Childminder in Dorset

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 thrive at this wonderfully positive and caring setting. The childminder and her assistants engage children in high-quality learning experiences and continually encourage children's inquisitiveness and love of learning. They show children the utmost care and respect and, as a result, children develop strong bonds with them. Children demonstrate that they feel safe, secure and confident. They show they are proud of their achievements. For example, they say, 'Ta-dah!' as they independently squeeze paint into a dish, paint their feet and make footprints on a sheet in the garden.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has thoughtfully designed an ambitious curriculum that focuses on the key skills, knowledge and understanding children need to build strong foundations in their learning. The childminder and her assistants expertly deliver the curriculum and support children's learning through highly motivating activities and the meaningful conversations they have with children. Children giggle and chat to each other as they immerse themselves in challenging learning opportunities inside and in the garden. All children make excellent progress in every area of the curriculum.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder and her assistants have high expectations of all children. They sensitively support children to understand and follow the routines and boundaries of the setting. The childminder and her assistants skilfully teach children how to show respect for each other and for the environment. As a result, children's behaviour is exemplary, and they make good relationships with each other. For example, older children pass the ball to younger children and take turns rolling it back and forth without support from the childminder and her assistants.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants are extremely positive and caring. They value each child's uniqueness and provide a range of opportunities for children to express their ideas and make choices for themselves. For instance, they talk to children about the weather and ask children if they think they need a coat or a hat to play outside. n As well as a focus on the prime areas of learning, the childminder places an emphasis on the natural world. Children benefit immensely from meaningful opportunities to learn about various animals. For instance, children feed guinea pigs, watch tadpoles evolve into frogs, and carefully hold chicks. The childminder and her assistants expertly extend children's knowledge and understanding of these animals. For example, they give clear answers when children ask, 'Why do frogs have long legs?', 'How do tadpoles breathe underwater?' and, 'Why do chicks huddle together?' These experiences inspire children to be curious and

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need to do better?

19 May 2023 teach them how to care for and respect animals. n Children are confident communicators. They benefit from the childminder and her assistants' expertise and knowledge of how to develop children's language and how to extend their vocabulary. The childminder and her assistants encourage younger children to use two- and three-word sentences and support older children to use newly learned vocabulary. For instance, children talk about pondweed and ask why it is in the tadpole's water tank. n The childminder and her assistants are excellent role models. They continually give children the language and skills they need to share and take turns. This helps children to understand their own emotions and the feelings of others. Children show caring attitudes towards each other. For example, they celebrate their friends' achievements by clapping. n The childminder has high expectations of her assistants and is committed to

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need to do better?

supporting their professional development. This ensures they provide the highest possible quality care and education for children. Assistants recently received training on how to help children understand simple mathematical concepts and use mathematical language. The childminder and her assistants use this knowledge to increase opportunities for mathematical learning within their daily routine. Children show they have good mathematical understanding. For instance, older children recognise many single digits, and younger children accurately clap, count or jump when the childminder and her assistants say specific numbers. n Relationships with parents and support for them are excellent. Parents comment on the nurturing and welcoming environment and how they are continually involved in what children are learning and the progress they are making. The childminder shares her knowledge and experience with parents and offers

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need to do better?

support when children make their transition to pre-school. This ensures good continuity of learning for children. n The childminder is passionate about supporting children to be independent in all aspects of their self-care. The childminder and her assistants teach children how to keep themselves safe and about healthy food choices. Children confidently serve themselves fruit and pour their own drinks. Additionally, the childminder and her assistants use questions such as, 'What do you think we could do?' and, 'What could we do about that?' to encourage children to solve problems such as cleaning up small spillages for themselves. Children show positive attitudes and are very well equipped for the next stage in their learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. They know what to do if they have concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder understands her responsibility to check the ongoing suitability of her assistants to ensure they are safe to work with children, and she does this regularly. The childminder carries out risk assessments of the house, garden and toys daily to minimise the risks of injury to children.

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Safeguarding

19 May 2023 Furthermore, the childminder and her assistants teach children how to play and learn safely. For example, they teach children how to eat small pieces of fruit carefully to reduce the risk of choking.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY490125 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10260027 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 9 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 1 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015. She lives in Dorchester, in Dorset. She works one day a week, all year round and works with three assistants. The childminder holds an early years degree at level 6. Two of her assistants hold early years qualifications at level 3 and one is unqualified.

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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 childminder. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the childminder. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector talked to the childminder's assistants and took account of their views. n Parents spoke to the inspector and the inspector viewed written feedback. The inspector took these views into consideration. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder carried out a joint observation of an activity designed to support

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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

19 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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