Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 thrive in the care of this nurturing childminder. They experience warm and loving relationships with her. Interactions are natural and filled with genuine affection. From the moment children arrive, they engage in play with her and begin their learning. The childminder uses every opportunity to build on children's understanding and development. Children demonstrate excellent attitudes to learning. They immerse themselves in each stimulating experience the childminder provides. They confidently ask questions as they explore, and they listen carefully to the childminder as she skilfully supports them to find answers and solutions for themselves. As a consequence, children demonstrate high levels of resilience and a 'can-do' attitude. They are confident, and they enjoy sharing their successes with the childminder, who is always responsive with praise.

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The provision is outstanding

Children learn about the world around them through a wide range of trips that the childminder provides. These include local parks, farms and beaches. They enjoy new experiences, such as sight-seeing on buses and trips to the cathedral. Children enjoy ample time outdoors and are supported to develop a love of nature. For example, they search for minibeasts in crevices and learn the importance of caring for all living things. Children develop their muscles as they roll down grassy verges. They snap sticks and twigs that they collect to build their bonfires as they engage in imaginary play outdoors.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has considered her provision exceptionally well and how best it will meet the needs of the individual children in her setting. She plans an ambitious and stimulating curriculum that enhances children's learning experiences. The childminder works exceptionally close with parents and gathers detailed information about children's starting points. She uses this information to plan a wide range of learning experiences to build on children's interests and extend their learning. Consequently, children engage in high levels of play with each other and demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning. n The experienced childminder understands the importance of providing children with rich and varied vocabulary. She introduces ambitious language such as 'foundations' as children construct and explains what each new word she introduces means. The childminder consistently models turn taking in

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need to do better?

conversation as she engages in meaningful discussions with children throughout their play. She uses effective strategies for supporting children's speech, such as using gestures and repeating language back to children to support their language development. n Children's behaviour is exceptional. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. She consistently demonstrates good manners and a caring

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need to do better?

14 November 2023 attitude. Children learn respect for each other. For instance, they share resources and use 'please' and 'thank you' autonomously during play and hold doors and gates open for each other. n The childminder consistently encourages children to do things for themselves, such as dressing for outdoor play and fastening their coats. They eagerly assist the childminder with routine tasks, such as preparing snack and sorting and tidying toys. This helps to support children's confidence. n The childminder knows the children in her care exceptionally well. She carries out effective assessments of the children. From these, she expertly identifies areas for development and plans exciting opportunities for children to practise specific skills. These are shared with parents to further support children at home. As such, children make exceptional progress in their learning and development. n Partnerships with parents are excellent. The childminder's communication with

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need to do better?

parents is extremely effective. She shares daily feedback regarding children's learning and development. Parents describe her as 'nurturing' and 'knowledgeable'. They value her professional approach and the advice that she provides for supporting learning at home. Parents state their children make excellent progress in their learning as a result of her commitment to their care. n The childminder is passionate about the high standards of care her provision provides. She has a positive attitude to her continuous professional development and accesses training and completes independent research to improve her practice. For example, she has researched strategies for supporting children's communication and language and incorporates strategies to build children's confidence to speak within small groups. The childminder routinely reflects on her provision and seeks regular feedback from parents and other childminders to

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need to do better?

ensure that outcomes for children are consistently strong.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of her safeguarding responsibilities. She has an excellent understanding of the signs that may indicate that a child is being abused. The childminder conducts thorough risk assessments of all areas children access to ensure that they are safe in her care. The childminder is extremely vigilant and children's safety is given the upmost priority. Children are encouraged to take controlled risks in their play and exploration. They begin to learn about keeping themselves safe from an early age. For example, she teaches children road safety while out in the community. The childminder has an in-depth knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY450019 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10304848 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 9 Date of previous inspection 2 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Haddenham, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 provider. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about the curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder to assess the impact of her teaching on children's learning. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

14 November 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

14 November 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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