Childminder EY419828

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 flourish in the care of this inspiring childminder. They make excellent progress from their individual starting points. All children are supported to become confident learners, preparing them for the next stage in their education and development, including preparing to start school. The well-qualified childminder sets high expectations for all those in her care through an ambitious and imaginative curriculum. Children learn, for example, to concentrate for long periods as they explore apples they collect from the community orchard. They correctly identify the 'apple core' and 'pips', explaining to visitors that these are the seeds that can be used to grow new trees. Children explore the windfall apples and identify which have become home to grubs and which are suitable to be eaten.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are happy, independent and extremely confident communicators. The childminder uses every opportunity to build on children's vocabulary. For instance, she labels textures when introducing babies to a variety of materials through sensory play. Older children use words such as 'wrinkly' and 'rough' as they engage in meaningful discussions with the childminder about the animals they have seen on their recent trips. The childminder's careful planning consistently builds on children's understanding through a wealth of stimulating play opportunities. As a result, children are enthusiastic and curious to learn. They listen carefully to the childminder, asking questions and demonstrating high levels of engagement in the well-implemented activities she provides. Children learn to share, take turns and be kind to each other. They build strong bonds with the childminder, who knows them exceptionally well.

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need to do better?

n Children's emotional security, self-worth and well-being are at the heart of the childminder's practice. She makes children feel special and valued. The childminder consistently praises children for their efforts to build their self- esteem and confidence at every opportunity. Babies clap themselves and beam with pride as they crawl and stretch to knock down stacking cups. Older children demonstrate high levels of resilience to overcome challenges and persist while they develop new skills. n The childminder supports children to learn and use an exceptional range of vocabulary. She carefully plans to introduce children to a rich vocabulary built on their interests and increasingly wide knowledge of the world. She helps children to think and reason. For example, she asks questions such as 'I wonder what this gap is in the apple core?' or 'Can you tell me what the differences are between the lion and the leopard?'

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about promoting children's health and well-being. Children develop an excellent understanding of where their food comes from and

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need to do better?

3 September 2025 how healthy eating benefits them. They enjoy a wealth of experiences, such as visits to the childminder's allotment to harvest the tomatoes, collecting eggs from hens, visiting farm shops for snack items and picking blackberries in the local community. Children develop exceptional attitudes towards healthy eating as they learn about foods that are good for them and try new foods introduced by the childminder. n The childminder promotes children's great interest in books. She identifies a wide range of books that reflect children's current interests and observations, skilfully using story time to broaden children's knowledge of the world. This motivates and engages children to explore books for information and maintains their focus while listening to her engaging storytelling. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive exceptional support. The childminder uses a range of strategies based on children's

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need to do better?

individual needs and interests. She collaborates closely with parents and sources specific training to ensure children receive tailored support. As a result, children make excellent progress in their learning and development. n Partnerships with parents are well-established and highly valued. They praise the childminder and are overwhelmingly positive about the levels of care she offers. Parents say the childminder 'fosters a growth of great friendship' with their children. They describe her as 'professional' and 'a fantastic part of our lives'. Parents report that they are exceptionally well-informed about their children's learning and the experiences their children receive while in her care. They value the wide range of learning opportunities the childminder provides, especially the frequent outings the children enjoy. n The childminder has an extremely positive attitude towards her professional development. She is highly reflective and evaluates her practice and knowledge

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need to do better?

to successfully target meaningful training. This enables the childminder to increase her expertise in areas that will provide the greatest support to children's learning and development.

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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 EY419828 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10407688 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 17 Date of previous inspection 15 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in the village of Little Downham. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 5. She provides funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents provided written testimonials for the inspector, and she took account of their views. n The childminder provided relevant documentation for the inspector to look at.

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Inspection activities

3 September 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

3 September 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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