Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and safe in this welcoming environment. They enjoy warm relationships with the childminder and her husband, who acts as her assistant. Children also build good relationships and learn to play with one another. They happily share and take turns and are keen to take part in activities. For example, they enjoy pretending to move like penguins as they sing.

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The provision is good

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and has high expectations for every child. She and her assistant provide learning experiences to help each child to make good progress. For example, they recognise when children seem unsettled and focus on helping them manage their emotions.

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The provision is good

The childminder closed during the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic but kept in touch with the children and families to provide support and continuity. She used the internet to do singing sessions with the children twice a week and also used social media to read stories to them. The childminder gave parents access to the file of stories so they could support their children's learning at home. She and her assistant have been working hard to restore children's confidence, which has been affected by the pandemic.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant know the children well and frequently discuss their observations of how each child is progressing in all areas. This enables them to work as an effective team to support children's development. They work together to improve the provision. For example, both have developed a wild area in the garden where children can hunt for bugs and experiment with water. n Children have a good attitude towards learning. They concentrate well for their age, listen carefully to stories and join in with action songs. Children show perseverance as they work out how to get out of the toy car and enjoy working out which pom-poms fit through an opening. They develop independence skills, such as putting on their own coats and shoes and putting their cups away. n Children have good opportunities to learn about the world around them. They watch frogs in the pond and observe worms in a worm farm. Children visit a

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need to do better?

local allotment where they grow a variety of plants, including strawberries, which they enjoy harvesting. The childminder helps children to learn about different cultures and parts of the world. For example, they have recently found out about Wales and Saint David's Day, and the childminder plans to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with them to help them learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others. n The childminder keeps parents well informed about what their children are learning and how they can support them. For example, she tells them what she

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need to do better?

7 March 2022 is currently working on, such as shapes and colours, so that they can continue their child's learning at home. The childminder uses social media to send regular photographs and updates, to involve parents in their child's learning. n Children learn to communicate in a variety of ways. They enjoy choosing and singing songs and join in with using sign language. The childminder and her assistant talk with the children as they play, modelling language and encouraging quieter children to find their voice. n The childminder provides a welcoming, dedicated playroom for children with a varied range of resources to support their learning. However, some of these provide limited opportunities for children to explore, experiment and use their imaginations. n Children are well behaved. They listen to what is being said to them and follow instructions, such as staying close to the childminder while the window cleaner is

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need to do better?

in the garden. Children show respect as they make space for one another to sit down for story time and to play with tray puzzles.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder provides a safe environment for children both indoors and outside. For example, the garden is fully enclosed and gates and doors are secure. The childminder has completed safeguarding training and has a good understanding of what to do if she has concerns about a child's welfare. She ensures that her assistant's knowledge of safeguarding is also kept up to date. The childminder takes effective steps to protect children on outings, such as having laminated photographs of each child with contact details for their parents. This helps to ensure parents can be contacted in the event of an emergency. The childminder talks to children about safety when they go out, to ensure that they understand how to stay safe.

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should:

n build on the resources and the curriculum further to inspire children's curiosity and imagination.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY442202 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10230268 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 10 Number of children on roll 20 Date of previous inspection 22 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Frome, Somerset. She operates Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year round. The childminder is in receipt of nursery funding for children aged two, three and four years. She is a qualified early years teacher and works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided both indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation. n The inspector observed a planned activity and discussed it with the childminder. n The inspector took account of written feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

7 March 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

7 March 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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