Summary
What we read, and from where
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- Inspection date verified
28 Aug 2025
- Inspectors verified
Sheila Sidey
- Behaviour and attitudes verified
Good
- Leadership and management verified
Good
- Overall effectiveness verified
Good
- Personal development verified
Good
- Previous overall verified
Good
- Quality of education verified
Good
- Name on report verified
Childminder report
- URN verified
EY265794
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
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Grade profile
Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2020.
- 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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- Children form warm and secure relationships with the experienced childminder, who has a kind and nurturing approach. p.2
- She uses open-ended questions and models language well, helping children to become confident communicators who are eager to share their thoughts and ideas. p.2
- The childminder promotes language development effectively through rich back-and-forth conversations. p.2
- They also enjoy activities such as using bubble wands, which promote hand-eye coordination and small muscle control in an engaging way. p.2
- The childminder promotes positive behaviour effectively. p.2
Concerns
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No strong criticism found.
Next steps
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What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Parents & families7
“Partnerships with parents are strong.” p.3
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 6
- Words of findings
- 686
- about usual (typical 764)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 35, typical 52
- Average sentence
- 15 words
- Next steps
- 1
- typical 2
- Hedged sentences
- 0%
- “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 Good
p.1
The provision is good
Children form warm and secure relationships with the experienced childminder, who has a kind and nurturing approach. She provides extra cuddles and reassurance to children who are new to the setting, working closely with parents to follow familiar routines. This helps children to settle and feel safe. Children engage enthusiastically in activities and show good levels of concentration. The childminder promotes language development effectively through rich back-and-forth conversations. She uses open-ended questions and models language well, helping children to become confident communicators who are eager to share their thoughts and ideas.
p.2
The provision is good
Children benefit from regular access to the childminder's well-resourced garden, where they enjoy fresh air and physical activity that supports their health and well- being. As they run, navigate obstacles and climb on equipment, they develop important physical skills such as balance, coordination and spatial awareness. The childminder makes effective use of outdoor learning opportunities to broaden children's understanding of the natural world. Children take part in planting activities, sowing seeds and growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. They engage in conversations about what they observe, such as referring to flowers as 'chocolate flowers' and proudly picking strawberries, which enhances their curiosity and knowledge of nature.
p.2
need to do better?
n The experienced childminder has a good understanding of child development. She gathers information when children start through observation, assessment and discussion with parents. This helps her to identify children's interests and plan targeted next steps in their learning. The childminder promotes children's independence and supports their readiness for school. She works closely with local schools, sharing information about children's learning, development and interests to ensure smooth transitions. n The childminder completes two-year progress checks and shares these with parents and health visitors. She identifies children's strengths and any gaps in learning. When a delay is observed, she works closely with parents and relevant external agencies to provide tailored support for children's individual learning and development. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that all children make good progress.
p.2
need to do better?
n The childminder plans a wide range of activities designed to strengthen children's fine motor skills in preparation for early writing. Children have access to various tools and materials for drawing and mark making. They also enjoy activities such as using bubble wands, which promote hand-eye coordination and small muscle control in an engaging way.
p.2
need to do better?
28 August 2025 n The childminder promotes positive behaviour effectively. She encourages children to share, take turns and show care and concern for others and their environment. She acts as a positive role model and sets clear, consistent expectations and boundaries. As a result, children behave very well. Older children demonstrate kindness and responsibility by helping their peers with daily tasks, which supports the development of positive relationships. The childminder offers regular praise. However, she frequently uses terms of endearment, such as 'sweetheart' and 'darling', instead of using children's names. This does not fully support children's developing sense of identity and recognition as unique individuals. n The childminder fosters children's independence well. Children are encouraged to attempt tasks for themselves and show pride in achievements such as putting on their own waterproofs, which supports their self-confidence. They manage
p.2
need to do better?
their toileting needs independently, and the childminder reinforces the importance of handwashing. This helps children to develop good hygiene routines. Nappy changing is carried out in a hygienic and respectful manner, with careful attention given to maintaining children's privacy and dignity. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder maintains regular communication with parents, sharing detailed information about their children's learning and development through daily discussions and an online app. Parents speak highly of the childminder and appreciate the ongoing updates and support she provides. n The childminder regularly updates her understanding of early years practice through online research, training and engagement with local childminding groups. She has recently completed training in the role of special educational needs coordinator, which has further enhanced her ability to identify and support
p.3
need to do better?
children's individual needs. This contributes to improved outcomes for all children in her care.
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 use appropriate language and children's names to consistently raise their personal and social development and self-identity.
p.3
Setting details
Unique reference number EY265794 Local authority Leicestershire Inspection number 10407926 Type of provision Childminder
p.4
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder
p.4
inspection
Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 22 January 2020
p.4
Information about this early years setting
The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Stoney Stanton, Leicester. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 6. She provides funded early education for children.
p.4
Inspection activities
n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this is having on the children's learning. n A joint observation was carried out by the childminder and the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector in person and in writing. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children.
p.4
Inspection activities
28 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.
p.4
Inspection activities
28 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.
p.5
Inspection activities
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p.6
Inspection activities
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p.6
Inspection activities
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p.6
Inspection activities
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p.6
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