Bennington, Michelle Zoe

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

In a very short time, young children settle extremely well and develop a highly secure sense of belonging at the setting. They show that they feel exceptionally safe and reassured when meeting new people. For example, children approach visitors to the setting with great enthusiasm and kindly tell them that they like the scarf they are wearing. Children show that they are proud of themselves when the childminder praises them for being so welcoming and thoughtful towards others.

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The provision is outstanding

Children respond exceptionally well to the childminder's unquestionably high expectations for their learning. They eagerly get involved in activities in the purpose-built log cabin and feel at ease with helping themselves to the array of toys and equipment. Younger children constantly revisit previous learning and reflect on the enjoyable experiences they have at the setting. For example, they confidently use their excellent mathematical knowledge to identify the flat shapes they make with cinnamon-scented dough. During cooking activities, children listen carefully to the safety instructions provided by the childminder's assistant. They follow these precisely, instinctively reminding each other to handle the grater with care when using it to grate a carrot.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are incredibly supportive of each other and their behaviour is remarkably positive. They become thoroughly absorbed in their play, sharing their successes and taking turns with ease.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a deep understanding of how children learn. Together with her assistant, she delivers a rich curriculum which inspires children to learn through real experiences. For example, children show a great interest in a hibernating butterfly. They actively help to build a safe habitat for the butterfly. The childminder shows them how to use online tools to find out even more information about butterflies. n Assessments of children's learning are extremely detailed and insightful. The childminder is quick to identify when children may need extra support, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She is highly committed to ensuring children's unique needs are met in all aspects of the provision. Despite finding it difficult to contact outside professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder continues to be tenacious in securing advice and guidance from health specialists.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is highly skilled at asking questions to help children to extend their critical thinking. She gives them ample time to articulate their ideas and encourages them to ask their own questions. At every opportunity, the childminder sensitively supports children to pronounce words correctly, including

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need to do better?

3 December 2021 more complex phrases. This helps to enhance their rapidly developing speaking skills even further. n Children become absorbed in looking at familiar books, including one about a witch. They listen intently to the story, pointing to their favourite characters and retelling exciting parts in their own words. During an outing, the childminder inspires them to look for sticks to make their own witch's wand and revisit the story again. This helps children to build exceptional literacy skills. n The childminder inspires children to expand the range of foods they enjoy as part of a healthy and nutritious diet. For example, during cooking activities children are encouraged to explore fresh herbs, such as basil. They smell it and look closely at the leaves before keenly trying it for taste. This helps to encourage children, including those who are at first reluctant, to develop a highly positive approach to eating well.

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need to do better?

n The childminder challenges stereotypical behaviours and works alongside parents to help children gain positive attitudes. She helps to raise children's awareness of the needs of people with disabilities, such as sight loss. For example, children are encouraged to cover their eyes with a scarf and talk about how it feels when they cannot see the things around them. n Partnership working with parents is extremely successful. The childminder gets to know families extremely well and offers tailored support when they are facing challenges in their lives. Parents are keen to read about their children's progress. They say that they are amazed at how well their children's speech is developing since joining the setting. n Professional development is highly valued by the experienced childminder and her assistant. The childminder diligently liaises with other early years providers, schools and professionals to build on her wide experience and qualifications. She

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need to do better?

often shares her outstanding practice with other childminders to help them to also improve outcomes for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder prioritises training and research to help her maintain an excellent understanding of safeguarding issues, including concerns that are reported locally. She has an extensive understanding of the different indicators that may suggest a child's well-being is at risk. She knows exactly what to do to take swift action. The childminder makes sure that new safeguarding guidance is shared promptly with her assistant. She leads supervision meetings with her assistant to diligently check their ongoing suitability and safeguarding knowledge. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have purposefully discussed how to identify when a child may be at risk of exposure to domestic violence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY561180 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10191028 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 8 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Sporle in Norfolk. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 5. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder regularly works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder, her assistant and the inspector discussed how the early years provision and curriculum are organised. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of a cooking activity together. n Children spoke to the inspector at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Parents shared their views in writing and the inspector took these into account. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of all persons living and working at the setting.

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Inspection activities

3 December 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

3 December 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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