Childminder in Dorset

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 and make excellent progress in this dedicated childminder's care. All children benefit from the outstanding learning environment the childminder provides. Children have a wealth of play experiences inside and outdoors and are highly motivated and curious. They immerse themselves in the play activities and show high engagement levels. Children show fascination for the chrysalises they are looking after as they learn about caterpillars and butterflies. They ask the childminder interesting questions and make predictions about when they will become butterflies. Young children confidently talk about the life cycle of butterflies using a broad range of vocabulary. The childminder reinforces this learning as she jokingly compares the children to 'The hungry caterpillar' as they eat strawberries at snack time. These conversations encourage children's curiosity and wonder and extends their knowledge of the natural world.

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The provision is outstanding

Children show they feel extremely safe and secure as they confidently interact with the childminder and each other. The childminder's naturally caring and nurturing approach and her warm and supportive manner means children settle incredibly quickly. Babies who are new to the setting show they are happy and thriving. They smile, giggle, independently explore the environment and regularly 'check in' with the childminder who responds with reassuring cuddles. These strong attachments help children take risks in their learning and build's their self-esteem. The childminder uses praise to promote positive behaviour. Children's behaviour and thoughtfulness for others is exemplary.

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need to do better?

n Children benefit from the childminder's highly skilful teaching and effective assessment. She accurately identifies where children are in their development and plans activities at the right level of challenge to expand their knowledge and skills. The childminder constantly evaluates how children engage with the activities she provides and adapts her teaching to ensure all children are supported through consistently high-quality interactions. For example, she expertly ensures all children are immersed in their learning as they play a flower building game in the garden. She extends older children's counting and mathematical understanding, develops younger children's social skills as she reminds them how to share and take turns, and challenges babies' physical development by supporting them to reach and grasp the flowers that fall to the floor. All children make exceptional progress from their starting points.

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need to do better?

n The childminder sensitively develops children's resilience by giving them the support they need to persevere. When children struggle with a learning task, she encourages them to find their own solutions while offering tailored help when individual children need it. Children beam with pride and say 'Teamwork makes

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need to do better?

1 May 2025 the dream work' as they work things out with the childminder and with each other. Older children cheer and say 'yes, yes, I did it!' as they build towers. The childminder uses children's enthusiasm to challenge them further by suggesting they count their blocks and observe what happens when they add one block at a time. 'Look. My tower gets taller every time I add one,' they reply. These positive attitudes to learning give children a secure foundation for their future learning. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder understands that working together with parents is central to ensuring children's needs are met. She creates an open, informative, and honest relationship with parents right from the start. Parents receive valuable and detailed information about children's learning and development, their next steps in learning, and how this can be supported at home. Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They comment that their

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need to do better?

children have 'thrived in this nurturing and inspiring environment.' n The childminder places a high priority on children's communication and language. She skilfully engages children in meaningful conversations and discussions and expands their vocabulary. The childminder consistently models language well, supports children's pronunciation of difficult words, and checks their understanding. She continually exposes children to a wealth of language through play and quality interactions. For example, she introduces children to the word 'reversing' as they tell her they're going backwards on their scooters. Children repeat what the childminder tells them and use it independently in their play. n Support for children's personal, social, and emotional development, is superb. Children show great care and consideration for their friends. They notice when others need help and know how to support each other. The childminder

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need to do better?

continuously provides opportunities for children of all ages to play together. She encourages older children to teach younger children new skills. For instance, the childminder encourages older children who have mastered the skill of using brakes on their scooters to help younger children how to use them. This helps children build friendships, encourages children to value their uniqueness, and to learn that they can have a positive impact on others by helping them. n The childminder provides a wide range of opportunities to encourage children to be independent in all aspects of their self-care and how to make healthy lifestyle choices. Children show a clear understanding of why they need sun hats and sun cream to protect themselves from the sun. They independently get their shoes and sun hats when they go out into the garden. They show care and respect for the childminder as they remind her 'you haven't got your hat. You need one

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need to do better?

outside.' They say 'you haven't had a snack. Would you like some fruit?' as the childminder sits down for snack with the children.

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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 2715405 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 10388352 Type of provision Childminder Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 4 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. She lives in Weymouth, Dorset. She offers care from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday all year round. The childminder 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 her curriculum and what she wants children to learn. n Parents shared their views of the childminder and the inspector took these into account. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children throughout the inspection. n Children talked to the inspector.

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Inspection activities

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

1 May 2025 1 May 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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