Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

The childminder focuses the curriculum on the prime areas of learning, ensuring that all children develop the essential foundations for their next stage of learning. Older children develop their larger movements, as they wave coloured ribbon high in the air, dancing to music. Babies respond with delight as they observe and feel the ribbons dangling, enjoying the different sensory experiences. The childminder consistently narrates what is happening, and children benefit from being in a language-rich environment. Children begin to make connections between words and their meanings. For example, the childminder asks children to find something that goes on a runway, and children excitedly shout 'aeroplane'. Children are confident communicators. Babies babble in excitement and wave their arms as older children approach them to say hello. All children benefit from the opportunity to develop their social skills, as they mix with children of various ages.

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The provision is good

The childminder has consistent expectations for children's behaviour and encourages children to manage their own conflicts. This helps children to build on their resilience and problem-solving skills. Children behave well and the childminder encourages children to use sign language to say please and thank you. This supports younger children to begin to communicate effectively. The childminder has various pets, such as rabbits and chickens. Children learn how to nurture and care for the animals, helping children to take responsibility for living things.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well and recognises what they need to learn next. The childminder plans more focused activities to promote children's learning well. For example, dance and movement sessions help children to develop their physical strength. However, when supporting children's learning during free play, the childminder does not always provide sufficient challenge for children. This means, at times, children's learning is not maximised. n The childminder uses regular and effective observation and assessment, helping to monitor and track children's development. The childminder completes the progress check at age two and school transition forms, providing a more holistic view of children's development. She shares these with outside professionals, such as health visitors, helping to provide continuity of care to children. Children make good progress from their starting points. n The childminder encourages children to develop a love of books. Children freely

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need to do better?

choose books to read and show an interest in stories. For example, children join in with the childminder as she reads a story, pointing to the illustrations and showing curiosity about what will happen next. Older children enjoy mark making and use good pencil control, in preparation for early writing. Children develop good early literacy skills.

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need to do better?

28 January 2025 n The childminder promotes healthy living and good hygiene practice. She ensures that children have fresh air daily and prepares freshly cooked meals. For example, children excitedly discuss how spaghetti bolognese and curry are their favourite meals. Older children attend to their own toileting needs and younger children learn to wash their hands before mealtimes. This helps children to begin to learn how to lead healthy lifestyles from a young age. n The childminder provides children with regular opportunities to explore the local area. For example, children enjoy village walks and trips to the garden centre. The childminder works closely with the military to provide support to children if a parent is on deployment. Children gain a sense of belonging and begin to learn about the wider world. n The childminder values the importance of reflection. She uses feedback from parents and children's interests to enhance the provision she offers children, for

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need to do better?

example, developing a more specific area for planting and growing foods in the garden. The childminder and her co-childminder recently gained an accreditation for physical development. From this, they have implemented more opportunities for children to develop their hand and shoulder strength, in preparation for early writing. n Parents say that the childminder has a warm and caring manner. They value the nurturing environment she provides the children and the good nutritional focus on foods. The childminder provides opportunities for parents to discuss children's development and next steps in learning. This supports parents to continue children's learning at home.

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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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should:

n consider how to introduce children to more challenging learning opportunities during free play, helping to sustain their focus and maximise learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY428277 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10382269 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 8 Date of previous inspection 10 August 2021

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Ilchester, Somerset. She works from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, and Friday from 7.30am to 3pm, all year round. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3 and works with a co-childminder, who has a qualification at level 2. The setting offers government funded places.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has had on the children's learning. n The children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. 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

28 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

28 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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