Ford, Melanie Rhiannon

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the care of this extremely warm and caring childminder. Children develop a wide range of knowledge and skills ready for their future learning. They are motivated and engaged in their learning and have all their needs exceptionally well met. Children can confidently test out their ideas and solve problems throughout their play. For example, they are captivated as they make a 'Gruffalo crumble', leading on from an interactive story time. Children delight as they mix sand, twigs, pine cones and water. The childminder demonstrates excellent communication skills and is exceptionally skilled in helping children convey messages clearly, concisely and accurately. The childminder is remarkable in helping children to express their feelings, consider the emotions of others and behave extremely well.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are stimulated and engaged throughout their time with the childminder. They benefit from an inclusive environment that supports their interests and ignites learning in all areas of development. The childminder is highly dedicated to helping all children reach their full potential. She is exceptionally knowledgeable at seeking support as needed and working with parents and all professionals. The childminder is a clear advocate for children's communication, which she thoroughly understands is an essential part of learning. All children are given time to express their voice, are listened to and are given time to express themselves. This helps them to become exceptionally confident communicators.

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need to do better?

n Children thrive in the care of this outstanding childminder. She is committed to helping all children excel in their learning. She offers an excellent curriculum that is ambitious. The childminder is fully committed to enhancing her knowledge and skills. She undertakes frequent training and research to help keep abreast with all early years guidance. n Children benefit greatly from a welcoming environment that is challenging and bursting with learning opportunities. This helps all children to thrive and be very well prepared for the next stage of their education. n Children demonstrate they are exceptionally happy and secure. They have a positive attitude to learning and display excellent levels of curiosity, concentration and enjoyment. Children are captivated by the learning provided by the childminder, which helps to give them the confidence to learn and be inspired. For example, when young children are counting, the childminder

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need to do better?

supports them to increase numbers as she talks about adding another one on. n The childminder is excellent at supporting children to feel safe. She encourages children to talk about their feelings, and children consider how they feel consistently throughout the day. This helps children to understand their own

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need to do better?

19 August 2024 emotions. Children play in harmony together and show exceptional relationships with their peers and the childminder. n The childminder is highly effective at supporting children's communication and language. For example, she competently supports children of all ages and abilities to develop a love of singing and reading. Children are seen to excitedly choose their favourite songs by choosing props out of the basket. The childminder sparks children's imagination and captures their anticipation in stories, as she reads these skilfully to keep them engaged and eager to listen. n The childminder understands the importance of teaching children about healthy eating. She guides children skilfully to encourage them to try and do tasks for themselves, for example opening containers for their lunches. She helps children to understand how to be safe when eating. Consequently, children of all ages

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need to do better?

talk about the need to ensure they cut berries and fruits as these may cause choking. n Children develop an excellent sense of responsibility. Their behaviour is remarkable. For example, children are highly cooperative with the childminder and with each other. Children share toys in collaboration with each other, including offering favourite toys to their friends. n The childminder values the important role parents play in their children's education. She provides ongoing communication to parents about their children's care, learning and development, for instance through reports, discussions and sharing of next steps. The childminder provides extensive advice and guidance when appropriate to help parents seek support and work in partnerships with other professionals. This promotes a highly consistent approach between home and the childminding setting. Parents' feedback is exceptionally high and extremely positive about the childminder's care of 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 2756067 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10349435 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 Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was previously registered with a childminder agency between 2020 and 2023; she registered with Ofsted in 2023. The childminder lives in Carterton, Oxfordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 childminder. n The childminder explained the curriculum during a learning walk with the inspector. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation of an activity together and discussed the quality of teaching and learning afterwards. n Children spoke to the inspector about the activities they took part in. n Parents' feedback was obtained through available questionnaires, feedback cards and documentation.

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Inspection activities

19 August 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

19 August 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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