Smith, Leona

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 caring childminder understands how to ensure that children thrive, emotionally and physically. She provides joyful experiences that build powerfully on what children already know and can do. She nurtures children's passion for learning through a wide range of exciting experiences that stimulate children's curiosity. Children show a firm sense of belonging with the childminder and demonstrate strong bonds with her. They cooperate superbly as they play, showing immense kindness and respect for each other. For example, when children rest after running around in the woods, their friends bring trays of 'refreshments' and favourite books to read. All children make impressive progress, especially in social skills, confidence and independence. This is because the childminder swiftly identifies any gaps in children's learning and provides additional support when needed.

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The provision is outstanding

The welcoming childminder provides a wealth of opportunities for children to have adventures in natural surroundings. Children concentrate exceptionally well during activities. They develop practical skills and knowledge, with her guidance, in local woodlands. They recall observations of nature, for example of fungi, and relish repeating the names. Children say their favourites are 'fly agarics, puff balls and shaggy ink caps'. They know that they will not see these species currently 'because it is winter'. Their knowledge of birds, nurtured by the childminder, is equally impressive. Children are delighted to listen to and identify bird song, with the help of technology. Practising their listening skills helps to prepare them for future learning, such as recognising sounds represented by letters.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder knows when to intervene in children's learning and when to give them time to investigate independently. She gives children many opportunities to solve problems. One example is when children decide to make ladders from large construction pieces, skilfully using screws, nuts and a spanner. By trial and error, they work out how to fit together the steps and secure these so that they can use the ladders to climb onto an armchair safely. They know how to take the lead in their learning. n Children are equipped by the childminder to investigate things that interest them, indoors and outside. For instance, they look at books to find pictures of birds seen on their outings and find out more about them. This helps children to develop their early literacy skills. n The childminder works closely with parents and with schools that children will attend in the future. Parents say their children blossom because of the 'bespoke'

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need to do better?

care and support the childminder offers. They know how well their children are achieving and how to continue this at home as a result of the frequent, high- quality feedback. The childminder welcomes advice from the local authority.

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need to do better?

16 January 2025 n There is a strong focus on developing children's communication and language skills. The childminder reinforces their understanding and enriches their vocabulary as they play. For instance, children choose to build a train track across the room. The childminder talks about whether they will need to go 'through' or 'around' furniture. She reminds them about a familiar story with a similar refrain. Children join in back-and-forth conversations confidently. This is because the childminder listens carefully to their ideas and expertly uses questioning, such as asking 'what about?' This helps them develop their creative thinking skills. n Children's imaginations are stimulated by the stories they love. For example, the childminder provides photos of a 'Gruffalo' trail they completed. Children talk about different foods the creature likes and create their own versions, such as ice cream from homemade dough. The childminder asks children about why ice

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need to do better?

cream melts, giving them plenty of time to think and answer. Children remember seeing ice melting on the ground in the woods in the morning. n Children enjoy vigorous exercise and fresh air outdoors daily. This supports their excellent physical development. The childminder ensures that children grow in self-esteem. For instance, she helps children to succeed at challenging tasks such as building bridges across streams. Children show immense pride in their strength and abilities and enthusiastically tell the inspector about these. n Since her last inspection, the childminder has completed qualifications in integrated work with children and families to an extremely high level. She leads childminders in an area-wide programme, where early years practitioners from early years providers discuss and share good practice. The childminder is dedicated to inspiring others to enable children to experience the awe and

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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 EY460327 Local authority Leicestershire Inspection number 10367366 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 5 February 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Thurnby, Leicester. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 7 and is a qualified forest school leader. She provides funded education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

16 January 2025 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

16 January 2025 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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