Bennett, Matthew Thomas

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

The childminder and his co-childminder have an exceptionally strong and caring ethos that puts the children at the centre of everything they do. They work exceptionally well together to meet children's individual needs and support their emotional development and confidence excellently. Children have developed very strong attachments and lovely beneficial relationships with them. They are eager to come into the provision. Younger children happily put their arms out to the childminder for a hug and a snuggle as they wave goodbye to their parent. Older children run in smiling and are eager to see their friends.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how young children learn. He has a very fun, friendly and playful manner and children love it when he joins them in their play. Parents say of the childminders that they are 'astounded by their energy, imagination and passion for the work they do' and that 'they make learning enjoyable, fun and exciting' for children. The childminder is skilled at encouraging children to have a go, persevere or try again. Children develop their independence and self-help skills excellently. The childminder is very supportive and offers them lots of encouragement and praise. Children smile proudly when they achieve tasks and develop highly positive attitudes towards learning. They acquire an extensive range of skills that very effectively support their readiness for the next stage of their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an excellent reciprocal working relationship with his co- childminder. They work as an extremely efficient team and capitalise upon each other's strengths to maximise their effectiveness. They ensure their comprehensive systems are implemented and embedded into practice to lead a first-class childminding provision. Parents are extremely complimentary and say about the childminders, 'This is far more than a job to them. It is a vocation they pour their hearts and souls into'. n Children have superb opportunities to be active in the fresh air, learn about the natural world and develop their skills across many areas of learning. They enjoy playing in the outdoor playhouse and explore the many varied resources, including the books readily available. They make marks on the large chalk board and older children write their names very effectively. Children love to feed the fish that live in the childminder's pond. They are fascinated to discover and learn

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need to do better?

about the eggs growing in there. They learn new words, such as 'frogspawn', and discuss the difference between pondweed and seaweed. The childminder regularly takes children out into the local woodlands for inspiring outdoor learning experiences, and leads challenging woodwork sessions in his garden with real tools.

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need to do better?

2 March 2020 n The childminder has exceedingly strong and very beneficial relationships with parents. He works in very close partnership with them, to make sure he knows about children's home experiences and achievements. He uses a wealth of ways to provide them with very regular and comprehensive information about all aspects of children's care and learning. n The childminder observes children closely to find out about their interests and to assess their skills and learning needs. He meticulously outlines gaps in children's development and compiles clear, precise plans to help these gaps close. Children make substantial and sustained progress consistently across all areas of learning. n The childminder leads by example and treats children with kindness and respect. He offers clear explanations to help them understand boundaries in place for their safety, and uses praise effectively to acknowledge their achievements. As a

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need to do better?

result, children understand what they are doing well and their behaviour is exemplary. n The childminder and his co-childminder undertake comprehensive self-evaluation of all aspects of their provision. The childminder is highly reflective. He is exceptionally enthusiastic and keen to continually progress his skills and the opportunities for the children. Since the last inspection, he has undertaken professional reading and research to introduce new exciting sessions to support children's learning outdoors. These sessions ignite children's curiosity, challenge their physical skills and inspire their engagement with nature excellently.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the importance of keeping children safe from harm and of effective safeguarding procedures. He updates his knowledge through training, including wider safeguarding issues. He clearly explains what actions to take if he has any concerns about children's care, safety and welfare. The childminder carefully considers all areas of his home and garden to ensure that children can play and explore safely. He also understands the importance of children learning to recognise and manage risks themselves. He has skilfully introduced areas within his garden and in his outdoor learning sessions to help introduce these essential skills to children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY368270 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10125652 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 33 Date of previous inspection 22 July 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Leigh upon Mendip, near Radstock, Somerset. He works with his wife, who is also a childminder, and occasionally works with an assistant. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. He provides funded early education for children aged three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the areas used for childminding and discussed with the childminder how he implements the educational programmes for the children. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated the effectiveness of an activity together. n The inspector observed the children and the childminder, and spoke with them at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of parents' written views by reading their comments in letters and emails. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including evidence of his and his assistant's suitability and training, and his procedures for safeguarding the children.

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Inspection activities

2 March 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

2 March 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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