Smith Susan Dawn

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 arrive eager to begin their day at this warm, nurturing setting. The exemplary childminder provides a calm and welcoming environment where children feel safe and secure. They form exceptionally strong attachments to her and respond positively to her gentle, reassuring approach. For example, when children become upset during transitions, the childminder responds swiftly with cuddles, soothing words and familiar distractions. As a result, children are quickly comforted and resettle with ease.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from the childminder's well-established partnerships with parents. She actively involves them in their child's learning journey. The childminder routinely gathers observations and developmental evidence, which she shares in meetings each term. During these discussions, she skilfully explains how children are progressing in relation to the early learning goals and agrees meaningful and ambitious next steps. Parents value her detailed communication and describe the childminder as knowledgeable, caring and deeply committed to their children's well-being. They consistently comment on how safe and supported their children feel in the setting.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has a clear and ambitious curriculum, tailored to meet the needs of every child. She knows precisely what she wants children to learn and how she will help them to achieve it. For example, to support children's upcoming transitions to school, she thoughtfully incorporates purposeful walks past local primary schools. She uses these opportunities to spark conversations about school routines, uniforms and the playground. This approach helps children to make sense of the changes ahead and promotes their emotional readiness for the next stage in their education.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this setting. They demonstrate high levels of well-being, engagement and progress, supported by the childminder's expert knowledge and consistently high-quality interactions.

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need to do better?

n Children's communication and language skills are exceptionally well supported. The childminder carefully tailors her language to each child's stage of development, using Makaton signs and simple instructions to build understanding. For example, during a smoothie-making activity, she encourages children to count strawberries into a jug while reinforcing words with signs and praise. Older children engage in richer conversations, such as where milk comes from and why strawberry stalks are recycled, as the childminder introduces new vocabulary. These purposeful interactions help deepen children's understanding

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 and confidence in expressing themselves. n The childminder promotes children's understanding of oral health exceptionally well through engaging, hands-on experiences. She gives each child a new toothbrush and toothpaste and clearly explains why brushing teeth is important. She asks purposeful questions, such as 'Who helps you check your teeth?' and 'How much toothpaste do we need?', before demonstrating different amounts and guiding children to identify the correct 'pea-sized' portion. She models toothbrushing using a set of teeth and supports children to practise alongside her. With older children, she uses sand timers to reinforce the recommended two-minute brushing time. Children beam with pride as they show her their clean teeth, demonstrating the impact of these well-embedded routines. n The childminder promotes children's personal development exceptionally well by fostering independence and decision-making. She offers children meaningful

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need to do better?

opportunities to choose what they would like to play with, using a thoughtfully created photo album that shows all available resources. Children take their time to review the options, and the childminder supports them with clear, age- appropriate instructions. She intentionally limits the number of resources available at one time to maintain floor space and ensure safety. This approach enables children to make informed, confident choices in their play. n The childminder actively promotes children's personal development with exceptional care and intention. During snack time, she engages children in meaningful discussions about the fruits on offer, encouraging them to make independent choices. She gives clear, age-appropriate guidance on how to safely use a knife to cut a banana, gently reinforcing safe habits. With a balance of support and challenge, she enables each child to grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of independence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder meticulously evaluates her provision, continually refining her curriculum with a thoughtful approach to children's development and learning. She actively seeks further guidance to ensure comprehensive coverage and to inspire new ideas. Additionally, she works with other professionals to discuss children's progress and focus on her professional development, fostering a consistent and high-quality experience for all.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY299842 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10398493 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

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 25 October 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005. She lives in the Linden area of Gloucester. She offers care from 7.30am to 6pm, from Monday to Friday, all year round. The childminder provides funded early education for children aged two, three and four years. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3 and works with a co-childminder. Overnight care can be made by prior arrangement.

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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 spoke to the inspector about the children's learning and development. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. 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 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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