Childminder EY547603

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 a warm and welcoming home-from-home environment, where every child is cherished. Children are encouraged to share ideas and make choices, and see these reflected in their activities, giving them a strong sense of belonging. Children display exceptional behaviour. The childminder creates an environment where kindness, care and respect are modelled and celebrated. This helps children develop strong self-esteem, positive relationships and a genuine love of learning. As a result, children thrive in her care.

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The provision is outstanding

Regular outings are carefully planned to link with children's interests and current topics, bringing learning to life through rich, first-hand experiences. For example, during a transport topic, the childminder takes children to the airport to watch aeroplanes take off and land, travels with them on trains and buses, and encourages them to spot different types of vehicles along the way. These experiences help to build confidence in new environments and deepen understanding of the wider world. Visits to local parks give children the freedom to run, climb and balance, building their strength, coordination and physical confidence. On every outing, the childminder promotes road safety, helping children develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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The provision is outstanding

Children benefit from enriching cultural experiences. For example, at Chinese New Year, children visit a local cultural district where they explore Chinese markets, enjoy watching the colourful dragon dancers and share a meal in a Chinese restaurant. These experiences immerse them in the sights, sounds and flavours of another tradition, helping to broaden their knowledge and appreciation of diversity.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's love for the role shines through in everything she does. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, creating a vibrant atmosphere where children are eager to join in and explore. She takes pride in providing the highest quality care and experiences, showing genuine affection and commitment to each child. n The childminder reflects thoughtfully on her practice, always looking for ways to make learning even richer. Ongoing professional development helps to keep her knowledge up to date and her provision innovative, ensuring that every child can flourish and reach their full potential. n Written feedback from parents reflects the high regard they have for the childminder. They describe her as caring, dedicated and professional, praising how quickly children settle, the progress they make and the enriching experiences the childminder provides. Parents value her strong communication and know their children are safe, happy and well cared for.

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need to do better?

12 August 2025 n The childminder is highly skilled at naturally extending learning through play. During sensory water play with citrus fruits and fruit-flavoured teabags, children eagerly squeeze lemons and limes, watching the juice swirl into the water. Their faces light up as they pull teabags from their packets, tear them open and run their fingers through the tea leaves, before dropping the tea leaves into the water. They notice the colours change and the scent grow stronger, showing curiosity and excitement. The childminder captures these moments to prompt children to talk about what they can see, smell and feel, turning the activity into a fun and memorable learning experience. n The childminder has a genuine passion for reading and shares this with the children every day, helping them to develop a lasting love of books and strengthen early literacy. She selects stories that match children's interests,

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need to do better?

using lively expression, props and actions to bring them to life. Children listen intently as she reads a story with enthusiasm. They join in with repeated phrases, spotting rhyming words and talking about the characters and events. This builds both enjoyment and understanding. n Children have lots of fun with the childminder as they work together to join long plastic construction rods to build their own creations. The childminder introduces the word 'connector' into the conversation, modelling how the pieces fit together. Children spontaneously talk about the 'long' and 'short' rods, count how many pieces they have used and compare sizes. They use their imagination throughout the day, pretending their rod creation is a magic wand or chatting into toy phones, holding lively conversations with the childminder as they act out their ideas. The enjoyment of the earlier story carries into their play, with imagination

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need to do better?

and early mathematical thinking. n The childminder has strong links with the local school, sharing key information about each child's progress and next steps to support a smooth transition. She prepares children by introducing familiar routines, building independence in self- care and encouraging confidence, making the eventual move to school a positive and exciting experience.

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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 EY547603 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10406387 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 11 Date of previous inspection 8 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Wilnecote, Staffordshire. She operates from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 4. She provides funded early education for children between the ages of nine months and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for the children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this has on the children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with written feedback from parents, which the inspector took account of. n The children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 August 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 August 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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