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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children happily enter the childminder's home on their arrival. Her caring and friendly manner makes children feel very welcome. The childminder is attentive to children's needs and closely supports their well-being. Children grow in confidence. They form strong bonds with the childminder and enjoy her company. The childminder thoughtfully plans stimulating activities that link closely to children's current interests and learning needs. Children make good progress. The childminder lets them explore in their own way and test out their ideas. She sensitively interacts with them and offers useful equipment to extend their exploration further. Children's experimentation soars as they create 'potions' and mixtures in the childminder's garden. They develop their dexterity and strength as they pick petals from flowers and pour their potions carefully into bottles. They excitedly explain that their potion is going to turn the sky a different colour, and

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The provision is good

they spend considerable lengths of time exploring and investigating. Children try again and learn new ways to do things. They develop confidence in their abilities and develop positive attitudes towards learning.

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need to do better?

n Young children behave well. The childminder uses a calm and consistent approach. She patiently perseveres with her explanations to help children understand expectations. With her support, children share and take turns with toys. They follow the childminder's lead, listen to her encouragement, and start to develop their sense of responsibility. Older children independently wash their hands before meals. Children get their shoes on to go outside and help to tidy away the toys. Children learn key skills that prepare them well for their move on to school. n The childminder recognises children's individuality and focuses on what they need to learn next. She makes plans for the ways that she will help children to successfully achieve these. The childminder continues to evaluate children's learning needs regularly. However, she has not built a two-way flow of information about children's needs with other settings they attend, to inform

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need to do better?

future planning and to provide a consistent approach for children. n Children develop healthy lifestyles and enjoy being active. They show determination as they use the equipment in her garden. Children have lots of fun on the roundabout see-saw, cooperating well and manoeuvring it together. Children take turns with their friends, with the childminder's support, changing over when the timer goes off. n The childminder is experienced and knows how children learn. Children develop an interest in books. They select books independently and listen intently as the childminder reads them a story. The childminder engages children in conversation. She offers them new words and patiently explains new concepts to

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need to do better?

9 June 2022 develop children's understanding and language further. Older children are excited to share their knowledge, and they confidently name items and discuss their related experiences. However, the younger, less-confident children do not always have a chance to speak and talk about their ideas. Additionally, the childminder does not ensure that they also have the time to persevere to try out their skills, such as counting. This means that, occasionally, younger children's skills do not develop as much as possible. n Children have good opportunities to learn about and develop an interest in nature and an understanding of the world. The childminder has extensive areas where she plants, grows and harvests a range of produce with the children. Children relish helping the childminder with tasks such as composting. They learn about different plants and wildlife and learn to be careful and respectful with living things.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has good relationships with parents. They comment positively on the childminder's practice and provision. They say that she is kind, caring and nurturing and that she is so in tune with each child. The childminder shares information with parents through regular discussions and messages. However, the childminder does not ensure that parents have a comprehensive picture of all aspects of children's learning and development, to help them to support children's learning further at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and knows who to contact if she has any concerns about a child's welfare. She attends regular training to keep her child protection knowledge updated and to help her keep children safe and well. The childminder ensures that her home is safe and secure. She makes sure that children are supervised closely and offers them sensitive reminders and age-appropriate explanations to help them learn about hazards and risks. Children show good understanding for their age. The childminder attentively supports children as they explore and practise their growing physical skills, while still ensuring that they remain safe.

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should:

n develop the sharing of information about children's learning and development with parents and other settings that children attend, to strengthen the consistency in the support children receive n give younger children and those who are less confident the time to share their thoughts and practise their skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2551946 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10232041 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Frome, Somerset. She operates during term time from 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder provides care on occasional days in the holidays by prior arrangement. She provides funded early education for 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 setting. n The inspector viewed the areas used for childminding and discussed with the childminder how she implements the educational programmes for the children. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated the effectiveness of an activity together. The inspector observed the children and the childminder and spoke with them at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector took account of parents' written views by reading their comments in email messages. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of suitability checks and paediatric first-aid qualifications, and the childminder discussed her procedures for safeguarding the children.

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Inspection activities

9 June 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 June 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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