Childminder in Dorset

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and feel safe and secure in her warm and welcoming home. The childminder takes the children's lead as they excitedly explore and investigate with interest. She delivers a curriculum that offers a wide range of learning opportunities, both inside and outdoors. All children make good progress in their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder acts as a good role model. She has consistent boundaries and encourages children to interact and share with one another as they play. Consequently, children develop good social skills and become confident learners. They behave very well.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a strong focus on children's communication and language skills, and children are developing in this area especially well. She constantly talks to the babies, explaining what she is doing, and they respond with babbles and sounds. Older children confidently express themselves and use a wide vocabulary as they engage in conversations. For instance, children involve the childminder in their role play, asking her if she would like a coffee, and demonstrate good knowledge about crabs and where they can be found.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is clear about what she wants children to learn. She provides learning experiences across all areas of learning, which children enjoy. Babies explore the environment freely, pressing buttons on resources to make noises. They learn songs as the childminder sings to them while changing their nappy and explore a range of books and stories. Older children learn about good oral hygiene. They use play dough to make teeth and learn the names of the instruments, such as the tweezers, as the childminder talks to them about going to the dentist. n The childminder is kind and gentle in her approach. She shows the children great care and affection and is respectful when carrying out personal care tasks. She gives children choices and provides opportunities for them to listen and make their own decisions. Consequently, children enjoy their time with the childminder and express themselves well. They smile and giggle as they play and

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need to do better?

interact with the childminder and one another. n The childminder supports children to make simple calculations as they combine groups of counters together as they begin to count and use numbers. This helps children to begin to grasp a good understanding of mathematical concepts from a young age. n The childminder successfully extends children's understanding as she talks to them about birds of prey, such as the kite. Children eagerly engage in

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need to do better?

1 May 2024 conversation and identify other birds, such as an eagle. This supports children to develop a wide vocabulary. However, occasionally the childminder asks questions in quick succession without giving children the time to think about what the childminder has asked them and share their ideas. n There are good opportunities for children to learn outdoors, to be active and engage in physical play. Children particularly enjoy playing in the mud kitchen, pretending to make pies and decorating them with herbs, such as rosemary. The childminder makes the most of spontaneous opportunities to extend children's learning. For example, as children jump on the trampoline, strengthening their core and developing their coordination, she counts the number of bounces they complete. n The childminder teaches the children about feelings and emotions. This enables children to show empathy and provides them with the skills to help them self-

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need to do better?

regulate their behaviour. Children are beginning to understand the impact that their behaviour has on others. n The strong partnerships the childminder has with parents ensures that children are emotionally secure and the care that they receive is consistent. The childminder very successfully supports children to settle when they first start with her. For example, she finds out information about children's routines and preferences. She shares children's progress individually with parents and works with them to meet any specific need. n The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and the provision that she provides. She makes good use of training to develop her practices and teaching. For instance, she uses sign language with the children, which has developed their communication and understanding. She has plans to develop outside learning opportunities even further to include a forest school area and awning to

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need to do better?

provide shade so that children have more opportunities to learn outside all year round.

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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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should:

n give children the time that they need to think about and answer questions to extend their learning and engagement in activities even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2663802 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10339425 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in the village of Thornford, near Sherborne, Dorset and operates Monday to Thursday for most of the year.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector read written feedback from parents and took their views into account. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation.

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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

1 May 2024 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

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

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