Smith, Rachel

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in the childminder's care. They show high levels of confidence and joy, forming exceptionally warm and trusting relationships with her and with one another. New children settle quickly because the childminder knows them well and uses clear, effective strategies to support their transition. She speaks with a calm, nurturing tone that consistently reassures and comforts them.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder plans a rich, ambitious curriculum that sharply focuses on children's individual next steps and interests. As a result, children engage with enthusiasm and demonstrate impressive perseverance and concentration. They explore a broad range of purposeful learning opportunities. For example, when using musical instruments together, they handle them with care, showing a growing sense of responsibility and respect for their belongings.

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The provision is outstanding

Parents speak of the exceptional care of the childminder and share their appreciation for her flexibility to support them as a family. The childminder ensures she works closely with families to support children's learning and development. For example, the childminder holds a meeting each term with families to formally discuss progress and shares the evidence gathered through observations and photos. She shares the next steps and how these can be supported at home for a consistent approach to the child's development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder demonstrates inspirational practice through her meticulous planning to extend children's learning. During a calm and engaging moment, as children enjoy the strawberry smoothies they helped to make, she skilfully weaves meaningful learning into their everyday experiences. She initiates a thoughtful conversation about oral health, drawing attention to the ingredients. When discussing the milk, she introduces the concept of calcium and explains how it helps to keep teeth and bones strong. Through this approach, she deepens children's understanding of healthy choices in a way that is both relevant and memorable. n The childminder shows exceptional dedication to continually reflecting on and improving her provision. She actively engages in ongoing research, with a strong and purposeful focus on promoting children's independence. This professional curiosity translates directly into highly effective practice. Children demonstrate

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need to do better?

impressive decision-making skills as a result. For instance, when choosing which resources to explore next, they take time to consider their options carefully, showing confidence, autonomy and thoughtful reflection. This clearly reflects the childminder's success in fostering independent, capable learners. n The childminder actively prepares children for a successful transition to school.

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 She understands the skills they will need and plans purposeful activities that build a strong foundation for future learning. To support early literacy, she offers daily opportunities for children to strengthen their hand muscles through activities, such as cutting and manipulating play dough. These carefully chosen experiences help children develop the physical control and coordination needed for writing. By embedding these skills in play, the childminder ensures children are confident and ready for their next stage of education. n The childminder provides a rich, engaging messy play experience where children use spray bottles filled with coloured water to create patterns on a shower curtain. She clearly explains the activity and ensures that children of all ages feel included and confident to take part. She offers gentle encouragement and praise to children who are initially hesitant, helping them to feel secure and willing to

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need to do better?

join in. With older children, she skilfully extends their thinking by asking purposeful questions such as, 'What do you think will happen to the colours when it rains?' She gives children time to reflect and respond, valuing their ideas and celebrating their contributions. Through this, she fosters curiosity, confidence and critical thinking in a highly supportive learning environment. n The childminder embeds hygiene routines consistently and effectively throughout the day. She supports children to wash their hands thoroughly, offering clear, age-appropriate explanations that promote their understanding of cleanliness and self-care. During nappy changes, she responds with sensitivity and respect, carefully guiding children through the transition. She uses these moments to reinforce positive hygiene habits, for example, explaining why they should leave toys outside the bathroom. Through her calm, thoughtful approach,

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need to do better?

the childminder helps children develop independence and a strong sense of responsibility for their own well-being.

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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 the children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY546458 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10398497 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 6 Date of previous inspection 25 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in July 2017. She lives in the Linden area of Gloucester. She offers care from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, with a week off at Christmas. The childminder provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years. She works with a co-childminder. Overnight care can be arranged by prior arrangement.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting by providing feedback. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 June 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 June 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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