Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

New children settle very quickly with this warm and friendly childminder. The home-from-home environment is tailored to the needs of young children. The childminder encourages the children to be creative, using simple, wooden toys. Very young children play alongside each other and share toys. The childminder teaches the children to be kind and caring. She places resources at the children's height, which encourages even the youngest to be independent. For example, babies access teething toys in baskets and toddlers play with wooden food in the toy kitchen.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a strong emphasis on children learning about the world around them. As part of this, she takes the children on daily outings, visiting places such as the beach and local churches. She takes the children to her allotment, where they learn about plants and growth. They dig in the ground and plant seeds. In the garden, children develop their imaginations, for example, by playing in the mud kitchen. They learn about special times throughout the year, such as Christmas and Diwali.

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The provision is good

Hygienic practices have been further embedded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the childminder ensures the children sanitise their hands regularly, especially after wiping their own noses and when they are attending toddler groups. This helps to reduce the risk of cross infection.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's paediatric first-aid certificate ran out of date six weeks ago. However, she has a valid 'first aid at work' certificate and she has already arranged to complete her paediatric first-aid training on the next available session. Her knowledge of first aid remains current. n The childminder encourages the children to be independent. She puts in place routines that the children happily follow. For instance, children are asked to help to tidy up toys before moving on to the next activity. The childminder ensures resources are placed in baskets and on shelves accessible to toddlers, which allows them to self-select resources and choose their own activities. n The childminder has a warm and caring manner. The children respond very well to her and happily cuddle into her for comfort. Children demonstrate good levels of determination and perseverance when solving problems, for example, when

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need to do better?

completing puzzles. Children are clearly confident in their learning. n The childminder promotes physical development well. She provides baby toys, such as a play gym, which very young children use with great enthusiasm. She takes the children to parks where balancing equipment is available to develop physical skills in the older toddlers. Children begin to develop healthy lifestyles.

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need to do better?

14 December 2022 n The childminder has a wealth of experience in working with young children. She draws on her in-depth knowledge of child development to plan suitable activities for individual children linked to their next steps. She has a clear intent for adult- led activities. For example, she provides a range of interesting sensory experiences for babies. n The childminder works in close partnership with parents. She communicates small steps of progress their children make with them, for example, through a daily diary. Parents praise her safe and welcoming environment as well as the progress their children make. This contributes to the children being settled and happy. n The childminder evaluates her own practice. She regularly attends training to help develop her own knowledge. For example, she has further developed her knowledge of special educational needs and/or disabilities this year through attending an autism spectrum disorder awareness course. As a result, she is able

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need to do better?

to provide more specialist support to children where necessary. n The childminder gains starting points for new children from parents. She works closely with other childminders. However, sometimes she does not receive important information about the children in her care from other settings. As a result, children may not have their needs met promptly.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is very confident in recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows how to report a concern. She has a very good understanding of issues, such as grooming and county lines. She keeps up to date with her safeguarding training and completes additional courses where appropriate. For example, she recently attended training on the signs of abuse in babies. The childminder confidently refers to her safeguarding policy when dealing with potential concerns. The childminder carries out frequent risk assessments and takes a thorough but common sense approach to minimising risks in the household, such as turning off the oven at the socket and using a baby gate on the stairs.

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Due date

ensure a full and complete paediatric first-aid certificate is in place at all times, as required. 14/01/2023

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should:

n develop strategies to ensure that information is always gathered in a timely manner from previous and shared settings that children attend, so that targeted support can be provided.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY232046 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10116578 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 7 Date of previous inspection 27 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Yeovil, Somerset. She currently works Monday to Wednesday, from 8am to 5.30pm, all year round.

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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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

14 December 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

14 December 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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