Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 thrive in the care of the highly skilled childminder. They feel quite at home and show confidence, as they play contentedly by themselves or with the childminder. Children become totally absorbed in their tasks and have a good knowledge of daily routines. They particularly enjoy preparing for quieter times, when they can snuggle down to read books with the childminder. Children are enthusiastic and extremely motivated learners, who show great interest in everything around them. They think carefully to find solutions to problems. As they play, children replicate what they have seen elsewhere and confidently explain their experiences. For example, children fill and bury tubes in the sand, saying these are like the pipes recently installed by builders constructing a new home.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder recognises how children need to feel safe and secure in order to learn. She does everything she can to help children settle and become emotionally strong from the start. Due to her diligence, children have exceptionally strong and trusting bonds with the childminder. They truly enjoy their time in her company. Children are polite and behave well. They enjoy helping and readily tidy away their toys or sweep sand from the floor.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a high priority on developing children's speech and understanding. She demonstrates excellent skills, as she consciously models different words as children play. Children quickly learn from her diligence and make swift progress in this area of their development. Children use words, such as 'refrigeration', 'excavation', and 'generator' in appropriate context. They instigate delightful conversations with the childminder and confidently express themselves. n The childminder has a passion for her role, that is inspirational to others. She continues to focus on improving her professional development and undertakes a wealth of training opportunities. The childminder readily links with other professionals and is proactive in forming strong partnerships that benefit the children she cares for. This is particularly effective for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who may need specialist support.

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need to do better?

n The standard of teaching is exceptionally high. The childminder is acutely aware of her own interactions with children and how she helps children learn. She plans an ambitious curriculum, which, over time, helps prepare children for their next stage in learning. The childminder uses her expert knowledge of how children learn to ensure children's activities are both fun and enticing. She builds on what children already know and encourages children to make predictions and try things for themselves. n Parents are exceptionally complimentary about the childminder. They express

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need to do better?

3 November 2022 how she is 'amazing' and goes over and above what is expected. Parents appreciate how the childminder ensures they are well informed about their children's development. Equally, other professionals are quick to share their praises and recognise the contribution she makes to the lives of the families. n The childminder encourages children's growing independence and ensures they know how to keep themselves healthy and safe. Children learn about the importance of having a good diet, and how routines, such as handwashing and good dental care, are important. Activities are regularly enjoyed outside in the fresh air, both at home and when visiting the local community. Children socialise with others at local groups and show great confidence when mixing with others. For example, children readily sing songs or recite rhymes in front of small groups at the library. The childminder teaches children about different cultures other

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need to do better?

than their own. n The childminder expertly weaves different areas of learning through every activity she undertakes with children. Children learn about mathematics as they confidently count objects found on their walks and sort them according to type. The childminder encourages plenty of activities to strengthen children's muscles. This is helpful to prepare them for developing more skills, such as writing.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is knowledgeable and confident in safeguarding matters. She understands her responsibilities and can identify and report her concerns to appropriate professionals. The childminder undertakes child-protection training at a higher level and is fully aware of how things, such as substance misuse or illegal practices may put children at serious risk of harm. The childminder has excellent procedures in place to keep children safe at home. Equally, she has plans in place to protect children, should there be an emergency when out and about.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 223009 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10234376 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 13 Date of previous inspection 28 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000 and lives near to Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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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 spoke to the inspector about what she wants children to learn and the skills she helps them to develop. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n A number of parents sent emails to the inspector, who took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

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 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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