Childminder in Suffolk

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a warm welcome. She is gentle and nurturing with the children, most of who have recently started attending. The childminder shows a genuine enjoyment in her work. Children settle quickly and are forming strong bonds with her. She follows a simple, flexible routine. This ensures babies and toddler's individual care needs are very well met. The childminder gives all children time and attention as she sensitively changes children's nappies, before gently settling them for a nap. She recognises and supports those children who are teething. When children need a little comfort, they confidently seek out the childminder for a reassuring cuddle. She models expected behaviours, provides lots of encouragement and supports children with their emotions.

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The provision is good

Children are keen to explore the safe, stimulating learning environment. This supports their independence well. Babies have 'tummy time' to build their strength and develop their muscles. Children play imaginatively with small world play, such as the dolls' house and farm. They develop fine motor skills, concentration and problem-solving skills as they sort and post items, turn knobs and press buttons. They show delight as they successfully get a ball to roll down the twisting slide. The childminder plans regular time outdoors in the garden, at the park or at the local heath, supporting children's large physical development. The children also attend local childcare group activities, where they develop their social skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She has completed mandatory training, such as paediatric first aid and child protection. The childminder evaluates her practice regularly. She seeks feedback from parents to check if they are satisfied with the service she offers. She carries out her own research and attends a range of courses, to enhance her skills and ensure her knowledge is up to date. n The childminder has effective partnerships with parents. She provides valuable information about her service before children start. She gathers a range of information about the children from parents. The childminder offers flexible, child-focussed settling-in sessions, which help to support transitions from one home to another. The childminder keeps parents well informed. She updates them with information and photographs about their children's care routines, learning and progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's communication and language skills well. She sensitively joins in with children's play, following their lead. The childminder gently sings songs and rhymes as she engages in back-and-forth interactions. She uses positive facial gestures and sounds to encourage children's engagement. The childminder responds positively as babies 'babble' and begin

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need to do better?

16 January 2025 to form their first words. She comments about what the children are seeing and doing. The childminder models language, names items and introduces new words, such as polar bear and penguin. n Children are provided with balanced, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Healthy eating is encouraged, as children are supported to try new tastes and textures. Children are well supervised at mealtimes. They are encouraged to be independent, as they have a go at feeding themselves, using a spoon. Children know how to help themselves to a drink and when ready, they progress on to using a cup. n The childminder recognises the importance of supporting children's early literacy skills. Children regularly visit the library, where they gain an early love of books. The childminder provides a rich range of age-appropriate books. Children snuggle in as she reads stories, using props, with animation. They understand

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need to do better?

how to turn the pages and listen with delight as she demonstrates sneezing with an 'aaaa-choo!'. n The childminder plans a curriculum that ensures children have access to a wide range of age-appropriate learning opportunities, both inside and outside. She observes children and uses assessment to check their progress and identify gaps in learning. However, she does not always use this knowledge, especially when delivering adult-led activities, to effectively sequence learning, and build on what children know and can do.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n enhance the quality of teaching so that planned learning is appropriately sequenced and builds on what children already know and can do

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2761483 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10349675 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Red Lodge, close to Mildenhall, Suffolk. She operates Monday to Friday, all year round from 8.00am to 5.30pm, except for family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder discussed how the early years provision is organised, including aims for the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on the children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with a sample of parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of the childminder.

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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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