Childminder in Somerset

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 this exceptionally nurturing and inspiring environment. The childminder works closely with families from day one. Settling-in sessions are tailored to meet children's needs. This helps children feel safe and happy in her care. The childminder uses her extensive knowledge of child development to create an incredibly positive learning space for children. She provides a wealth of exciting and purposeful play opportunities designed to stimulate children's interests. Children enthusiastically engage in conversations with the childminder and each other. For example, they talk about the shape and colours of the leaves they found as they paint patterns with them. They giggle with one another and say, 'Look! This one is bigger than my hand.' This enthusiasm for learning helps children build on their experiences and extends their knowledge and skills across all areas of the curriculum. Children show pure joy and excitement, cheering and clapping each

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The provision is outstanding

time the childminder suggests a new activity. This helps children to form highly positive attitudes towards learning and builds a strong foundation ready for school.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder consistently models and promotes kindness, courtesy and respect. Children demonstrate excellent manners. Younger children say 'please' and 'thank you' naturally. Older children talk about 'making the right choice'. Children interact and play with each other in the most caring way. They find each other's water bottles and say 'oh sorry' when they accidently bump into each other.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about children having the best possible start. She expertly provides a challenging and exciting curriculum with a focus on supporting children's language and communication, physical development, and promoting their personal, social and emotional growth. She knows each child incredibly well and uses this knowledge to skilfully plan activities based on each child's needs, interests and what they need to learn next. For instance, she knows which children need support with their counting and colours, and consistently reinforces mathematical language for these children throughout the day. All children make excellent progress in their learning and development. n Children have extremely well-developed communication and language skills. They use language for a range of purposes and have an extensive vocabulary. The childminder understands the importance of exposing children to an

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need to do better?

environment full of language. She prioritises children's listening and attention and successfully supports children to learn and use new vocabulary. For example, young children say, 'Look at me. I'm twinkling like stars' and 'I'm zooming around in space' as they actively enjoy a music and dance activity. Older children use props and photos to enthusiastically retell the story of 'The

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need to do better?

3 October 2024 Little Red Hen'. n The childminder embeds a 'see it, feel it, experience it' approach to learning. She thoughtfully plans and delivers inspiring opportunities for children to explore and experience with their senses. For example, children show an interest in how cold the play dough is. The childminder embraces this inquisitiveness and encourages children to prod, roll and squidge it. They beam when they realise that this makes the play dough warm. Older children return to the play dough later and excitedly tell the childminder, 'It's cold again. We need to squidge it!' n The childminder shows the highest respect for each child and values their uniqueness. She listens intently to each child as they share their thoughts and ideas with her. She ensures that children have ample opportunity to use their 'voice' and encourages children to make choices and decisions about their play and learning. For instance, each morning the children vote on which park they

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need to do better?

will visit that day. This helps children to develop a high self-esteem and self- awareness. n Parents are highly appreciative of the support and care the childminder shows children. They say they feel highly involved in every part of their children's learning and development. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that each child's education and care are personalised to help children feel safe and secure. She regularly lends parents story bags with books and props to help them share a love of books with their children at home. This promotes children's early literacy skills and enables good continuity of learning. n The childminder shows a strong commitment to her own professional development and learning. She regularly attends training, shares any new knowledge with parents and embeds it into her practice. For example, she uses her knowledge from recent training to ensure that she uses high-quality teaching

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need to do better?

strategies to support children to use and develop their tone, volume and rhythm during group listening activities.

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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 2683594 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10355507 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 registered in 2022. She lives in Bridgwater, Somerset. The childminder holds qualified teacher status and an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. The childminder provides funded childcare places.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises with the childminder. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. 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 held discussions with the childminder throughout the inspection and discussed how children's progress is monitored. n Children spoke to the inspector. n The inspector carried out an observation of an activity to support children's attention and focus with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to parents and took their views into account.

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Inspection activities

3 October 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

3 October 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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