Childminder 136180

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 this outstanding setting, where they are nurtured, inspired and encouraged to achieve their very best. They arrive with smiles, eager to begin their day, and quickly settle into a warm, home-from-home environment. The childminder knows each child exceptionally well and builds strong, trusting relationships with them and their families. This secure foundation enables even the youngest children to develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.

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The provision is outstanding

The curriculum is ambitious, rich and thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and deepen learning. Activities are closely linked to children's interests and prior experiences, such as a recent project on birds following a wildlife trip. Through stories, songs, questioning and practical experiences, children recall and extend their knowledge in purposeful and engaging ways. They develop language, imagination and problem-solving skills while being supported to explore independently and work collaboratively.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary. They show kindness, cooperation and respect for one another and are highly motivated to join in every activity. Well-embedded routines indoors and outdoors ensure children move smoothly and confidently through their day. As a result, they flourish, making excellent progress across all areas of learning while experiencing joy, success and a strong start to their educational journey.

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need to do better?

n The childminder delivers a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds on children's interests and prior experiences, such as trips to Birdland and the aquarium. This approach enables children to revisit and extend what they know, make meaningful links between experiences and secure deeper knowledge and skills across all areas of learning. n Teaching is ambitious and highly inclusive. The childminder adapts activities with sensitivity, for example, offering alternative tasks when children are hesitant to touch feathers, while gently encouraging exploration. This responsive approach ensures all children can take part meaningfully, building their confidence, independence and willingness to try new experiences, regardless of their starting points. n Communication and language are at the heart of practice. The childminder uses skilful questioning and clear modelling and introduces new vocabulary in meaningful contexts. Language is embedded across play and routines. Children

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need to do better?

develop a rich vocabulary, speak with growing confidence and engage in imaginative conversations with peers that extend their ideas and thinking.

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need to do better?

29 August 2025 n The childminder uses ongoing observations to inform her understanding of each child's development. She completes progress checks at age two in genuine partnership with parents and swiftly addresses any early concerns. This close monitoring ensures that children's progress is clearly understood, gaps are identified quickly and targeted support enables every child to achieve their full potential. n Care routines are calm, respectful and highly purposeful. Mealtimes promote healthy choices and meaningful conversations, handwashing builds children's understanding of hygiene and nappy changing is turned into a warm, positive interaction. n Partnerships with parents are highly effective. Daily handovers, photos and regular conversations provide clear insight into children's learning and progress. Parents consistently report visible improvements in their children's speech, confidence and social skills, and describe the setting as a warm, reliable 'home

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need to do better?

from home'. n The childminder actively enriches children's cultural capital through regular community outings and by collaborating with other childminders. These opportunities broaden children's horizons, give them wider social experiences and help them build resilience and confidence in new environments, while deepening their sense of belonging within the community. n The childminder's strong commitment to ongoing professional development continually enhances practice. Recent safeguarding, special educational needs and/or disabilities and learning environment training are embedded into daily provision. This ensures children benefit from a consistently safe, stimulating and inclusive environment that evolves and improves over time.

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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 136180 Local authority Gloucestershire Inspection number 10407338 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 8 Date of previous inspection 6 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1997 and lives in Kingswood, Gloucestershire. She operates each weekday from 7.30am to 6pm, all year round, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an advanced diploma in childcare studies. She is registered to receive funding for the provision of early education for children aged two, three and four years. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the premises as the childminder explained how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the provision is organised, including the aims and reasoning behind the curriculum. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder, assistant and children. n The inspector gathered parents' views of the setting. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. 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 carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder to evaluate teaching and learning.

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Inspection activities

29 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

29 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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