Howard, Gemma Louise

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the inviting, well-resourced environment. The childminder pays close attention to details, such as making sure children's favourite resources are readily available when they arrive. Consequently, children feel welcomed and ready to learn.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children show very impressive levels of confidence as they lead their own learning. For example, young children pull at balls of wool and giggle in delight as the wool unwinds. They move around the garden, stopping, looking in amazement at the wool as it follows them. The childminder relates this to what children see on their frequent nature walks. She asks children if they think the wool looks like 'sparkly slug and snail trails'. This enables them to make links between their play and what they see in the wider environment.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Behaviour of all children is exemplary. The childminder is an excellent role model and consistent in managing behaviour. Children willingly share resources and wait for their turn. Older children welcome the responsibilities given to them to help care for younger children. For example, at snack time they proudly hand out plates and make sure younger children have the correct drinking cups.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Routines are in place to promote children's health, safety and confidence during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. These include taking steps to ensure that children are happy to separate from their parents in the childminder's garden as parents do not currently go into her home.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is imaginative as she teaches young children about feelings and how to manage these. For example, she uses young children's interests in dinosaurs to ask how they might feel if they bumped into each other. Would they feel 'sad' or 'happy?'. This develops children's ability to express their emotions and feelings. n Older children are especially confident in managing their personal needs. For example, they discuss how they have washed their hands so they are 'really clean'. The childminder talks to younger children as she changes their nappies. She tells them she is wiping their hands so they 'don't get upset tummies because of germs'. This helps toddlers gain an understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. n The well-qualified childminder has a superb understanding of how young children learn. She has extremely high expectations for all children to achieve to the best of their abilities. The childminder uses her detailed knowledge of every

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need to do better?

child to accurately assess what children can and cannot yet do. She has put in

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need to do better?

4 August 2021 place a curriculum that inspires children to learn. This ensures that all children make strong progress and achieve the best possible outcomes. n The childminder uses every opportunity to develop children's language skills. For example, children delight in spontaneous learning as they discover they can attach small trains to magnets. The childminder talks about the magnet 'attracting' the metal on the train, which makes the train fasten to the magnet. This extends children's vocabulary as well as enabling children to learn about cause and effect. n The childminder skilfully supports children's physical development. She provides opportunities for them to try things themselves, such as negotiating steps in the garden. They work out how to put their hands on the step before lifting their legs up. When they get up, they give huge beaming smiles and are extremely proud of their achievements. They delight in the claps and congratulations from

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need to do better?

the childminder and other children. n The highly qualified childminder is exceptionally mindful of the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She accesses specific training to continually develop her professional skills and knowledge in this area. Speech and language training benefits children who have specific language needs and improves her already excellent practice. The childminder works in close partnership with a wide range of other professionals so that children get the support they need. n Parents praise the thoughtful support the childminder has provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. The childminder has been inventive in maintaining contact with children and parents. For example, she organised online story times when she read to children. When possible, she met families outdoors for nature walks. This contact helped to maintain children's secure attachments to the

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need to do better?

childminder. Consequently, children who missed being with the childminder have quickly adjusted to being back in the setting.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a robust knowledge and understanding of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk from abuse and neglect. She knows the procedures to follow in the event of any concern about their welfare. She keeps informed of the latest child protection issues and updates her knowledge and understanding through regular training. Rigorous risk assessments reflect the high priority given to children's safety. The childminder teaches children to keep themselves safe. For example, at mealtimes the childminder talks about cutting tomatoes in half before eating and explains why this is important.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY557864 Local authority North Yorkshire Inspection number 10190298 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in the Hemingbrough area of Selby. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 5. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation together to assess the quality of teaching and learning. n Children's records were looked at by the inspector along with a range of other documentation. n The inspector took into account written feedback provided by parents. n The inspector spoke to children at appropriate times during the inspection and assessed learning in the indoor and outdoor environment.

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Inspection activities

4 August 2021 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

4 August 2021 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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