Childminder in Suffolk

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 creates exceptional learning opportunities in her setting. This provides the foundation for outstanding learning and development in the children. For example, when children say their cup of milk is cold, the childminder engages them in a thorough discussion. Children come to understand that the milk must have been in the fridge and not in the freezer as they first thought. The childminder explains if it had been in the freezer, not only would it be cold, but it would also be very hard. This provides children really rich opportunities to develop their thinking skills.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder plans a well-resourced, inclusive, and engaging environment. This means children of varying ages play independently. Children confidently access resources they wish to play with. When it comes to tidying away, all children are happy to join in, knowing where everything belongs. This helps children to feel secure. settled and happy in their environment.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. Children are kind and compassionate with each other. Where needed, the childminder supports children's behaviour, using plans agreed with parents. This ensures consistency with clear expectations. This helps promote positive behaviour, emotional security, and a united approach to children's development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder prioritises children's communication and language. Her skilful back-and-forth interactions with the children help to lay the foundations for their language development. Children have numerous opportunities to learn new words and repeat them during the day. The childminder and her assistant extensively use sign language. This enables the very youngest children to join in and engage with their peers. Children actively seek out books to read. They are completely engaged in the interactive story time. They listen carefully, demonstrating high levels of concentration for their age. The assistant encourages them to observe characters, discuss how they are feeling and consider why they may feel that way. This helps children to expand their vocabulary and enhance their communication skills. n The experienced childminder is professional and dedicated, with a genuine enthusiasm for her work. She is committed to providing all children with positive

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need to do better?

early years experiences. The childminder regularly reflects on her practice and that of her assistant. She plans training to further support their expertise and skills. n The childminder has an excellent professional relationship with her parents. Knowing her families so well, means she can support children's needs in a way

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need to do better?

21 June 2024 that is consistent with their home experiences. This helps children make excellent progress. The childminder uses early years pupil premium funding to provide new experiences children may not otherwise have. This means all children receive the support they need to help them be successful learners. n The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development and focuses on what children need to learn next. She challenges them to think independently and solve problems. For example, when children empty the water dispenser, they ask her to re-fill it. The childminder asks if they can think of a way of doing it themselves. Some children say no, but after some time to think, they excitedly suggest they can use water from the water tray. Together, they find a funnel and the childminder suggests they could use it to fill the container. These opportunities support children effectively to think critically, play

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need to do better?

cooperatively with their peers and share their thoughts and ideas. n Partnerships with parents are exceptionally strong. The childminder gathers detailed information from parents about their child's early experiences and home routines, ensuring continuity in care and development. There is an excellent two- way flow of information. Additionally, she offers advice on topics such as potty training and behaviour management. Parents highly praise the childminder and the significant progress their children make under her care. n The childminder and her assistant are patient and give children time to think. This allows children time to gather their thoughts before expressing them. It builds children's confidence as they learn to value their thoughts and contributions.

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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 EY500973 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10344281 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 12 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 16 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Lowestoft, Suffolk. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 5 and works with an assistant. She provides funded early years 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 provision. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. 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 inspector carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity with the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the

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Inspection activities

suitability of assistants working with the childminder.

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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

21 June 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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