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 has clear intentions for children's learning. The curriculum places focus on helping children to gain fundamental skills, such as confidence, resilience and patience. Children are well prepared for their next stage of learning. They develop good communication skills from an early age. The childminder clearly models pronunciation of words and develops children's vocabulary well. For instance, babies explore picture cards, and the childminder repeats 'cheese', babies copy, and she then proceeds to say, 'yellow cheese'. This supports children's emerging language skills. Older children build their hand strength when using tweezers and pipettes in the water, in preparation for early writing. Younger children climb, crawl and run in the garden, supporting their coordination and strength. Children develop good physical skills. The childminder weaves maths throughout daily activities. Children learn to compare, estimate and check their

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The provision is good

answers, as they decide who won the most pairs in a matching game. Children acquire excellent early maths skills.

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The provision is good

Children are kind and caring, and they play collaboratively together. The childminder implements consistent routines and has high expectations for children's behaviour. This helps children to understand what is expected of them. Children play games and demonstrate their understanding of turn-taking as they ask, 'who's turn is it next?' The childminder is a positive role model. She encourages children to use their manners, and children behave excellently. Children begin to understand their feelings and show great familiarity with these, as they remember which coloured monster represents a particular emotion. Children feel safe and secure and have formed wonderful friendships with each other.

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need to do better?

n The childminder helps children to broaden and consolidate their learning through fun and engaging experiences. These link to children's interests and next steps in learning. The childminder provides children with challenges, encouraging them to use their critical thinking skills. For example, children confidently recognise numbers, check their answers by counting the dots, and then correctly order them. Children make excellent progress. n The childminder implements effective assessment and observation procedures. This means the childminder identifies gaps in children's learning swiftly, and they receive the support they need. The childminder gathers information from parents regarding their children's development from the start, helping to form robust starting points. The childminder collaborates well with parents and other settings children attend. This ensures children receive continuity of care.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's early literacy skills well. Younger children eagerly climb onto the childminder's lap and explore the different textures in the

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need to do better?

12 May 2025 book. Older children laugh together as they use puppets related to the story. The childminder makes sure these times are enjoyable for children, which helps them develop a love of books. Children visit the local library and enjoy song times. For example, younger children clap excitedly, observing the older children using their actions when singing. n Children benefit from daily access to fresh air and exercise, supporting their physical health and well-being. The childminder promotes healthy eating and works alongside parents to discuss expectations of a healthy lunch box. Children enjoy healthy snacks and discuss foods that are unhealthy for their teeth. Children begin to learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle. n Overall, the childminder encourages children to develop their independence, as they put on their shoes, make their own choices and attend to their toileting needs. However, at times, the childminder completes tasks for children that they

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need to do better?

could be learning to do for themselves. As a result, opportunities for children to fully embed their independence and further practise these skills can be limited. n The childminder plans exciting opportunities for children, and they begin to understand the world around them. The childminder takes children on trips to the local safari park, shops and freshwater lakes, and they attend weekly toddler groups. Children begin to acquire confidence when socialising within larger groups of people in preparation for school. The childminder organises charity fundraising events, supporting local charities. Children learn about acts of kindness. n The childminder is dedicated and passionate about her role. She attends various training and has formed a local support network with fellow childminders. She uses the ideas she gains from these, alongside her own reflections on her provision, to make changes. For example, the childminder has recently placed

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need to do better?

more focus on outside learning, creating more precise learning objectives for children. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They appreciate how settled and secure children are and express their happiness about knowing their children are loved and well cared for. Parents comment on how children 'verbalise new knowledge' and make noticeable progress, particularly their communication. Parents value the consistent sharing of information and are aware of the skills their children need to develop next.

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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:

12 May 2025 n provide increased opportunities during daily routines for children to further develop their emerging independence skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY481870 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10380472 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 4 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 11 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Frome, Somerset. She operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday, during school term-time only. The childminder provides before- and after-school care on Thursdays and Fridays. 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 on children's learning. n 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

12 May 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

12 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

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