss how they 'boing, boing' along.

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The provision is outstanding

Children enjoy many opportunities to learn about their local community. These include woodland experiences, visits to community groups and interactions with the older generation. All of this widens children's understanding of the world around them. Children meet with other children. They make friends and learn to interact in wider social settings, which helps to prepare them for school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder constantly strives to extend her knowledge of how children learn. She evaluates what she needs to know to provide the best possible experience for every child. She proactively seeks out a wealth of professional development opportunities. For example, she is teaching herself and children sign language to enhance their ability to communicate and work together. She has strong links with other settings children attend, which helps to support a highly consistent, holistic approach to children's care and learning. n The childminder works very closely with parents to ensure she has a thorough understanding of their children's needs and interests. Parents go well out of their way to keep their children in the care of this highly skilled and dedicated childminder. They speak warmly about the exceptional care she provides and say children are truly part of the childminder's family. Older children write

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need to do better?

heartfelt letters and cards that tell her how much they love being with her. n The childminder gives a high priority to establishing children's love of music and books. The youngest children giggle with joy as she bounces them on her knee

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need to do better?

25 February 2020 and sings well-known nursery rhymes. Older children help themselves freely to books. The childminder responds instantly to their desire for a story. They snuggle together on a comfortable sofa to read together. Children know the stories well and eagerly recall what happens next. They join in with repeating refrains with obvious delight. n The childminder skilfully interacts with children to build on what they know. Children eagerly tell her about their first skiing holiday. This leads to wide ranging conversations about the climate, the differing languages of other holidaymakers, and what happens when you fall in the snow. The childminder listens attentively and carefully repeats words and sentences to enhance the accuracy of children's pronunciation. n The childminder diligently carries out routine assessments of children's development. She is acutely aware of any children who need extra help and

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need to do better?

finds highly effective ways to accelerate their learning. For example, if children find holding pens or brushes difficult, she experiments with different-shaped writing implements. This gives children confidence to make marks in their own way until they are ready to move on in their learning. n Children have plenty of opportunities to be physically active. They gain a good sense of their own safety as they make use of challenging equipment at local play areas. In the childminder's well-equipped garden, children develop strength and confidence as they manoeuvre trundle toys and navigate the climbing equipment. The childminder expertly links this physical activity with the importance of a varied diet. She encourages children to eat well and teaches them about the food they eat. Children collect eggs from chickens and grow their own fruit and vegetables. Children are helped to be given a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of good food and exercise.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder regularly attends safeguarding training and has an excellent understanding of the possible signs of abuse or neglect. She is proactive in researching the wider aspects of safeguarding, such as the risks posed to older children through the use of mobile phones and social media. Written safeguarding procedures are clear and comprehensive. The childminder knows what to do if anyone makes an allegation against her. She is very vigilant and ensures children play in a safe, secure environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 222602 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10112985 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 0 to 11 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 18 Date of previous inspection 25 March 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in Steeple Morden. She operates all year round from 7.15am to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year- old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector looked at areas of the home and garden used by children and the resources available to them. She walked with the childminder and children to and from the local pre-school. n The inspector considered the views of parents and children through written testimonials and survey forms. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at convenient times during the inspection. She and the childminder evaluated children's activities to assess the quality of the learning programme. n The inspector sampled some essential documents, including evidence of the suitability of family members, training certificates and children's records.

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Inspection activities

25 February 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

25 February 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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