Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 the care of the exceptionally skilled and dedicated childminder. They feel secure and quite at home in the household, where they are truly welcomed. Children choose from a wealth of high-quality playthings that are well organised and enticing. Unsurprisingly, children show great curiosity in the activities available to them and quickly become totally absorbed in their play. They create imaginary scenes with small toys and talk about how these relate to things they have seen in real life. For example, children are fascinated with toy traffic lights and notice how they change colour. Children are developing a love for books and especially look forward to story time. They recognise the characters in the familiar pictures and are enthralled as the childminder reads to them.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have an excellent knowledge of the daily routines and know just what is expected of them. They show great respect for their toys and know where everything goes when it is time to tidy away. The childminder's gentle and sensitive approach greatly contributes to the excellent behaviours and good manners children demonstrate. Children clearly have strong, trusting bonds with the childminder and thoroughly enjoy their time in her company.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her expert knowledge of child development to plan a rich and broad curriculum for all children. She recognises how to capture children's interests and successfully motivates them to develop the skills and knowledge they need in their early years. The childminder knows individual children exceptionally well and regularly assesses their progress. She swiftly recognises where children face challenges and when the help of other professionals may be needed. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's diligence, and this demonstrates even further the high aspirations she has for all children in her care. n The childminder's teaching and interactions with children are excellent. She places a high priority on developing children's communication skills. As they play together, she helps children learn new and appropriate words. Children benefit from regularly singing songs and learning rhymes as part of their daily routines.

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need to do better?

They listen carefully to what is being said and are developing into confident and skilled talkers. n The childminder maintains an outstanding level of practice and says she simply 'loves her job'. She continually reflects on her provision and strives to provide the very best for children in her care. The childminder values opportunities to enhance her professional development. She undertakes training courses, uses the internet and links closely with other childminders in her area. She actively seeks advice from professionals and embraces their ideas and advice readily.

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need to do better?

4 August 2022 n The childminder makes excellent use of her local area to extend children's experiences. Each trip or visit is carefully planned, and in this way, children are learning more about their local community, as well as meeting different people and friends. This has been especially important in developing or regaining children's confidence in different situations after the challenges of the recent pandemic. The childminder supports children to learn about communities beyond their own and helps to prepare them for life in modern Britain. n Children's good health and well-being are supported superbly by the childminder. Nutritious foods are served at all times, and during conversations at the meal table, children learn which foods are healthy and which should only be eaten as a rare treat. Children's growing independence is encouraged, and they know the importance of handwashing at appropriate times. Children readily

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need to do better?

snuggle down for a rest after a busy morning and remain well supervised as they sleep. n The childminder highly values the strong and established partnerships she has with parents. She ensures they are well informed of children's activities during the day and likes nothing better than hearing news about children's activities or achievements at home. Parents are delighted with the care and attention their children receive. In feedback they say the childminder 'goes the extra mile to make sure the children feel safe and happy in her environment'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to keep children safe from harm both at home and when out and about. She knows how to recognise and report her concerns to the appropriate agencies. The childminder regularly attends training and reads widely to ensure her knowledge is up to date. The childminder ensures her home is secure and as safe as possible for children. She shares her excellent practice with her family and consequently, they too have a high level of awareness of how to keep children safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY441630 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10113195 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 5 Date of previous inspection 27 November 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Fordham, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about what she wants children to learn and the skills she helps them to develop. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n A number of parents wrote to the inspector, who took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

4 August 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

4 August 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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