Childminder in Norfolk

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 childminder offers children a stimulating, warm and caring environment that is completely child focused. Consequently, children have established extremely strong attachments and demonstrate that they feel happy, safe and secure in the childminder's care. Outdoor learning is an important feature at this setting. The childminder skilfully encourages children to develop a deep understanding of the world around them, as they are exposed to the wonders of nature. For example, he teaches children to understand where fruit comes from as they appreciate the variety of fruit trees in the childminder's garden. They observe how the trees transition through the seasons and watch them grow and change over time.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's high-quality curriculum captures children's interests and growing skills. Children independently access the wide variety of resources, including an extensive range of media and materials available in the 'art studio'. They learn about famous artists, such as Vincent van Gogh and Banksy. Children use their work to draw inspiration, imagination and creativity. The childminder values and appreciates children's artwork and proudly displays it around his home. As a result, children develop high levels of self-esteem.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are incredibly polite. The childminder has extremely high expectations for children's behaviour and teaches them to have good manners. For example, children say 'please' and 'thank you' spontaneously. Furthermore, children play cooperatively and demonstrate excellent social skills and impeccable behaviour.

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need to do better?

n Partnerships with parents are incredibly strong. The childminder keeps them fully informed about their children's progress. For example, he shares reports and information about children's next steps and how they can be supported at home. Parents say that the childminder teaches their children 'high levels of kindness and respect' and their children have been 'gently and skilfully prepared for school'. n The childminder provides a challenging and exciting curriculum for all children. He expertly builds on what children know and can do. He undertakes termly assessments to accurately identify any gaps in learning. Consequently, children are prepared extremely well for the next stage of their education. Teachers comment that the childminder communicates exceptionally well with them, and that when children enter Reception Year, the information provided is 'very thorough, sharing children's developmental achievements'. This ensures a

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need to do better?

smooth and successful transition for children. n Children are exposed to a number-rich environment and are excelling in their understanding of number and quantity. They instantly recognise the number of

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need to do better?

15 May 2025 objects in a small group without needing to count them. The childminder regularly praises children for their quick thinking. As a result, children demonstrate a 'can-do' attitude and a strong sense of confidence. n The childminder encourages children to be independent learners. For example, children take off and put on their own coats and shoes, use the toilet and wash their hands independently. As a result, children are excelling in their health and self-care. n Children make superb progress with their physical development. The well- equipped garden facilitates endless opportunities for running, climbing, balancing and swinging. Furthermore, the childminder promotes healthy eating and provides children with a nutritious and balanced diet. Children use safety knives under the supervision of the childminder to cut their own fruit. This fine motor activity helps to strengthen children's small muscles in their hands in

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need to do better?

readiness for holding tools and in preparation for early writing. n Interactions between the childminder and children are truly exceptional. The childminder makes suggestions during children's play to enrich their learning. He skilfully uses every opportunity as a teaching moment to encourage children to think critically and develop their own ideas. The childminder introduces new objects and vocabulary into their play, such as 'lighthouse'. He explains that the bright light at the top of the tower helps sailors to see how close they are to the shore. This provides children with new knowledge. n The childminder is highly motivated and enjoys building on his professional development. He has attended a large amount of training to help inform his practice. For example, he recently completed the 'Maths Champion' programme and took part in the early years education recovery programme, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the childminder works closely with the local

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need to do better?

authority and wider community to share his expertise and disseminate his outstanding practice.

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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 256662 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10388631 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 12 Number of children on roll 19 Date of previous inspection 19 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Bracon Ash, near Mulbarton, Norfolk. He works with a co-childminder. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 2. He operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides government funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises his early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years curriculum. n The children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

15 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

15 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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