Stevens, Julie

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's individual needs are at the heart of everything the childminder does. This means children are extremely well cared for and happy here. Young children's home routines are closely followed. Older children learn to make decisions about their own routines. Children are extremely confident and learn to be independent. For example, they learn to choose and spread fillings to make their own wraps for lunch. At every step of the day, the childminder talks to children about what is happening and offers reassurance and comfort when children need it. Children have a very strong relationship with the childminder and each other. Younger and older children enjoy playing and learning alongside each other. The homely atmosphere the childminder creates is a real strength.

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The provision is outstanding

Children demonstrate enthusiasm to learn and explore as they make choices from a wide range of stimulating resources. The childminder is highly ambitious for children to succeed. There is a strong focus on teaching children about the wider world and their place in it. For example, children learn how to grow fruits and vegetables in the garden and the importance of recycling. The childminder has an in-depth knowledge of how children learn and what they need to learn before they start school. Her high-quality interactions are individualised to each child's current interests and abilities. This tailoring to children's individual needs means all children make rapid progress.

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need to do better?

n Children are highly motivated to explore the resources provided. They become deeply engaged in play as they use their imagination to explore. For example, older children excitedly rummage through the dressing-up box to find hats, bags and jewellery. Younger children are immersed in exploring the textures of objects in a sensory basket. n Children become engrossed in messy play activities. They learn to use their fingers and tools to cut, mould, gouge and roll play dough to make snakes and ice cream. The childminder extends the learning experience by introducing dough of different colours and scents. Younger children are curious to watch the older children before joining in, with the sensitive encouragement of the childminder. n The childminder knows the children extremely well. She makes highly effective observations of children's development and plans challenging activities that build on what children already know and can do. This helps children build a deep

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need to do better?

knowledge and understanding. Her termly assessments ensure all children are making exceptional progress. Information is shared with parents so they can continue to support children's learning at home. This means there are strong connections in children's experiences at home and with the childminder.

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need to do better?

2 November 2022 n Partnerships with parents are extremely effective. Thorough information about children's personal needs and interests is gathered before they start. Gradual settling-in sessions help children build a strong relationship with the childminder. Parents welcome daily updates via messaging app, which detail what their children are enjoying and learning. Parents describe the childminder as 'warm- hearted' and believe she provides excellent care for their children. This is evidenced in the gentle, nurturing care she provides. n All children enthusiastically join in with interactive stories and singing. They use picture cards to choose a song and have fun using props. The youngest children squeal with delight and join in with the actions of their favourite songs. Children are deeply interested in the good-quality books and access these independently. The childminder invites children to snuggle in for quiet reading times. Children

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need to do better?

listen intently and talk about the pictures. They have a real love of books and stories. n Children behave extremely well and are highly respectful of each other. For example, when cutting up fruits for a snack, they offer each other food. They learn to ask politely for their turn with toys and share resources very well. The childminder encourages all children to express themselves and values individual characteristics and preferences. n Children learn to be independent and highly confident in their abilities. The childminder implements excellent strategies for children who are learning to use the toilet. She teaches them to wash their hands and talks to them about why hygiene is important to stay well. n The childminder makes highly effective evaluations of her practice and engages well with professional development. She has undertaken a higher-level qualification and attends regular training to extend her knowledge. This

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need to do better?

translates into continual improvements in her practice and the quality of her setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a deep knowledge of the potential risks to children's welfare, including online. There are robust reporting procedures in place, and she is confident to act on her concerns. Children learn to value their own privacy and be respectful of other people's personal space. The childminder ensures that everyone living in her home understands how to protect children from harm. Individual care plans are written with advice from other professionals for children with additional or medical needs. The childminder is paediatric first-aid trained and knows how to respond in an emergency. Thorough risks assessments and daily checks ensure children are safe indoors and outdoors. The childminder teaches children to keep themselves safe when out in the local community.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY372297 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10235200 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 4 Date of previous inspection 7 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008. She lives in Streatham Vale, located in the London Borough of Merton. The childminder operates her service on Monday to Friday, between 7:30am and 6pm, all year round. She holds a relevant qualification at level 4.

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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 and the inspector discussed the learning intentions and how children's care is organised. n The inspector observed the interactions between children and the childminder. n Children spoke to the childminder about what they enjoy doing. n Parents shared their views of the service provided with the childminder over the phone.

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Inspection activities

2 November 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

2 November 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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