Summary
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- Inspection date verified
24 Jul 2025
- Inspectors verified
Laura Paternoster
- Behaviour and attitudes verified
Good
- Leadership and management verified
Good
- Overall effectiveness verified
Good
- Personal development verified
Good
- Quality of education verified
Good
- Name on report verified
Childminder report
- URN verified
2732503
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
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Grade profile
Each judgement on its scale, weakest to strongest.
- OverallGood
- Behaviour and attitudesGood
- Leadership and managementGood
- Personal developmentGood
- Quality of educationGood
79% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Good (17,905 inspections).
Tone of the report
How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.
In line with other reports of this type graded Good.
Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.
How the report reads, start to finish
Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.
Strengths
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- By narrating daily routines and introducing new vocabulary, children are exposed to consistent, high-quality verbal interactions. p.2
- Children confidently recall previous learning experiences involving caterpillars and butterflies, remembering details with enthusiasm. p.2
- Parents comment on the positive impact of the childminder's outdoor provision and daily routines, describing a setting filled with engaging activities and a large outdoor space. p.3
Concerns
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Next steps
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What the report dwells on
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Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 7
- Words of findings
- 765
- about usual (typical 764)
- Reading level
- Very hard
- Flesch 26, typical 52
- Average sentence
- 16 words
- Next steps
- 1
- typical 2
- Hedged sentences
- 4%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Overall effectiveness Good
The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable
p.1
The provision is good
The childminder draws on extensive experience to promote a high-quality provision tailored to children's individual needs. Her strong approach to speech and language development has created a communication-rich environment where language is purposefully modelled and extended. By narrating daily routines and introducing new vocabulary, children are exposed to consistent, high-quality verbal interactions. This supports the development of expressive and receptive language skills. As a result, children are confident communicators both in and out of the setting. The childminder prioritises early literacy and books are readily available. Children gain a love of stories and foster early comprehension, vocabulary acquisition and print awareness. These approaches close gaps in early language development and prepare children for school readiness.
p.2
The provision is good
Children confidently recall previous learning experiences involving caterpillars and butterflies, remembering details with enthusiasm. Hands-on experiences and child- led interests deepen learning in the setting. Partnerships with families extend activities at home, creating a holistic learning journey that strengthens memory, vocabulary and engagement with the natural world. Regular updates keep parents involved and contributes to resources being brought from home such as butterfly enclosures. The shared learning between home and setting builds on what children already know and can do, such as confidently retelling 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story. Children's excitement and pride in sharing knowledge reflects a strong sense of achievement and intrinsic motivation.
p.2
The provision is good
Activities are carefully tailored to individual needs. For example, the childminder provides jumbo paint sticks for children who are hesitant about messy play. The gentle, accessible introduction allows children to explore in a comfortable way, helping build confidence and tolerance. By respecting each child's preferences and pacing, sensory development is supported without pressure or discomfort. Therefore, children gain a sense of control over their learning environment, which supports autonomy and allows them to express themselves in ways that feel manageable and enjoyable.
p.2
need to do better?
n The 'disco desk' offers an engaging space for children. Featuring busy boards, number cards and shape sorters under colourful lights, this area introduces mathematical concepts through play. It appeals to children who are sensory seekers and visual learners, helping them engage with early numeracy and fine motor activities through exploration and curiosity. The disco desk creates an inclusive, stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment that supports cognitive, sensory and physical growth in a way that is fun and
p.2
need to do better?
24 July 2025 empowering for children. Children actively seek this area out and remain engaged for extended periods of time. n Children's behaviour is managed well. When children demonstrate unwanted behaviours, the childminder calmly explains why it is unsafe and unacceptable using appropriate language. Children respond positively and comply immediately. This respectful and clear guidance helps all children understand boundaries and consequences, promoting self-regulation and a sense of safety in the environment. n Children's independence is prominent in the setting. Children use the toilet and wash their hands by themselves, demonstrating self-care skills and growing autonomy. At snack time, children help prepare fruit, use appropriate utensils and pour drinks. The provider offers age-appropriate support while encouraging independence. As a result, children are confident decision-makers and gain skills
p.2
need to do better?
essential for school readiness. n Collaborative relationships with other early years settings and local schools support continuity and smooth transitions. Through regular communication and shared documentation, children's learning is consistent and their progress and emotional needs are well supported when moving on to their next phase of education. n Parents comment on the positive impact of the childminder's outdoor provision and daily routines, describing a setting filled with engaging activities and a large outdoor space. The emphasis on rich, tailored experiences supports children's physical development, stimulates their curiosity and helps them develop independence and problem-solving skills in a stimulating environment. n Community visits, including trips to local churches, forests and libraries, give children hands-on experiences that broaden their knowledge of the world. These activities not only nurture curiosity but also offer rich opportunities for
p.3
need to do better?
meaningful conversations that reinforce language, cultural awareness and social understanding. Planned experiences such as a visit from a local emergency vehicle further support children's understanding of people who help us and introduce the concept of different roles in society. n The childminder tailors learning experiences to meet individual developmental needs, for example 'rescuing' animals from tin foil designed to support fine motor and problem-solving skills. Although young children initially engage, they sometimes lose interest. On occasion, this leads to missed opportunities for learning or skill development in that moment.
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
should:
n plan robustly for group activities so that the youngest children can fully participate and get the most from the experience on offer.
p.4
Setting details
Unique reference number 2732503 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10399526 Type of provision Childminder
p.5
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder
p.5
inspection
Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable
p.5
Information about this early years setting
The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Barnham, Thetford. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides government-funded childcare for all eligible children.
p.5
Inspection activities
n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are with the childminder. 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 The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation during a physical activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.
p.6
Inspection activities
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.
p.6
Inspection activities
24 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.
p.6
Inspection activities
If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .
p.7
Inspection activities
You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk
p.7
Inspection activities
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p.7
Inspection activities
T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted
p.7
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