Abbott, Katherine Anne

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 are extremely settled, content, and demonstrate they are very secure in the childminder's care. They are inspired by the childminder's enthusiasm and her genuine interest in them. Behaviour is exceptional. Children demonstrate an exceptionally mature understanding of right and wrong and learn to think of each other's feelings. Young children confidently explain the importance of sharing and listening to one another. Children share toys and try to help each other as they pour drinks together. This helps to show that children feel safe and are emotionally secure. The childminder regularly praises children. They gain very high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They are highly motivated to learn and engage with activities.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder gains information about each child, so that she has a comprehensive understanding of them. She makes excellent use of this knowledge to offer expertly tailored support and exciting play opportunities. The childminder plans an exceptionally broad curriculum and provides stimulating and creative experiences. Children make excellent progress. Children persevere and thoroughly enjoy exploring mathematical concepts. For example, children, who are not yet three years of age, use a rich range of mathematical language, such as 'full, empty, half, more' and 'heavy', as they make a fruit salad and pour water. This language-rich environment helps to reinforce any new concepts and new words are introduced exceptionally well.

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need to do better?

n The process for self-evaluation is highly effective to set targets for further development and the childminder maintains an extremely ambitious vision for her childcare service. She completes an extensive range of training opportunities and readily shares her knowledge with others. For example, training recently attended has helped children's love of stories and using their imaginations. n Children are exceptionally confident and articulate communicators, willing to approach adults and ask questions. For example, when children take interest in mixing colours, the childminder talks about how they did this and encourages children to explore and investigate further. The childminder skilfully extends their interests like this regularly, which helps to promote opportunity for children to think through their ideas and extend their understanding across a range of areas of learning. n The childminder provides a nurturing and supportive environment for babies and

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need to do better?

young children, which is also a hub of support for parents. Routines and care practices put each baby's needs at the forefront of everything the childminder does. Babies, even those new to the provision, receive carefully tailored support to ensure they feel safe and relaxed.

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need to do better?

27 January 2022 n The childminder expertly extends opportunities to support children in building on their knowledge. For example, when learning about healthy lifestyles, the childminder uses words, such as 'oesophagus', and helps children understand parts of their body. n Thoughtful interactions and play opportunities assist children in gaining excellent social skills. Children receive excellent support to understand and respect differences. They frequently use local and community facilities. Sensitive discussions about similarities and differences help children to notice differences and inspire them to find out about the wider world. For example, they discuss each other's eyes during snack time. n The childminder inspires children's enjoyment of books. Children frequently refer to books in their discussions and use the descriptive language they have heard. For example, young children confidently describe a character's costume in the

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need to do better?

story and how the story made them feel. n The childminder builds highly effective partnerships with parents. Parents hold the childminder in high esteem and report that their children have flourished, gained confidence and made excellent progress. n The childminder significantly enhances children's physical development. Children are enthusiastic to play and enjoy using 'scarfs' to join in with songs. They are motivated to make a fruit salad and cutting the fruit and exploring the texture. They talk confidently about safety while cutting the fruit with the childminder.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of her responsibility to ensure children's safety. She knows the possible signs to be aware of that could indicate that a child is at risk of harm. She understands her responsibilities to swiftly report concerns about children's safety and well-being. The childminder knows the correct procedure to follow if an allegation was to be made against a member of her household. The childminder's home is safe and clean, and rigorous hygiene practices and risk assessments are adopted, to prevent the spread of infection.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY356795 Local authority Reading Inspection number 10136501 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 6 Date of previous inspection 19 May 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives in Tilehurst, in Reading, Berkshire. She works from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The inspector and the childminder held a discussion to understand how the early years curriculum is organised. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of all household members and qualifications of the childminder. She also discussed the childminder's self- evaluation. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials.

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Inspection activities

27 January 2022 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

27 January 2022 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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