Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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

Children thrive in the care of the childminder. They thoroughly enjoy the activities on offer and cannot wait to investigate and learn. Children particularly enjoy being outside, where they dig in the garden, practise their physical skills and generally spend much of their day in the fresh air. They are excited to talk about their experiences and, currently, are enthralled with the frog who lives in the polytunnel. The childminder demonstrates excellent teaching skills as she plays alongside children. She knows just how to enhance children's skills and knowledge while keeping everything fun and exciting. Due to her diligence, children remember what they have learned and are highly inquisitive. Children concentrate exceptionally well and are determined to achieve their goals. For example, young children keep on trying as they practise using tweezers.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder recognises the importance of children learning to play happily together and developing an understanding and acceptance of their friends and others. Children quickly learn from her example and demonstrate exceptional kindness and consideration to one another. Children readily chant 'sharing is caring' as they pass playthings to one another and genuinely celebrate each other's achievements. Younger children learn from their older friends and they too demonstrate great confidence and sense of security in the care of the childminder.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers an excellent curriculum that begins with her careful assessment of each child's starting points. She thoughtfully plans enticing activities tailored to their individual needs and interests and diligently implements these plans, so every child receives the support they need. As a result of her expertise, children make swift progress in her care. The childminder values partnership working and is proactive in developing contact with other provisions the children may attend or be moving to. n The childminder skilfully supports children's language development. She engages them in delightful, meaningful conversations throughout the day, where she sensitively models new words and correct pronunciations into their play and daily routines. The childminder makes excellent use of resources, such as toy mobile phones, which are used purposefully to enhance and develop children's speech as they play. Consequently, over time children learn to express themselves with

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need to do better?

growing confidence and clarity, making themselves easily understood by others. n The childminder thoroughly enjoys her role and has a genuine passion for continually developing her knowledge to benefit the children. She undertakes a wide range of training opportunities and remains dedicated to maintaining the exceptionally high standards she sets for herself. Through continual self- evaluation of her provision and purposeful improvements, she consistently

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need to do better?

4 July 2025 enhances children's learning experiences. n The childminder places a high importance on teaching children about the world around them. She introduces concepts such as recycling into the daily routines, and children take great delight in making sure that all peelings or waste foods are composted or added to the wormery. Children visit the local area regularly, where they enjoy new experiences or even simply go for a walk nearby, where they know there will be big puddles in wet weather. The childminder takes opportunities to tell children about the wider world in a meaningful way. For example, children learn about the countries their friends have visited on holiday. n The childminder teaches children to be independent and manage their own self- care from the start. She places a strong emphasis on good hygiene and embeds careful handwashing routines into practice, even with the youngest children. As

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need to do better?

a result, children can confidently explain how germs might affect them and know that poor hygiene can lead to stomach aches, demonstrating a clear understanding of the importance of keeping themselves healthy. n The childminder establishes strong partnerships with parents from the outset, building firm and trusting relationships with families through open communication and genuine care. Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their confidence in the support and nurturing their children receive. Parents mention how they feel the childminder is 'amazing' and how she has become an important part of their families. They recognise how far their children have progressed since being in her care.

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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 129266 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10392531 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 30 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1988 and lives in March, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the childminder's home and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years 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 childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector read feedback sent in from parents. She took their views into consideration in her assessment of the provision.

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Inspection activities

4 July 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

4 July 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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