Childminder in East Sussex

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this inspirational setting. They make outstanding levels of progress in their learning and development. The welcoming, homely, family ethos enables every child to settle immediately. Children are confident and independent. They make decisions easily about what they want to do, and openly offer suggestions for activities. They do this knowing the childminder listens to them carefully and respects their different views and opinions.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They know they are valued for their unique qualities. The childminder works tirelessly to fully understand, and continually address every child's needs. For example, she observes carefully how each child likes to play and learn, and then meticulously plans activities which take account of these preferences. The childminder is aspirational in her approach towards providing children with the very best possible care and learning opportunities. Any gaps in children's learning are noted at the earliest stage. Targeted support with parents and any other professionals means children catch up rapidly.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from an outstanding level of teaching. The childminder has an incisive knowledge of how to promote children's development. She has redesigned her home and garden to offer an enticing and engaging learning environment. Children develop a real thirst for exploration and a desire to find out how things work. These skills equip children well for starting school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers an exceptionally professional service. She makes purposeful use of the funding she receives, to frequently update her knowledge and skills. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognised that some of the children needed more support with their language development. She completed an extensive amount of independent study and developed new ways to promote communication with young children. Her concerted efforts and targeted action meant that any gaps in children's learning closed rapidly. n The childminder skilfully builds on children's knowledge and ensures they always have sufficient levels of challenge. For example, she introduces new concepts, and then revisits them to enable children to recall what they already know and can remember. Children demonstrate an extensive knowledge of subjects which interest them. For example, recently the childminder has been talking to the children about seasonal change and Autumn. The children confidently and

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need to do better?

excitedly recalled their outstanding knowledge of hedgehogs. n Every opportunity is used within the daily routine to enhance and enrich children's learning and development. In the garden, children thoroughly enjoy working things out for themselves as the childminder offers an exceptional range

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need to do better?

16 September 2022 of resources. For example, children enthusiastically prepare 'creations' in the 'Gruffalo Café'. They talk animatedly about what they are doing, using rich, creative language. n Children's progress is monitored exceptionally well. The childminder observes children carefully and incisively identifies their individual learning styles. She notices when children, for instance, are fascinated in joining parts together, or transferring items from one place to another. She carefully selects resources which enable children to practise these skills and incorporate them into their play, such as joining train track pieces together. This keeps children focused for longer periods and supports them in developing the skills they need for future learning. n Children's care and well-being are given the highest priority. The childminder forms very positive relationships with the children she looks after. They

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need to do better?

approach her readily for comfort and reassurance and she offers them high levels of praise. There is an exceptionally happy atmosphere within the childminder's home. Children are busy, fully engaged and immersed in an extensive range of high-quality learning experiences. n Parents are fully involved in their children's learning and development. They praise the childminder highly and are overwhelmingly positive about the levels of care she offers. One parent summarised the views of others, by stating: 'I know my child is looked after as if she were one of the childminder's own children.' n Children's health and welfare needs are met exceedingly well. The childminder teaches children about the importance of effective hygiene practices. Children independently practise these routines after toileting and before meals. They develop exceptional attitudes towards healthy eating as they regularly learn about foods which are good for them and taste new foods each week. As part of

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need to do better?

'pineapple week', the children thoroughly enjoyed making fruit smoothies and delighted in describing the taste and texture.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety and welfare are given the highest priority. The childminder has an extensive understanding of her role in keeping children safe. She carries out meticulous risk assessments on all areas of her home, garden, and the activities she provides. She is particularly vigilant in supervising children closely and allows them to take measured risks as they play. For example, children fully understand how to negotiate the steps on the slide safely, and have an excellent awareness of keeping others safe. The childminder has completed extensive safeguarding training. She demonstrates an excellent knowledge of the action she must take if she had any concerns about a child.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY483346 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10214605 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 6 Date of previous inspection 11 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014. She lives in the Stone Cross area of Eastbourne, East Sussex. The childminder works from Monday to Friday, offering care from 7.30am to 6pm. Funding is accepted for the provision of free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

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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 provider and has taken this into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures her home is safe and suitable for children. n The inspector talked to the childminder about the activities she provides for children. They discussed how the childminder makes sure each child makes progress in their learning and development. n The children spoke to the inspector during the inspection and talked about what they like doing with the childminder. n The inspector observed the activities taking place and evaluated how well the childminder interacted with the children to support their learning. n The written feedback provided by parents was read and taken account of.

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Inspection activities

16 September 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

16 September 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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