Stephens, Paul David

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

The childminder and his co-childminder have an exceptionally strong and caring ethos. They work extremely well together to meet children's individual needs and support their emotional development and confidence excellently. This has been particularly beneficial as children have had limited social contact because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children have developed very strong bonds and beneficial relationships with the childminders. Lovely relationships have also developed between the children. They spontaneously hold hands when out on their walks, share toys and clearly enjoy being with each other. Children demonstrate exceptional behaviour, listening respectfully and responding to instructions from an early age. The childminder consistently promotes consideration and respect for others.

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The provision is good

Parents are full of praise for the childminders. They value the 'insightful ideas' on ways to support their children's learning at home. First time parents commend the childminders' vast experience and say they benefit so much from their advice. The childminders had a period of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, they regularly messaged parents to maintain their good relationships. They shared activities and home learning ideas to help parents support children's development and well-being while out of their provision.

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need to do better?

n Children make good and, in some respects, very good progress. The childminder and his co-childminder observe children to assess their learning and build on their existing skills. They accurately outline gaps in children's development and make plans to support these. They work closely with parents to provide consistent support and home learning ideas for children. However, during some adult-led activities, the childminder does not always make the most of the available learning opportunities. This means that occasionally children are not as involved or engaged, and their learning does not develop to the highest level. n The childminder and his co-childminder encourage children to be independent. They offer ideas, techniques and praise as children do things for themselves, very effectively building their confidence and willingness to have a go. Children persevere to chop and peel fruit, to prepare their snack. They conscientiously

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need to do better?

tidy items away and put things in the bin. Children develop the key skills and attitudes that give them a good start for their future. n The childminder's passion for the outdoors is clear and he also inspires this in the children. They show considerable resilience and determination exploring the woodland trails with the childminder near his home. Children develop their strength and physical skills very effectively, squelching in the mud and negotiating the slopes and uneven ground. They excitedly hang up bird feeders

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need to do better?

9 December 2021 they have made and giggle as they play hide and seek or roll a ball down the bank. n Children are busy, active and keen to explore and learn. The childminder and his co-childminder set out their home in a thoughtful and stimulating way, focused closely on children's interests and learning needs. They have an excellent range of high-quality toys and resources, presented so that children can access these easily themselves. The childminders thoughtfully ensure that these are changed around mid-way through the day to continue to stimulate and interest children. n Young children's communication skills are progressing well. They listen and show their understanding as they follow the childminder's instructions. Babies excitedly babble as they explore activities, and young children relish the childminder joining them in their play. He gets down to their level and they have fun as they imaginatively act out cooking pizza. Children tell him 'it cook' and

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need to do better?

they put the play pizza in the oven. n The childminder shows dedication to his provision. He reflects on his practice, working closely with his co-childminder to drive improvements. They have focused closely on developing their garden during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have created a space that can be more easily used all year round and in all types of weather, with artificial grass, paving and patio areas. This usefully increases the opportunities for young children and babies to spend time outdoors.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Children's safety and well-being are highly prioritised by the childminder. He implements robust risk assessments and procedures to ensure children are safe in his home and when on outings. The childminder skilfully teaches children safe practices. Young children learn not to approach dogs when out in the community and walk carefully when near the road. They learn to play safely with sticks in the woods and start to recognise and manage the risks they encounter very effectively. The childminder knows what action to take if he had any concerns about children's safety or welfare. He has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and wider safeguarding issues, updating his knowledge regularly through a range of training.

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should:

n give more consideration to the support offered for children during adult-led activities, to consistently develop their interest and engagement further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 405520 Local authority South Gloucestershire Inspection number 10125493 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 8 Date of previous inspection 14 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001 and lives in Warmley, near Bristol. He works with his wife, who is also a registered childminder. The childminder operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. He holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection of the setting since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provision. 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. The inspector observed the children, the childminder and his co- 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 email messages. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including suitability checks and paediatric first-aid qualifications, and the childminder discussed his procedures for safeguarding the children.

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Inspection activities

9 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

9 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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