Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children are happy, secure and confident in the childminder's home. The childminder organises her environment well to motivate children to explore. For example, young children become fascinated by magnets and spend time pulling them apart and clicking them back together again. The childminder provides excellent support for children to make choices, lead their learning and be inquisitive. She is skilled at listening to children and responds well to their suggestions. The childminder engages children effectively to have their own opinions and voice their ideas. The childminder knows what she wants the children to be learning next. She uses their interests to plan activities to challenge them further. For example, children sort cars by colour and work out which colour has the most. Children develop excellent relationships with each other, the childminder and her assistant. They eagerly participate in whole-group activities, such as

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The provision is good

dancing and action rhymes. Young children are excited to join the older ones and try to copy their actions. Babies move their bodies to the rhythm of the music, and all demonstrate their enjoyment.

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The provision is good

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder provided care for children of key workers, who appreciate her support throughout a difficult time. The childminder kept in touch with all other families to aid children's smooth return and then supported their social interactions, which they had missed out on.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans an effective curriculum. She has a good understanding of the importance of embedding children's prime areas of development to underpin all areas of learning. The childminder gets to know the children well. Through her own observations, she knows what children need to be learning next. She understands about sequencing learning, such as providing activities to strengthen children's muscles in preparation for writing. Although the childminder plans mathematical activities, she and her assistant do not always use learning opportunities as they arise in routines and children's play to challenge them further. n The childminder provides a language-rich environment. She extends children's vocabulary, talks to babies as if having a conversation and engages older children in good discussions. The childminder listens well to children and gives them enough time to think and respond. She and her assistant encourage

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need to do better?

children to develop a love of books. For example, they read with enthusiasm, pause for children to fill in familiar words and ignite children's willingness to have a go at tongue twisters. Children bring a book to them and, before long, all children are engaged. n Children are exceptionally well behaved. They have an exemplary understanding

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need to do better?

3 October 2022 of the childminder's high expectations. The childminder provides consistent, gentle support and is an excellent role model. Older children are extremely patient with the younger ones and understand that they are learning. Children are highly active learners. They persevere with new skills, learn through trial and error and are delighted with their achievements. n The childminder enables children of all ages to be as independent as possible. Snack time is a very social occasion, where older children help the younger ones. For example, they pump the soap into their hands so that they can wash them. The childminder and her assistant are good role models for children to learn hygienic practices, such as when changing nappies. Children drink plenty of water and enjoy physical exercise. However, they are not always reminded to cover their mouths when coughing. n Parents confirm the strong partnerships with the childminder and her assistant.

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need to do better?

They comment on how the childminder works effectively with other providers their children attend. She shares good information with parents so that they can provide consistent care and support children's development together. Parents say that their older children, who previously attended, went off to school confident and ready for their next stage of learning. n The childminder monitors the consistency of her own and her assistant's practice to ensure that children receive good learning experiences. For example, she has supported her assistant in ensuring that children hear the correct pronunciation of words. Together, they discuss what works well and what they could do next time to make it even better. They attend regular training, and the childminder has effective systems for updating and extending their knowledge. For example, she uses aide-memoires to quickly remind them of good-quality teaching.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection issues. She regularly attends training and updates her knowledge. She knows the agencies to contact should she have a concern about a child's welfare or if an allegation is made against herself or her family. The childminder carries out good risk assessments. She teaches children about keeping themselves safe, while helping them to take appropriate risks for their development. The childminder deploys her assistant well so that they can provide good supervision and meet children's individual needs well.

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should:

n extend awareness further of developing children's mathematical development during free play and routines

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should:

3 October 2022 n support children even more effectively in understanding healthy practices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY343812 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10235057 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 12 Number of children on roll 24 Date of previous inspection 5 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Wellington, Somerset. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder provides funded early education for three-year-old children. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder works with an assistant.

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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 setting. n The childminder discussed her curriculum intent, and the inspector observed the quality of education and assessed the effectiveness of safeguarding and care procedures. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and the children. The inspector spoke with the childminder at convenient times. n The inspector and the childminder jointly observed the assistant carrying out a planned activity with the children and discussed the impact on children's development. n The inspector took account of parents' written feedback and spoke with the children and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

3 October 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

3 October 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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