Gaughan, Lorraine

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children make excellent progress in all areas of learning in this highly stimulating environment. They are extremely eager to learn and absorb new information. For example, they ask questions about the seeds that they plant and comment on their different shapes and sizes. The childminder has planned every aspect of her provision to maximise the opportunities for learning and encourage children to take risks in a safe way. For example, trapeze swing handles are placed just out of reach so that children have to problem-solve and use their critical thinking skills. They do this by holding onto a handle with one hand and pushing off the floor to grab the other handle. Children are extremely confident to have a go and show high levels of perseverance and resilience.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children have a strong sense of belonging and learn about their differences and similarities. They are exceptionally confident. Children love to look at themselves in the mirror as they dress up with beads and bracelets in the role play beauty salon. They smile at themselves and say, 'wow!'. Children learn from the earliest age to value diversity. They access quality literature and resources that celebrate the wider community. Children learn to follow simple instructions and develop excellent table manners, which are consistently reinforced by the nurturing childminder.

p.2

need to do better?

n The experienced childminder provides an exceptionally well-designed curriculum to help children acquire skills for life. She has excellent knowledge of how children learn and demonstrates an impressive commitment to giving each child opportunities to learn through play and exploring. This leads to children engaging for extremely long periods in activities that they choose. For example, young children focus intently on stacking wooden animals. They try hard until they have mastered it and are visibly proud of their achievements. n Parent partnerships are exemplary. The childminder is excellent at communicating with parents, sharing information daily to provide a collaborative approach to children's education. Parents report, 'She allows children to develop, explore and grow at their own pace.' To further support children's learning at home, the childminder encourages children to take home books to share with

p.2

need to do better?

their families. n The childminder is extremely committed to her own professional development. She undertakes high-quality training to enhance and develop her provision to the best possible level. The training has inspired her to spend even more time outdoors, promoting children's love of nature and the outside world. Her passion and dedication to the children she cares for is clear in everything she does. n The childminder is highly skilled at identifying gaps in children's learning. She uses her outstanding knowledge of child development to monitor children's

p.2

need to do better?

17 May 2022 progress, sharing any concerns with parents at the earliest opportunity. The childminder knows the children incredibly well and identifies exactly what they need to learn next to help them make the most progress. She expertly supports children's communication and language through her quality interactions. For example, she positions herself at children's level and ensures she has their focus when talking to them so they can see her mouth moving as she models language. n The childminder has a very strong focus on promoting children's independence. This prepares them remarkably well for the next stage of their education. For example, children help to set up their own learning environment. They use small brushes to clean the water tray before squeezing bubbles into the water and mixing it with a whisk. At snack time, children prepare a healthy snack for their friends and enjoy taking on these additional responsibilities.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children are taught how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They join the childminder in risk assessing the environment using a visual checklist. The childminder expertly weaves in conversations about healthy eating and teaches children how to grow their own vegetables. n The childminder aspires to ensure that all children in her care have the highest levels of well-being and self-esteem. Working in partnership with parents, she has created 'what makes me amazing' jars. During mealtimes, she shares a positive statement about each child that has been written by someone they know. This is highly successful at building children's confidence and provides wonderful opportunities for discussion about their families.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is extremely confident in her knowledge of how to safeguard children and ensures it is her highest priority. She can identify signs and symptoms that may be a cause for concern. She can explain in great depth how and where to report this information, following local safeguarding partnership procedures. To keep her knowledge up to date, the childminder refreshes her safeguarding training on a regular basis. She has robust and highly effective procedures in place to ensure the safety of the children in her care. For example, she completes daily risk assessments of the garden area before it is used by children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY396639 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10228507 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 30 November 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009. She lives in Ringmer, East Sussex. The childminder provides care for children between 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round. The childminder receives funding for free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.4

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 observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documents on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

17 May 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

17 May 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6