The overall grade is then broken down into 14 graded key areas all linked to The Early Years Foundation Stage. I was proud to be awarded an overall grade of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ for 2 of the 14 areas and ‘Good’ for the remaining 12.

My full report will be available on Ofsted's website shortly, www.ofsted.gov.uk. In the meantime I have extracted some of the paragraphs below:


“The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and child friendly environment where children's welfare and learning needs are met well. Children demonstrate, through their play, that they are happy and actively engaged in activities both inside and out. A comprehensive set of policies and procedures effectively underpin the provision and are fully shared with parents, effective partnerships with parents and others promote an inclusive practice. The childminder demonstrates a professional approach and uses self-evaluation to monitor and evaluate her practice and clearly identifies strengths and areas for future development.”

“The childminder is experienced in the early years field and has a secure understanding of her role. She reflects on her practice and has completed a comprehensive self-evaluation, where the opinions of parents have been sought.”

“She effectively incorporates the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage into her practice and provides children with outstanding learning experiences. Children benefit from a well equipped dedicated playroom and have free-flow access to the outdoor area where an outstanding range of worthwhile activities and resources stimulates their inquisitiveness.”

“Children are constantly engaged in purposeful play and the childminder ensures a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities are provided. All children are treated with respect and given choices that help them feel secure and valued. Their efforts are continually praised and children spontaneously and proudly show off the large sand castle they made together.”

“Children learn about the wider world through planned topics, books and a good range of resources depicting a variety of differences. Children’s welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a clear understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection and has attended specific training in this area.”

“Good relationships are established with parents and positive, written testimonials, evidence how happy parents are with the care and education their children receive. Parents describe the childminder as organised, calm and patient.”

“Children make outstanding progress in their learning and development in relation to their starting points. High quality planning and organisation ensure that every child is suitably challenged by the learning experiences provided.”

“An imaginative range of activities and experiences are provided for the children and appropriate support or challenge is provided. The interests of children are identified and considered when activities are planned. The childminder tracks children’s development and summarises their progress to ensure any gaps in their learning are quickly identified.”

“Children display high levels of confidence and happily move around the home making their own choices. They display a sense of belonging as they show off their basket with their name on it and know this is the special place where they can put their belongings.”