Childminder in Dorset

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

Children thrive in the care of this highly experienced childminder. They follow their own interests as they choose activities. The childminder skilfully builds on what they know as they play. She teaches them how to share toy food during a teddy bear's picnic. She extends their vocabulary as they use their imaginations to create different foods using play dough. The childminder enthusiastically plays hide and seek with them. The children develop their counting skills and squeal with delight when they find her hiding in the play tent.

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The provision is good

The children benefit from being able to play in the large front and back gardens. They learn about growth through planting peas to eat and planting sunflowers seeds as part of a competition to see how tall they can grow. They develop physical skills through climbing on the play equipment and playing ball games, such as football. Children confidently ask the childminder to play in the garden on their favourite toys.

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The provision is good

The childminder takes the children on regular outings to develop their social skills and confidence in larger groups. For example, they play alongside other children at toddler groups and in the library. She also takes them out to broaden their experiences, such as to see the cows at a local farm shop. The children enthusiastically recall their outings.

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need to do better?

n The childminder develops children's independence very well. She patiently teaches children how to use zips on their lunch boxes and to put on their aprons when painting. Young children learn how to pour drinking water into cups and set the table with plates and bowls for snack time. Children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning. n The childminder embeds mathematical development in all activities. Children learn about numbers and how to count with confidence. They play mathematics games where they learn about shapes and how to take turns. The childminder extends the children's knowledge in mathematics very well, such as when measuring quantities. n The childminder provides a range of interesting activities in response to children's interests. For example, she works with the children to create cut-out characters from a favourite book to help retell the story. Young children become fully engaged in these activities and remain focused for long periods of time.

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need to do better?

However, the planning and implementation of other adult-led activities do not always build on what the children already know, and children sometimes lose focus. n Children are very well behaved. They are extremely confident in the setting and

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need to do better?

1 February 2023 are able to express their likes and dislikes. The childminder teaches children about manners and praises them for using 'please' or 'thank you'. Her kind and gentle manner helps to promote good behaviour. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles well. She asks parents to provide a healthy packed lunch and supports them with leaflets explaining how to do this. She promotes good hygiene through singing a special song with the children as they wash their hands. She encourages an active lifestyle and talks to them about how it makes their bodies feel. Children show excellent skills in independently balancing on equipment and completing fun obstacle courses. The childminder shows the children how to develop their ability when, for example, jumping into a hoop. n Partnerships with parents are strong. They appreciate how 'incredibly kind' she is and that she puts a great deal of thought into the children's activities. The

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need to do better?

childminder communicates regularly with parents throughout the day. She also provides more formal updates on their child's achievements and next steps every term. Parents are fully informed of their children's progress. n The childminder evaluates her own practice effectively. She has recently changed her recording systems, which has helped her to focus more sharply on children's next steps. In addition, she regularly provides parents with questionnaires and adapts her practice in response, if necessary. She attends local authority information meetings and is part of a network of local childminders, which supports her in keeping her knowledge up to date.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps up to date with safeguarding training. She ensures contact details for reporting concerns are up to date and accessible. She has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder carries out regular checks to ensure her home and garden are safe. She carries out monthly fire drills with the children and keeps a record of these. The childminder is highly vigilant when taking the children to busy places. She has robust procedures in place to prevent children from becoming lost, such as ensuring children wear wristbands with her contact details on in case of an emergency.

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should:

n adapt the planning and teaching of adult-led activities to build on the children's ability and previous experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 100334 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10265246 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 2 Date of previous inspection 31 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1989 and lives with her family near Ferndown, Dorset. She provides childcare on a Wednesday and Thursday, from 8am to 4.30pm, all year round, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 the children's learning and development. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. 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

1 February 2023 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

1 February 2023 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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