Smith, Heather Victoria

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 flourish under the expert guidance of this exceptionally nurturing and caring childminder. She creates a wonderfully calm environment and tailors each child's learning with incredible care. Children develop strong bonds with the childminder. They seek her out for cuddles and support when they need it and enjoy involving her in their play. Toddlers beam and show pure joy as they use their fingers as pretend spiders and excitedly chase the childminder. Her naturally caring responses help children to feel safe and secure. The childminder uses her thoughtfully planned environment to encourage children's independence, curiosity and love of learning. Toddlers giggle with excitement as they experiment with large pipettes and coloured glittery water. Babies confidently explore the garden, persevering to climb on ride on toys and use their feet to push themselves along independently. These carefully considered opportunities encourage children's

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The provision is outstanding

natural wonder and helps them to develop the wealth of knowledge and skills they need to grow and learn.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder sets high expectations for behaviour. She consistently and sensitively promotes kindness and respect. Children demonstrate exemplary behaviour. Toddlers naturally use phrases like 'please' and 'thank you' as they sit together to prepare and share their fruit. They happily interact and play with each other, showing an awareness of each other's feelings. They push each other on the swings and say 'me next' as they wait for a turn.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans and delivers an extremely ambitious curriculum. She has a clear focus on building children's experiences and tailors all activities to each child's needs and interests. She works closely with parents from day one to understand each child's unique background. She uses her secure knowledge of child development to skilfully provide individual learning experiences to build on what each child knows and can do. For example, she slowly introduces children who are not yet confident around others to bigger groups of children. This thoughtful approach helps build children's confidence and social skills. n The childminder fosters outstanding partnerships with parents. Parents comment that the childminder's home is 'a nurturing safe space' and talk about how children have 'rocketed developmentally' during their time with her. The childminder ensures parents are fully involved in their children's learning. She

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need to do better?

works with parents to help them learn how to support children at home. Parents regularly share information with the childminder when children's interests change, or when they learn a new skill. This continuity of learning helps children to make excellent progress. n Children benefit hugely from the childminder's high-quality interactions. She

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need to do better?

7 November 2024 consistently uses effective questioning and introduces new words to help build on children's speaking skills. She sings to the children throughout the day and involves them in songs, rhymes and dancing. Children join in when she sings 'Zoom Zoom Zoom We're Going to the Moon!' as they play on the swings. Toddlers cheer and say 'babies are back' as the baby ducks return at the end of 'Five Little Ducks'. They try to count the 'Five little men in a flying Saucer'. These carefully crafted opportunities help children to develop their communication skills exceptionally well. They also support children's counting and understanding of number. n The childminder is extremely dedicated to her role. She continuously strives to improve her skills and knowledge. Through ongoing training and reflective practice, she stays abreast of the latest developments in early childhood education and continually adapts her teaching to enhance children's experiences

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need to do better?

and learning. For instance, following recent training, she redesigned her play and sleep room to promote a sense of calmness for children. Low lighting and peaceful music benefits all children. They quietly and happily find their own beds and comforters and settle quickly at nap time. n Every activity is meticulously planned to help each child achieve their individual goals. For example, the childminder uses a superbly inviting Diwali sensory table to purposely encourage toddlers and babies to learn about colours, develop their imaginary play, and use tools to strengthen their grip as practise for feeding themselves. The childminder's well-timed interactions and carefully selected resources help develop children's vocabulary and supports their age-appropriate understanding of different cultures. n The childminder works exceptionally well with other professionals. She actively contacts other settings and instigates the use of a communication book to share

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need to do better?

important information that benefits the children. These positive relationships, alongside the childminder's effective use of assessment, ensures that any gaps in learning are identified swiftly and additional support is put in place to help all children reach their goals. n The childminder provides a rich set of experiences for children that promote an understanding of, and respect for, the environment, people and communities beyond their own. They visit the local park, take part in festivals and celebrations at a childminding group, take regular walks around the village, and feed and walk the animals at a nearby animal park. They visit the local farm shop each week to buy the produce they need for their snacks. They explore the fields to see where the food is grown and choose their preferred fruit and vegetables. They carry them in their baskets and help the childminder to pay. This supports children's thinking skills and promotes a positive attitude to

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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 2685916 Local authority Devon Inspection number 10355510 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 3 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Sampford Peverell, Devon. She operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The setting offers government funded 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 talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the 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 childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity. n The inspector read written testimonials from parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members. n Children talked and played with the inspector during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

7 November 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

7 November 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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