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Early years · Childminder inspection (EIF)

Childminder EY416837

Inspected 26 Sept 2025 · URN EY416837

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Summary

Outstanding

Sonia Lee

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Inspection date verified

    26 Sept 2025

  • Inspectors verified

    Sonia Lee

  • Behaviour and attitudes verified

    Outstanding

  • Leadership and management verified

    Outstanding

  • Overall effectiveness verified

    Outstanding

  • Personal development verified

    Outstanding

  • Previous overall verified

    Good

  • Quality of education verified

    Outstanding

  • Name on report verified

    Childminder report

  • URN verified

    EY416837

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.

  • OverallOutstanding
  • Behaviour and attitudesOutstanding
  • Leadership and managementOutstanding
  • Personal developmentOutstanding
  • Quality of educationOutstanding

11% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Outstanding (17,905 inspections).

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+86Very positivemore positive than 33% of reports of this type graded Outstanding
OutstandingGoodRIInadequate

In line with other reports of this type graded Outstanding.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praisepositiveexcellentexceptionallyeffectivewarmhappywell behavedfeel safe
Criticismgaps

How the report reads, start to finish

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FindingsSafeguardingAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings746w+85
  • Safeguarding20w+50

Strengths

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Concerns

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No strong criticism found.

Next steps

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No next steps set out.

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
734
about usual (typical 784)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 43, typical 48
Average sentence
19 words
Next steps
0
typical 1
Hedged sentences
0%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 64%Safeguarding 2%About the inspection 34%

Full report text

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children that attend this setting are welcomed into a warm, relaxed environment. They are happy, well behaved and settle in quickly due to the care and attentive approach of the childminder. They feel safe and secure as the routine and curriculum are exceptionally designed to meet their individual needs and interests. Children have daily opportunities to develop their understanding of feelings and emotions, with the puppets and storytelling used to cement this. They also enjoy taking part in tasks such as chopping up fruit for snack time and helping to tidy up. Children are fully engaged in a variety of activities as soon as they arrive. They have a high level of engagement as resources such as role play with transport toys, mud kitchen, book corner, puzzles and building blocks are easily accessible.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children that attend this setting consistently develop the early communication, mathematical and physical development skills needed for the next stage in their education journey. Outdoor learning is embedded into the teaching, and children get to experience the awe and wonder of the natural world around them daily while developing the skills of social interaction and respect for the environment. This might be in the garden with a bug house and bird feeder, or exploring local parks and woods and litter picking. In conjunction with this, children experience a wealth of opportunities to extend their vocabulary. They are constantly engaged in conversations, counting the apples that have fallen from the tree, making animal sounds and actions as they move around the garden, or singing to the tidy up song.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the early years foundation stage for toddlers in her care, with a clear focus on communication and language, physical development, and social and emotional development. The childminder skilfully builds on what children know and their interests. While monitoring their progress, she ensures that any gaps are identified and addressed. n Children have many opportunities to hear and learn new words. Through the clever use of songs, signing and a love of reading, young children and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities become confident communicators that are able to make requests and respond to adults. This prepares them for the next stage in their development. n The childminder incorporates early mathematical concepts effortlessly into the daily routine, including counting, volume, shapes and size. Children are therefore able to use these skills frequently during play, giving them a sense of

p.2

need to do better?

achievement and the ability to progress to more complex learning. n Outdoor learning is at the heart of the teaching for children in her care. The

p.2

need to do better?

26 September 2025 childminder has a well-considered curriculum that helps to further develop children's natural wonder and understanding of the world. Children have a high level of curiosity and attention as they move freely around the garden and learn to manage risks. n The childminder successfully promotes physical activity for young children. She focuses on building key gross motor and fine motor skills that will prepare them for the next stage in their development. For example, she supports their independence and self-care skills by teaching them to undress and dress. She also supports them to use tools confidently to chop and build, which are skills needed to build coordination and control. n The childminder has an effective and creative way of promoting positive behaviour for children in her care. From caring for a pet to learning about good manners, they use these skills as they learn to play cooperatively with adults and

p.2

need to do better?

peers. Children have a positive attitude and eagerness to learn, preparing them for greater participation when they move on to a more structured learning environment. n The childminder makes excellent use of local resources, such as toddler groups and trips to the library, to enhance children's learning about the community in which they live. They get to experience different cultural events, which further enhances their social skills and builds confidence, respect for others and self- esteem ready for the next stage in their education. n Continuous professional development is clearly demonstrated by the childminder. The childminder has considered a previous recommendation and completed several training courses that enhance her daily practice and teaching. Parents speak highly of her professionalism and care and the support given to them. The childminder shares comprehensive information on activities, development and

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY416837 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10408217 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 3 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 2010 and lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. She operates her service from 9am to 5:30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, term time only. The childminder holds an appropriate level 3 early years qualification.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed with the childminder how she organises her provision to meet the needs of children in the early years foundation stage. n The inspector viewed a range of relevant documentation. n The inspector obtained the views of parents. n The inspector observed the interactions of the childminder with children participating in a range of activities. n The inspector was shown around the premises by the childminder.

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

26 September 2025 26 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 .

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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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Inspection activities

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

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