Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 show they feel exceptionally happy, safe and emotionally secure in the childminder's care. They are nurtured extremely well and benefit from a superb range of outings. They demonstrate outstanding behaviour at all times.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have excellent opportunities to develop their vocabulary and understanding of the natural world. They watch carefully and talk about what is happening as caterpillars change into butterflies. Children develop a love of books and songs. They re-tell familiar stories and make up silly rhymes as they sit on the sofa with the childminder. Children are well mannered, kind and thoughtful. They speak positively and confidently to each other and adults.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are very keen to try out new activities and show excellent concentration as they complete them. They are curious and do not give up easily. For example, two children work together to carry a half-full adult watering can so they can create puddles to jump in. Children are brave and self-assured, and they are encouraged and supported to manage risks safely. They run down grassy banks and climb rope ladders, knowing that their childminder will cheer them on or talk them through it.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is a very experienced childcare worker. She uses the knowledge and skills that she has built up over the years to engage and educate children effectively. She uses her calm manner and exceptional teaching skills to encourage children to fulfil the high expectations she has for them. n The childminder has a very secure understanding of how young children learn. She carefully plans highly stimulating and educational experiences for every child in her care. Her priority is fun, and she uses her in-depth knowledge of the children to provide exciting and relevant activities. Over time, the children make connections between different areas and can verbalise these. For example, they can explain where honey comes from and that they need to wash their hands before lunch so that the germs do not make them sick. n The childminder works extremely hard to create a home-from-home environment where children feel safe and flourish. Every child makes excellent

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need to do better?

progress from their starting point and is very well prepared for school when they leave her. Children look after their belongings and help prepare snack food to develop their independence skills. n The childminder is an excellent communicator. She makes exceptional use of activities and books to encourage children's speech development and vocabulary. Children hold lengthy conversations with each other and adults. For example, they discuss the crunchiness of different seeds after finding an orange pip.

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need to do better?

6 March 2020 n Feedback from parents is extremely positive. They state that their children are 'loved and nurtured' in the childminder's care. They add that children are very confident and exceptionally willing to try new things. Parents comment that their children love attending the setting and talk fondly about what they do in the childminder's care. The childminder understands the significance of children's home lives and experiences. She regularly organises opportunities which supplement and complement these, for example a train ride for those who usually travel by car. n The childminder makes the most of excellent teaching opportunities each day. She closely observes what children are interested in to extend their learning expertly. For example, older children find their name cards and talk about the different letter sounds they begin with. Younger children find images of familiar animals and learn basic colour words such as 'yellow duck'.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's plan for professional development is targeted to deliver exceptional learning experiences for children. For example, recent training led her to increase the number of positive interactions with children to help build their self-esteem and well-being. n The childminder is highly reflective on her practice. She regularly evaluates her setting to ensure she is maintaining the highest standards for all children. She consistently encourages and values parents' contributions to their children's development and, consequently, gaps in children's learning close rapidly.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of current safeguarding issues. She has clear procedures and protocols to follow if she needs to report an allegation or concern. She confidently identifies physical or emotional signs of abuse or harm. She does not allow any access to the internet in her home and works closely with parents to educate them about limiting screen time and restricting access in their own homes. The childminder keeps a detailed register and an accurate record of visitors to the setting. She closely monitors children's attendance and challenges persistent absence patterns.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY407573 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10113184 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 5 Date of previous inspection 5 August 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm on Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the areas of the home used by children to understand how the early years provision is organised. n The inspector observed care practices and the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as first-aid and insurance certificates. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written information provided.

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Inspection activities

6 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

6 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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