Poulter, Mary Teresa

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 are extremely secure and happy in the childminder's care. They form exceptionally close bonds with the childminder and thoroughly enjoy their time with her. Children eagerly invite the childminder to join their pretend play and assign her a role. They use their imagination as they explain that they are the 'Mummy' and the childminder is the 'baby'. Children model kind and nurturing relationships. They pretend to tuck the childminder into bed and kiss her on her forehead.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children develop a wealth of skills as a result of the excellent individualised support the childminder offers. Their behaviour is exemplary. Children benefit from consistent daily routines which support their expectations for the day. They manage their feelings as they are prepared for what is coming next. Children display high levels of independence. They know they need to pack away activities before playing outside and enthusiastically help the childminder to do this.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children excitedly explore and investigate the childminder's garden. They confidently climb the steps to the slide and show visitors how they can slide down in different ways. Children display excellent social skills. They interact positively with visitors and invite them to play a game of hide and seek. Children accurately count to 10 and call out familiar phrases, such as 'ready or not, here I come'. They competently move their body in a range of ways. Children run, crawl and creep to find the person they are looking for. As a result, they make excellent progress with their physical development.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children in her care extremely well. She uses her knowledge of each child's personality and individual interests to precisely plan for their learning and development. The childminder expertly monitors children's progress and shares information about their achievements with parents on a daily basis. She provides a range of resources and ideas for activities with parents to continue learning at home. Children make outstanding levels of progress across the curriculum. n Children display a love of stories and delight in singing songs. They sit comfortably with the childminder as she enthusiastically reads to them. Children listen attentively and join in with familiar phrases. They display an excellent understanding of storylines and confidently name the characters in the story. n The childminder skilfully incorporates children's knowledge and understanding of mathematics into their play. Children develop an early understanding of time

p.2

need to do better?

and recognise the number 10 on the kitchen clock. They know that this means it is time for snack and afterwards they will play outside. Children confidently count the number of potatoes they dig up in the garden. The childminder offers

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need to do better?

26 August 2022 children challenge as she asks them to add one more. Children show an awareness of size and accurately order items from smallest to largest. n The childminder teaches children about different cultures and traditions in the world around them. For example, they recently created pieces of art inspired by Australian aboriginal art styles. Children look at a globe as the childminder talks to them about countries that are far away. The childminder places her finger on the United Kingdom and points to Australia at the bottom of the globe. Children state this is 'very far' and explain that you need to fly on an aeroplane to visit these countries. They are eager to talk about where the special people in their life live. n The childminder provides sensitive and thoughtful support to children who are toilet training. She offers gentle reminders to use the toilet and praises children when they remember for themselves. The childminder affords children privacy

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need to do better?

during this time and gently talks to them from the doorway so they do not feel alone. Children learn to flush the toilet and to wash their hands to prevent them from catching germs. n The childminder continuously reflects on her practice and evaluates her setting. She uses annual surveys to seek the views of children and parents. The childminder is keen to enhance her already excellent setting. For example, she has recently refurbished her outdoor space to extend learning opportunities further. n Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive. Parents cannot speak highly enough of the nurturing environment and the high-quality care and education their children receive. They describe the childminder as 'a ray of sunshine' and comment on the exceptional communication and comprehensive assessments of their children's learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to keep children safe. She attends regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of the signs and symptoms which might indicate that children are at risk of harm. She understands the importance of recording concerns and knows how to report these to the relevant authorities. The childminder teaches children to be aware of potential risks around them. For example, she reminds them to check the centre of a sunflower for bees before smelling it.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 405501 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 10115997 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 7 Date of previous inspection 3 November 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001 and lives in Hereford. She operates from 8am to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken this into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder discussed her intentions for children's learning and the curriculum she offers. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder discussed children's progress with the inspector. n The inspector looked at required documentation, including evidence of suitability. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written documentation.

p.4

Inspection activities

26 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

26 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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