Childminder in Gloucestershire

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 thoroughly enjoy their experiences with the friendly, caring childminder. Every child receives nurturing support, praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children are highly motivated to learn and join in the carefully planned activities and freely chosen play with great enthusiasm. They skip along singing with the childminder with gusto as they walk back from the school run. Children show they are extremely settled. They know exactly where to find toys and show great anticipation as they wait to hear what activities are planned.

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The provision is outstanding

The toddlers, two-year-olds and older children get on exceptionally well together. They are full of smiles, polite, follow instructions well, take turns and show respect for others, learning these skills from a very young age while at the setting. Older children happily involve the younger ones in their play, giving help and guidance to enhance their play experiences. The childminder introduces children to new vocabulary to extend their language. All children show confident communication skills. For example, a one-year-old repeats the word frog clearly and is keen to copy the other words they hear. Older children have impressive vocabularies that they use to describe what they draw, and recall past experiences with great detail. They talk avidly about their activities.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder suggests fun activities to encourage children to be physically active. Children have a lot of fun as they dance to their favourite tunes. Toddlers delight as they link hands with older children, showing excellent coordination and physical agility. They squeal with enjoyment as they chase one another and play hide and seek. Children thoroughly enjoy outdoor play and outings, particularly visits where they undertake forest activities and get up close to animals. They have excellent opportunities to widen their understanding of the world. For example, they learned about the life cycle of a frog, and talk knowledgeably about other animal's babies.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is highly enthusiastic in her role. She shows genuine warmth and kindness to the children. The childminder instinctively offers the encouragement and support the children need to foster their all-round learning and development. She knows when to play an active role in their learning and when to stand back and let them play freely. She skilfully introduces new words and asks questions to encourage children's language and thinking. n The childminder is an excellent role model and supports children to develop confident social skills, independence and impeccable behaviour. Children develop self-care skills from an early age. For example, one-year-olds wipe their hands and faces, learn to peel fruit and help to tidy away resources.

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need to do better?

1 May 2024 n The childminder's awareness of where each child is in their learning is impressive. She accurately identifies what they need to learn next and uses every opportunity to build upon what they know and can do. Children's all-round learning is outstanding and they are fully prepared for the move on to school. n The childminder implements a carefully planned curriculum that provides rich learning experiences. She makes excellent use of her garden, local green spaces and outings further afield to extend children's understanding of the world. She introduces children to different cultures through socialising within the community and during excursions to Gloucester City. Children recall visits to Gloucester Cathedral and to The City Farm. n Children are actively encouraged to develop a love of books and reading. They listen avidly to stories, show great interest in reference books and often find a

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need to do better?

cosy space to look at books themselves. The childminder draws children's attention to words in books. Three- and four-year-olds recognise and say the sounds of letters and can write their own names. n The children learn about mathematical concepts of size, shape, positional language and simple calculations as they play. They recognise numerals and count with confidence. n Children are actively encouraged to use their imagination and express themselves. This is evident during art and craft and musical activities. n The childminder works in close partnership with other settings children attend. She speaks regularly to professionals involved in children's learning and uses information gathered to ensure that her planned curriculum enhances children's experiences elsewhere. n Partnership with parents is excellent. Parents praise the childminder highly for the way that she communicates with them about their children's welfare and

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need to do better?

developmental progress. The childminder works in close partnership with parents to identify where children are in their learning from the outset and to support children's ongoing learning at home and in the setting. Parents join the childminder and children on outings frequently. n The childminder continually evaluates her practice and looks for ways to further develop her practice and provision. She is doing a course to enhance her skills and curriculum and exploring more ways to maximise potential to develop the youngest children's language during car journeys.

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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 EY438040 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10335558 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 11 Date of previous inspection 20 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011. She lives in Cheltenham and operates Monday to Friday between 8am and 5.30pm. She works during term times only. The childminder receives funding for the provision of early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has had 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 provider. n The inspector discussed the planned curriculum with the childminder and observed how they implement the educational programmes. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children and spoke with her at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at evidence of first-aid training and discussed how the childminder safeguards children's welfare. n The inspector took account of written testimonials from parents.

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Inspection activities

1 May 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

1 May 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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