Stringfellow, Sinead

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 love being in the company of this exceptionally kind and nurturing childminder. They are extremely confident and comfortable in her care. The childminder has designed an impressive curriculum that is superbly structured to prepare the young children she looks after for their next stage in learning. She is a highly skilled educator with a magnificent ability to captivate children's attention and motivate them to become deeply involved in their learning. For instance, children make rapid progress in their mathematical abilities through the fantastic activities the childminder devises. They sort small objects and learn to accurately count and match the amount to the numeral that they recognise. Children frequently repeat each task so that their understanding of each number is embedded before they move on to something new. They relish the opportunity to complete mathematical challenges, such as working out how to split the objects

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The provision is outstanding

into equal groups or figure out how many more they will need to fill a jar. Children are enthusiastic to test their ideas and make predictions as they master new skills.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is impeccable. They are incredibly considerate of one another and form wonderful friendships with their peers. Children invite their friends to join them in their imaginative games. They offer resources and thank one another politely, telling their friend, 'That's very kind of you!' When young children are learning to take turns and share, the childminder uses skilful positive techniques to support them. Children consider how they can solve problems together and talk to one another to find solutions. They develop excellent communication and social skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has exceptional knowledge of child development. She expertly monitors and assesses each child's progress. The childminder communicates information with parents extremely well through regular meetings. She establishes a working relationship that is highly effective in supporting children to achieve the best possible outcomes. n The childminder expertly introduces children to new vocabulary and a vast variety of concepts. For instance, children listen to a book of short rhymes about a diverse range of children. They discuss how the children feel and what makes each of us different and unique. The childminder explains any new vocabulary that she reads, such as 'overwhelmed' or 'anxious', as children learn new language to understand and express their emotions. n The childminder uses excellent techniques to teach even the youngest children the importance of respecting others and understanding fundamental British

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need to do better?

values, such as democracy. For example, children use pebbles to vote for a story or choose a special outing they will go on at the end of the week, such as a trip

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need to do better?

29 March 2023 to a trampoline park or role-play centre. Children count the pebbles to see which choice has the 'majority'. Children are empowered to make choices and learn that everyone's voice counts. n Children try any task they can for themselves. They relish the responsibility the childminder gives them to be helpful and demonstrate their capabilities. For instance, children's complete small but challenging tasks to be helpful. They work together to set up a picnic for lunch. Children persevere to open and shut lids of jars to get items that they need. They serve their own food and take great pride in being highly independent. n The childminder creates wonderful opportunities for children to share moments from their home life and for parents to get involved in children's learning. For instance, children delight in looking at pictures and memories that parents have contributed to a special scrap book. They joyfully recall bringing home a teddy

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need to do better?

bear, reading it bedtime stories with their parents and taking it on adventures. The childminder is extremely dedicated to getting to know each child and their family well. She forms close and loving bonds with every child to support their well-being and sense of belonging in her home. n The childminder provides rich and varied opportunities for children to have first- hand experiences of their local community. For instance, she takes them to a local fire station, where children learn about the roles of people who help us. The childminder regularly meets with other childminders and attends playgroups where children socialise in larger groups and build relationships with different children. This exposure to new things enhances their understanding and curiosity about the world around them. n The childminder is dedicated to continuing her own professional development. She undertakes a vast range of training and evaluates how any fresh knowledge

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need to do better?

and skills will impact on her practice. For example, recent training in supporting children with specific special educational needs and/or disabilities has deepened her understanding of new ways to support children and sharpen her awareness to recognise any emerging needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has excellent awareness of the risks to children's safety and well- being. She understands the vital importance of recognising and identifying any signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of abuse. The childminder keeps herself up to date on local safeguarding partnership procedures. She knows what to do to report any concerns she might have about the welfare of a child. The childminder teaches children about keeping themselves safe. For instance, children practise fire drills in her home and learn the importance of road safety when out and about. The childminder carries out robust risk assessments of any outings and ensures that her home is always safe and suitable for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY278233 Local authority Buckinghamshire Inspection number 10280739 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 3 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 27 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives in the Chalfont St. Peter, in Buckinghamshire. She operates from Monday to Friday, term-time only, from 7:30am to 5:30pm. The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first 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 setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision including the aims and rationale for their early years curriculum. n Parents shared written feedback and the inspector took account of their views. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

29 March 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

29 March 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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