Childminder in East Sussex

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

The childminder and her assistant create an environment where children flourish. The childminder understands the needs of children exceptionally well and uses this knowledge to plan a curriculum that is ambitious and as stimulating as it is challenging. Children develop excellent skills in listening, attention and concentration. The childminder provides them with what they need at exactly the right time for their age and development. This helps children become competent and successful learners.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder builds extremely special bonds with children. They settle quickly and turn to her when they need support. She is quick to praise and recognise how special every child is. Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder leads the way in showing children how they can be polite, kind, thoughtful and sociable with one another. Children are very secure in their relationships with the childminder and other children. This leads to a highly harmonious and happy atmosphere for learning.

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The provision is outstanding

Children explore fun activities in safe, exciting and meaningful ways. For instance, their recent interest in why things stick is developed further by the childminder when they make discoveries and experiment with magnets. Children are highly focused, self-motivated and engaged in their play, and they demonstrate exceptional skills. The childminder supports their growing confidence by providing time and resources for them to consolidate and practise what they have learned.

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need to do better?

n The exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable childminder has clear and ambitious plans for every child. She seeks advice and views from children, parents and other professionals to ensure that her practice gives children the best start in life. She continues to update her skills and knowledge and reflects on what she has learned. She considers the impact she has on the lives of children and their families at every stage of their development. n The childminder plans a seamless and well-sequenced curriculum that provides every child with the skills they need to succeed. She knows how children learn and, alongside her superb teaching, she provides the right support at the right time so that every child is engaged and successful. n The childminder notices when children are falling behind in any aspect of their learning and development and swiftly provides targeted support to help them. She offers more challenging activities for those children who are progressing

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need to do better?

quickly. All children have the tools and resources that they need to learn and make exceptional progress. n Children develop excellent communication and language skills. The childminder's

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need to do better?

28 February 2024 exceptional teaching and love of literacy builds children's knowledge, words and understanding. Children demonstrate what they have learned when they talk about dinosaurs, walks in the woods and familiar stories. The childminder is a fantastic listener, giving every child time to speak. This provides children with confidence to speak in groups and to share their feelings and emotions. n The childminder skilfully supports children to listen, recall and reflect on what they learn to deepen and embed new knowledge. For instance, during a story, she checks that children understand by providing more information and asking them relevant questions. Children demonstrate what they have learned when they retell stories using props, make connections and recall past activities. For example, children remember that flour is used to make pasta, 'ballet music' is different from other styles of music and they can name birds they see in the

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need to do better?

garden. n The childminder celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of the children and their families. Children know what makes them special and how their lives and interests are different or the same as others. Children learn how they can contribute to the well-being of others, such as when they help one another and are polite and empathetic to each other's feelings and emotions. n Children's physical development is supported extremely well. They develop their balance, movement and dexterity. Children demonstrate how they can use scissors and pencils, fill containers with sand, run and climb. They understand and discuss with the childminder how they can keep themselves healthy with nutritious food and exercise. n The childminder expertly uses planned and spontaneous teaching to embed children's mathematical knowledge. Children count backwards and forwards when they listen to a story. Older children know that amounts can be added and

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need to do better?

subtracted and recognise numbers relating to their age. Young children explore shape and patterns in the sand and when they draw. n Parent partnerships are excellent. The childminder offers her advice and support in ways that help parents feel encouraged, supported and confident. The childminder will go above and beyond to help parents access the right support for their children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 108934 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10312103 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 10 Date of previous inspection 20 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996. She lives in Lewes, East Sussex. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She works with an assistant.

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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 and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises the early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector spoke with the childminder's assistant, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

28 February 2024 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

28 February 2024 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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