Sonia Dawson

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children are at the heart of this childminder's home, where they are showered with love and affection. They have incredibly warm relationships, and these very strong attachments support their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder models exemplary behaviour herself, and this is demonstrated in the relationships that the children have. For example, they immediately help their friends to put their things away when they arrive.

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The provision is outstanding

Children of all ages benefit from the childminder's dedication in providing high- quality care and her passion for early language development. Books and stories are plentiful, and children excitedly remember reading 'The Gruffalo' and making 'Gruffalo crumble'. Children are provided with a very high-quality environment. For example, they choose a story and become completely engrossed as it is read. The childminder models excellent language skills, providing children with new words and vocabulary, building their skills in speaking, listening and reading.

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The provision is outstanding

Children of all abilities are included in this setting, which is tailored to their needs and interests. They benefit enormously from the wealth of opportunities and experiences available to expand their knowledge and skills. For example, they try a new fruit at snack time, excitedly having a go and later becoming completely absorbed in preparing a picnic together and making 'tea'.

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need to do better?

n Children are highly motivated and excited by the rich and stimulating environment that the childminder has created for them. They take great delight in exploring the toys and resources provided, becoming completely absorbed in their play. For example, they eagerly explore the natural resources that they gathered together on a recent walk. n The childminder is exceptionally calm and patient, encouraging children of all ages to play together. She clearly enjoys their company, laughing and joining in with them at all times. All children benefit from the childminder's skilful differentiation of activities and opportunities; for example, ensuring that the very youngest child is completely involved in play. n Children's behaviour and attitudes are excellent. The childminder skilfully supports even the youngest children to show respect and kindness toward each other. For example, they share toys together to create a picnic. Children's

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need to do better?

interactions with the childminder and each other are of a very high quality. n The childminder is completely committed to continually developing her own knowledge and skills to provide excellent care and education to the children she minds. She regularly attends childminding groups to support her own professional development and to widen children's experiences of the world

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need to do better?

22 September 2022 around them. She is ambitious in her plans to support children's learning and development even further. n The childminder provides excellent support for children's developing language skills, engaging them in thoughtful conversations and expanding on what they say. For example, she talks with the children about going to the post box to post cards they have made. The childminder's passion for books and stories is evident throughout the setting, and children delight in choosing books to be read. All children become completely engaged in a shared story of the 'Three Little Pigs', snuggling up on the sofa to share the experience together. n Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the experiences their children have with the childminder and the significant progress they have made. They state that the childminder 'goes above and beyond'. The childminder utilises parents' knowledge and skills to further children's experiences. For example, parents

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need to do better?

shared Russian nursery rhymes to help a child learning English to settle in. The childminder provides extremely useful information to parents about how they can support their children at home and during the holidays.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder knows what to do if she is concerned about a child and who to make referrals to. She has undertaken a range of training independently to support her understanding of other safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and county lines. She can confidently talk about what she would do in a range of safeguarding scenarios to keep children safe from harm. She encourages the children to keep themselves and each other safe. For example, by using tools and equipment safely and washing their own hands. She supervises children at all times and explains how she risk assesses experiences and outings to ensure children are kept safe and secure.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY559143 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10190238 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 7 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. She lives in Horsham, West Sussex. The childminder has a relevant qualification at level 3. She works from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, school term times only.

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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 that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff, the childminder and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector sampled a range of documentation during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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