Sherlock, Sandra

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

The childminder provides exceptionally high-quality care and early years education, where children thrive and grow in confidence. She offers children a stimulating, warm and caring child-centred environment. As a result, children develop extremely strong attachments with the childminder and demonstrate they feel safe, happy and content in her care.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder exposes children to the wonders of nature. Outdoor learning is the main feature of this childminding setting. Consequently, children develop a strong understanding of the world around them. For example, children help the childminder to grow their fruit and vegetables in the garden and nearby allotment. They talk about how plants grow and change over time. Children use their manners exceptionally well and thank the childminder for the food she cooks. They are respectful of each other and demonstrate excellent social skills and impeccable behaviour.

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The provision is outstanding

The dedicated and experienced childminder implements a well-considered curriculum with high expectations for all children. She uses children's interests and growing skills when planning for children's learning. Children demonstrate a very positive attitude to learning. The childminder supports children to make choices. This helps children develop a high level of self-esteem and confidence. Children make exceptional progress in their learning and are very well prepared for school when the time comes.

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need to do better?

n The childminder consistently seeks ways to improve the quality of the early years provision for children who attend. Since the last inspection, she focused on her professional development exceptionally well. For example, she accessed a range of training to help her develop her teaching skills even further and support children with their communication and language development. This had a positive impact on children's growing vocabulary. n The skilled childminder carries out regular assessments and promptly identifies any gaps in children's learning and development. She is proactive and seeks support from other professionals to provide highly effective strategies to help children develop their full potential. n Children develop a high level of independence and manage a range of tasks themselves. For example, children eagerly spread butter on their bread, manage hygiene routines and make choices about their play.

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need to do better?

n The childminder allows children to solve problems in their own time. For example, children carefully consider how to use an outdoor tap and work out how much water they can put in the container to avoid overflowing.

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need to do better?

18 June 2025 n The childminder exposes children to a number-rich environment, and children demonstrate a strong understanding of numbers and quantity. n The childminder motivates children to learn. Children excitedly observe and discuss how ice changes consistency in hot weather. n Children develop a love for books. They participate in acting out stories and talk about different characters. The childminder skilfully asks questions to encourage children's creative thinking and language development. n The childminder expands on children's vocabulary exceptionally well. For example, she explains the meaning of the word 'symmetrical', and children talk about a painting of their symmetrical butterfly. n Parents express they are exceptionally fortunate and feel privileged for the childcare and early years education their children receive from the childminder. They regularly share children's learning and progress and plan for their next

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need to do better?

steps together. This ensures a very strong continuity in children's learning and development. n The childminder ensures that children build on their gross and fine motor skills throughout the day. Children access apparatus to keep them active. They use a range of resources, such as pipettes and tweezers, to practise their fine motor skills, in preparation for early writing. n Children receive consistent praise from the childminder for their positive engagement in learning. This helps children develop a 'can-do' attitude to keep them embraced in learning. n The childminder plans weekly routine activities, and children know what they will engage in the next day. Children talk about their cookery sessions, where they practise measuring and problem-solving skills. This supports their already excellent mathematical skills. n Children accept each other's differences and learn about being inclusive and accepting other people in the community. This helps them prepare for life in

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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 EY405533 Local authority Kingston upon Thames Inspection number 10388703 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 13 Date of previous inspection 24 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010. She lives in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. She provides care from Monday to Thursday, 7am to 5.30pm, for 47 weeks a year. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her 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 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

18 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

18 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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