Childminder in Norfolk

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 flourish in this warm and welcoming setting. They are calm and relaxed and confidently explore the childminder's home. Children clearly feel exceptionally safe and secure in the childminder's presence. For instance, they run to her for a cuddle when unsure and quickly re-engage in the activities that are on offer. Children demonstrate high levels of involvement and enjoy playing indoors and in the garden. Indoors, toys and stories link to the children's current interests. Children eagerly complete animal puzzles and read stories to identify the different animals that they see. Outside, children explore their senses in the outdoor kitchen using shaving foam and water. They practise jumping on the trampoline while singing 'hop little bunnies'. Children receive enthusiastic praise from the childminder who delights in their achievements.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has very high expectations of children's behaviour and promotes good manners at every opportunity. Children are kind to their peers and use sign language to say 'please' and 'thank you'. The childminder intervenes gently to promote turn taking and to redirect attention when necessary. She supports children to develop their independence. Children put their own shoes on when going into the garden, wash their hands before mealtimes and are supported well with toilet training. This fosters confidence and readiness for the next stage of their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children and their families extremely well. She discusses children's existing abilities with parents and uses this information well to help inform initial assessments. The childminder understands the importance of observation, ongoing assessment and tailoring activities to meet children's specific next steps. As a result, children make great progress in their learning and development. n The childminder totally understands the importance of supporting children's communication and language skills and their personal, social and emotional development. She speaks clearly, repeats keywords and extends children's vocabulary at every opportunity. For instance, babies quickly repeat names of different vehicles as the childminder enthusiastically reads them a story. The childminder takes children on regular outings to local toddler groups and the zoo, and they regularly meet with other childminders. This helps to develop

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need to do better?

children's social skills and to build relationships with other children. n The childminder expertly plans her curriculum around the children's individual needs and interests. For example, when younger children show an interest in animals, she takes them to see real-life animals on a farm. As a result, children are enthusiastic and highly engaged in their learning.

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need to do better?

11 May 2023 n Children learn rapidly how to lead a healthy lifestyle. The childminder provides them with ample opportunities to get fresh air and play outside each day. She ensures that children eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Children understand what food is healthy and unhealthy for them. For instance, they confidently identify which food is 'good for their tummy', and stick the correct pictures onto their 'healthy food chart'. The childminder teaches children about good oral health and regularly arranges 'dentist's' role play to teach children the importance of brushing their teeth. n The childminder teaches children about mathematical concepts from an early age. For instance, as children play in the water, she thoughtfully promotes their understanding of quantities and measurement. She questions whether their watering cans are 'empty' or 'full', as children water the plants around the garden. On other occasions, babies confidently count their fingers as they

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need to do better?

attempt to draw pictures of themselves on chalkboards. n The childminder has built excellent parent partnerships. She involves parents in evaluating her setting and demonstrates a keen attitude to improvement. Parents speak extremely highly of the childminder. They discuss how her setting is 'warm and nurturing', and is a 'wonderful place to grow and learn'. Parents feel that their children receive high-quality education which 'fosters their curiosity and love for learning'. n The childminder is incredibly reflective of her practice. She is experienced, exceedingly knowledgeable and shows a genuine passion for her role in supporting children and their families. The childminder strives to keep her knowledge up to date and completes regular training to continually build on the extremely high quality of education that she offers.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an extremely strong knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard the children in her care. She engages in regular training to ensure that her safeguarding knowledge remains up to date. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of an array of signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She fully understands local safeguarding procedures and is very confident in the process to escalate any concerns she may have. The childminder creates an exceptionally safe and secure environment for children to play and learn. For instance, she completes excellent daily risk assessments of her home to help remove any potential hazards.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY225020 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10286034 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 30 October 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Thetford. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, 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 showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation to evaluate the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector viewed written feedback from parents and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching to assess the impact of this on children's learning. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and looked at relevant documentation and evidence of suitability.

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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

11 May 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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