Clarke, Paula Margaret (Mrs)

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, homely environment where they are tremendously happy and feel secure. The childminder pays particular attention to children's emotional well-being. Toddlers smile with pleasure as they proudly point to their parents in their personal family photo book, showing a strong sense of belonging and exploring their uniqueness. The childminder continually nurtures children's confidence and self-esteem which helps them become able and highly motivated learners. Children develop extremely close bonds with the childminder who is incredibly nurturing, warm and kind.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit greatly from the childminder's enthusiastic approach to outdoor learning. The childminder makes the most of her local environment. She provides children with an extensive range of experiences and activities during trips out. For example, children thoroughly enjoy being physically active in local woods, exploring natural materials and learning about nature. Children investigate items, such as conkers and pine cones. They examine these natural materials with great curiosity and develop their creative skills very well as they produce original patterns and pictures with the items. Children behave in an exemplary manner. They are extremely considerate, for example, as they kindly find and pass aprons to their friends so they can make banana cake together. Children show excellent dexterity as they peel and chop bananas. They take turns without prompting as they stir the cake mixture. Children know why there are behaviour rules in place. For instance,

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The provision is outstanding

they say 'we don't touch the oven because it is hot.'

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious curriculum which is designed to give children a wealth of experiences. She knows exactly what children need to learn next. As she plays with children, the childminder exploits every possible opportunity to support their learning. She builds on their existing knowledge, making sure that children have time to practise their skills. The childminder has the highest expectations for what every child can achieve. She knows each child exceptionally well and keeps a close check on their progress. Children, including those who speak English as an additional language, make rapid progress. n The childminder is inspirational and passionate about offering outstanding practice. She conducts research and accesses regular training. For example, following on from research into how to develop fine-motor skills further, the childminder introduced new activities. Children thoroughly enjoy using a hammer

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need to do better?

to tap a tee into a melon and develop their skills very effectively. The childminder skilfully adapts this for younger children so that they all achieve successfully. n The childminder provides children with exceptional support during activities. She

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need to do better?

9 March 2022 is highly responsive to their learning needs. For instance, the childminder introduces new vocabulary as she talks about 'curved' and 'straight' track pieces. Children then use this new language appropriately in their play. Children develop their communication skills rapidly. The childminder allows children to test out their ideas for making the track and encourages them to solve problems. Children have highly positive attitudes to learning. n The childminder forms outstanding partnerships with parents. She offers home visits before children start which helps her to get to know the whole family very well. The childminder keeps parents fully informed about their child's learning. She sends numerous videos and photographs of what their child has been doing during the day. Parents have the highest praise for the childminder. They say she provides the 'best care' and 'brilliant activities.' n Children have abundant opportunities to hear and use their home language in

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need to do better?

their play. For example, they listen to and join in with familiar songs. The childminder has learned many words and phrases in the children's home languages. She lends dual language books to parents so children can hear familiar stories in their home language as well as English. Furthermore, the childminder celebrates cultural festivals and events that are important to the children. She develops the children's understanding of people and communities beyond their own superbly. n Children develop impressive levels of independence and display an excellent can- do attitude. For example, when children are thirsty, they collect a bottle of water and pour this into their cups. Toddlers find and put on their boots when they wish to go outside. n The childminder successfully helps children to understand the importance of good health and hygiene. She teaches children the correct way to brush their teeth and children practise this after eating lunch. Children vacuum the floor and

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of her role in keeping children safe. She completes regular training to keep her knowledge of safeguarding up to date. The childminder has a clear understanding of the indicators of abuse and procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child's welfare. This includes protecting children from extreme views. The childminder knows what to do if an allegation is made about herself or a member of her family. She closely supervises the children throughout the day. Children wear high-visibility jackets on outings and they learn about road safety. Children also beneficially learn how to recognise and manage the risks they encounter, particularly during trips to local woodlands.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 154254 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10125478 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 14 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. The childminder cares for children from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. The childminder holds a qualification at level 5. At times, the childminder works with an assistant. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 her evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation including the childminder's paediatric first-aid certificate and public liability insurance.

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Inspection activities

9 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

9 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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