Childminder in Cornwall

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 thrive in this welcoming setting. The childminder places a high priority on children's well-being. She forms close and nurturing bonds with children and they demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-worth. Children benefit from an exceptionally well-organised curriculum and become extremely adept at leading their own play. For example, they eagerly gather the things they need to set up their own activity in the water tray. They carefully consider how to make the activity interesting and enjoyable for everyone. Consequently, children extend their creativity and become highly motivated learners.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They have a firm understanding of the childminder's high expectations. She is empathetic and kind and gently guides them, so they become considerate towards each other. Children regularly use good manners with little prompting.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit enormously from regular stories and access to a rich range of books. They explain enthusiastically that reading is a favourite activity and gain good early reading skills. For example, they enjoy following the words with their fingers and begin to understand the process and impact of reading. They joyfully join in with the familiar phrase, 'Fee-fi-fo-fum!' during the story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and discuss how Jack feels as he climbs the beanstalk.

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need to do better?

n The experienced and knowledgeable childminder has a strong understanding of how children learn. She carefully considers the individual children in her care and knows their personalities well. Children gain their impressive skills through building on what they already know and can do. The childminder gives them opportunities to regularly revisit activities, such as climbing and balancing when they visit local parks, for example. This allows all children to challenge themselves and make excellent progress in their physical development. n The childminder works highly successfully with children of different ages and stages of development. She seizes every opportunity to encourage children's interests and learning. For example, she takes time to focus on extending children's mathematical development as they have fun singing. Older children demonstrate their considerable counting skills. They begin to work out more

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need to do better?

complex calculations with the childminder's skilful guidance. n The support for children's communication and language skills is exceptional. The childminder continually has discussions with children, listens carefully to what they have to say and values their opinions. She skilfully poses questions that encourage children to explain their thoughts. For example, they enjoy guessing what colours they might need to mix together to make colourful paint. They

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need to do better?

22 February 2022 become deeply involved in experimenting and talk excitedly and fluently about what is happening as they explore. n The childminder is extremely proactive in seeking support when children need extra help. She monitors children's development meticulously, so she can take prompt action if there are gaps in children's learning. The childminder uses her expertise very effectively to provide additional activities. She works in excellent partnership with other professionals to ensure that all children reach their full potential. n Partnerships with local schools are highly effective. For example, school staff visit children in the childminder's home to get to know them when it is time for them to move on. Parents report that children look forward to starting school and children enjoy school life with high levels of confidence from the beginning. n Parents speak very highly of the care their children receive from the childminder.

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need to do better?

They thoroughly appreciate the many and varied ways she keeps them informed about children's achievements. Alongside this, the childminder provides them with a wealth of information and activities to support home learning. For example, she has recently started a book-lending scheme, so that children can enjoy and extend their learning at home. n The childminder evaluates her practice accurately and has a strong drive to continue to improve her service for children and families. For example, she has attended training that enhances children's early writing skills through engaging activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder adapted her impressive environment to give children even more choices in their play. For example, she extended her home, so that children now have constant access to the outdoors in all weathers.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to keep children safe from harm. She attends regular training to keep up with any changes in legislation. The childminder knows the signs that might give her cause for concern about a child's welfare. She is clear about the correct local child protection procedures to follow if necessary. The childminder regularly reviews her home to ensure children are safe and secure. She consistently reminds them to use resources and toys safely. For example, children put on helmets when they use wheeled toys outdoors.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY405231 Local authority Cornwall Inspection number 10125697 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 7 Date of previous inspection 11 November 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010. She lives in the village of Trewoon, near St Austell, Cornwall. She provides childcare from Monday to Thursday, all year round, apart from family holidays. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. She 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector spoke to children, to find out about their time at the setting. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents in their written comments. n The childminder and the inspector observed children during an activity and discussed their learning and development.

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Inspection activities

22 February 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

22 February 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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