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Early years · Childminder inspection (EIF)

Childminder 118285

Inspected 15 Sept 2025 · published 27 Oct 2025 · URN 118285

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Summary

What we read, and from where

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  • Inspection date verified

    15 Sept 2025

  • Inspectors verified

    Megan Hooper

  • Behaviour and attitudes verified

    Good

  • Leadership and management verified

    Good

  • Overall effectiveness verified

    Good

  • Personal development verified

    Outstanding

  • Previous overall verified

    Good

  • Quality of education verified

    Good

  • Name on report verified

    Childminder report

  • URN verified

    118285

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of the report

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 developmentOutstanding
  • 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.

+96Very positivemore positive than 100% of reports of this type graded Good
OutstandingGoodRIInadequate

Reads more warmly than most reports of this type graded Good.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praiseexceptionallystrongpositiveconfidenteffectiveexemplarynurturingrich

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsSafeguardingWhat needs to improveAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings497w+95
  • Safeguarding20w+50
  • What needs to improve16w0

Strengths

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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.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
6
Words of findings
503
shorter than usual (typical 764)
Reading level
Very hard
Flesch 24, typical 52
Average sentence
16 words
Next steps
1
typical 2
Hedged sentences
3%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 52%Safeguarding 2%What needs to improve 2%About the inspection 45%

Full report text

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children arrive to a welcoming, calm and well-organised home, where they feel safe, valued and ready to learn. They are greeted warmly and settle quickly because relationships are trusting and highly nurturing. The childminder knows the children exceptionally well, responding to their individual needs with patience and care. This creates a positive atmosphere, where children are confident, curious and eager to join in. Clear and consistent routines guide the day, helping children feel secure, behave kindly, share with confidence and take pride in their independence.

p.2

The provision is good

Overall, the curriculum is ambitious, flexible and rooted in children's interests. Books, storytelling and real-life experiences, such as community walks, cultural celebrations and trips, spark curiosity and rich conversation. Teaching skilfully promotes communication, early mathematics and problem-solving through everyday play, with children encouraged to explore, ask questions and share ideas. Regular use of Makaton, effective questioning and story props extend vocabulary and understanding. Mealtimes, routines and tidy-up times are used as purposeful learning opportunities, building independence, confidence and social skills. Parents describe the childminder as 'exceptionally dedicated'. Children benefit from a rich, well-structured education in a setting that feels like a 'second home', leaving them confident, capable and well prepared for their next stage of learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is exemplary in developing children's character. Through purposeful routines, responsibilities and role modelling, children grow into resilient, confident learners, who make thoughtful choices, show empathy towards others and demonstrate a strong sense of independence, well beyond what is typical for their age. n Early mathematics is skilfully woven into play and daily routines. Children confidently count, compare size and explore positional language in meaningful contexts, building a secure foundation for future learning. n Real-life experiences, including trips, community walks and cultural celebrations, expand children's learning opportunities and broaden their horizons. Carefully planned into the curriculum, these experiences spark curiosity, deepen cultural awareness and promote respect for diversity, while enabling every child to develop their talents, interests and sense of belonging.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children develop independence through well-planned routines. Everyday moments, such as mealtimes, toileting and tidy-up time, are used as purposeful learning opportunities that build confidence, responsibility and resilience. n Parents describe the childminder as exceptionally dedicated and recognise the positive impact of her work on their children's progress. Strong partnerships and regular communication with families ensure learning is consistent between home

p.2

need to do better?

15 September 2025 and the setting, which strengthens outcomes and supports well-being. n Children benefit from a strong focus on communication and language. The childminder uses Makaton, story props and effective questioning to extend vocabulary and understanding, which supports confident self-expression. At times, children's thinking could be extended further by providing greater challenge within planned activities. n Children demonstrate positive behaviour and attitudes. They respond warmly to adults, share resources and take turns with confidence. These interactions foster respect and create a nurturing environment, where children feel secure and valued.

p.2

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 extend children's thinking by providing greater challenge within planned activities, especially when they exceed expectations.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 118285 Local authority North Somerset Inspection number 10408175 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 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 28 January 2020

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995. She lives in Portishead, North Somerset. The childminder provides care each weekday, including before and after school, for 48 weeks of the year. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed with the childminder how the provision is structured and the intent of the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and discussed how outdoor experiences contribute to children's learning and development. n The inspector reviewed a sample of documentation provided by the childminder. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder of an activity. n The inspector observed daily routines, such as mealtimes and transitions. n The inspector gathered the views of parents and children through emails and written feedback.

p.4

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.4

Inspection activities

15 September 2025 15 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.

p.4

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6

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