Summary
What we read, and from where
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- Inspection date verified
29 Sept 2025
- Inspectors verified
Sharon Elliott
- Behaviour and attitudes verified
Outstanding
- Leadership and management verified
Outstanding
- Overall effectiveness verified
Outstanding
- Personal development verified
Outstanding
- Previous overall verified
Outstanding
- Quality of education verified
Outstanding
- Name on report verified
Childminder report
- URN verified
EY436536
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.
In line with other reports of this type graded Outstanding.
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
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Children flourish in this caring and nurturing environment. p.2
- This fosters strong attachments and creates a secure, nurturing environment. p.3
- They highlight the close relationships their children form with the childminder, the excellent communication and feedback they receive, and the wide range of activities and resources on offer. p.3
- Children behave extremely well, negotiate effectively and share with one another. p.2
- Language and communication is supported exceptionally well. p.2
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.
Staff development2
“The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development.” p.3
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 6
- Words of findings
- 765
- about usual (typical 784)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 35, typical 48
- Average sentence
- 15 words
- Next steps
- 0
- typical 1
- Hedged sentences
- 0%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
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 Outstanding
p.1
The provision is outstanding
Children flourish in this caring and nurturing environment. The childminder takes a reflective, child-centred approach and places strong emphasis on school readiness, personal independence and respect. Children behave extremely well, negotiate effectively and share with one another. For example, children swap resources when playing with play dough without needing adult support. Children respect the childminder's home, understand the rules clearly and show kindness. For example, children will give a kiss on the cheek to a friend to show pride in them. The childminder uses positive reinforcement to encourage good manners, language and social skills.
p.2
The provision is outstanding
The childminder promotes a love of books, and the children eagerly prepare for story time by gathering their cushions. She uses real fruit as props for the story, while children name the types of fruit and talk about whether they have tried them before. The childminder explains how to test a pineapple's ripeness by pulling out its central leaf. She engages children in high-quality interactions that prompt them to think and to use their vocabulary.
p.2
The provision is outstanding
Children learn about different festivals and contribute to their community. They make decorations for the community Christmas tree and take part in Remembrance Day activities, including laying a wreath. They also explore topics such as pollution by taking part in community litter picking activities and designing informative posters.
p.2
need to do better?
n Children make outstanding progress under the care of the childminder, who demonstrates a thorough understanding of each child's individual needs, interests and abilities. She carefully observes and assesses their development, using this knowledge to plan purposeful next steps that support learning and growth effectively. As a result, children remain consistently engaged, motivated and confident when exploring new experiences. n The childminder adapts her planning to reflect what children are learning in other settings, ensuring consistency and continuity. She introduces books and activities to help children understand emotions and uses colours to represent different feelings, enabling them to express themselves with increasing confidence. n Independence is promoted at every opportunity. Children learn to manage self- care skills, such as fastening zips, putting on shoes, pouring drinks and tidying away resources. Physical development is encouraged through a wide range of
p.2
need to do better?
activities, including balancing, riding bikes and playing golf. Regular visits to the local park provide valuable opportunities to use large play equipment and build
p.2
need to do better?
29 September 2025 strength and coordination. n Early mathematical skills are skilfully embedded into everyday routines and play. Children explore number recognition and counting through puzzles, wall displays and purposeful conversations with the childminder. They naturally encounter numbers when sharing out resources, singing or discussing quantities during daily activities. These meaningful interactions introduce mathematical concepts in context, enabling children to develop a secure understanding of numbers, patterns and early problem-solving skills. n Language and communication is supported exceptionally well. Children sing songs, recite rhymes and engage in lively discussions, for example when talking about their weekends. They practise new vocabulary in meaningful contexts and develop confidence in expressing their ideas. Mealtimes are calm and social, with opportunities to eat healthily, practise independence and enjoy purposeful
p.2
need to do better?
conversation. Role play, such as using a dentist set, is used effectively to promote understanding of oral hygiene and healthy routines. Children are also encouraged to manage their personal health, for example, by using tissues independently and covering their mouths when coughing. n The childminder knows each child extremely well and responds sensitively to their individual needs. Sleep routines are managed with warmth and care, with comfort given in ways that reflect each child's preferences. This fosters strong attachments and creates a secure, nurturing environment. n Parents report that they are extremely satisfied with the service. They highlight the close relationships their children form with the childminder, the excellent communication and feedback they receive, and the wide range of activities and resources on offer. They praise her professionalism and observe that their children flourish under her care. Older children have written letters describing
p.3
need to do better?
why they enjoy attending, often referring to her kindness and support. n The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development. She engages in childcare webinars and specialised training, including courses on supporting children who have experienced trauma and abuse. She collaborates with local childminders through joint toddler groups, peer observations and regular meet-ups, enhancing her own practice while giving children opportunities to socialise in larger groups. n Transitions to school are carefully supported through regular school runs, volunteering and close communication with teachers. Feedback is sought to monitor children's readiness, ensuring that they adapt confidently and successfully when moving on to the next stage of their education.
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 EY436536 Local authority Devon Inspection number 10407993 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 11 Date of previous inspection 22 January 2020
p.4
Information about this early years setting
The childminder registered in 2011. She lives in Ivybridge, Devon, and offers care from Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 5pm, all year round. The childminder provides funded early education for children from the age of nine months and holds a level 4 qualification in early years care and education.
p.4
Inspection activities
n The childminder discussed her curriculum intentions with the inspector during the learning walk. n The inspector received written feedback from parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the childminder and her interactions with the children. n The childminder and the inspector held discussions at appropriate moments. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation of a group activity. n The inspector sampled relevant documents and reviewed evidence of the childminder's suitability.
p.4
Inspection activities
29 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.
p.4
Inspection activities
29 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.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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