A CHILDMINDER’S where children ‘happily play’ and ‘thrive’ has been rated 'Outstanding' in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Diane Whitaker's setting, based in Baildon, has progressed from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ since its earlier inspection in 2019.

The report, issued by Ofsted after its inspection on November 16, 2022, said: “Children thrive in the childminder's safe, warm and loving care.

“They happily play in the vibrant and expansively resourced environment. Children make excellent progress because of the highly challenging, inspiring and inventive curriculum.

“Their learning is significantly enhanced by an exemplary range of outings, often linked to exciting topics that enrich children's experiences.”

Children at the setting are ‘eager’ and ‘highly motivated’ learners who develop their ideas, under the knowledge of the childminder and co-childminder who has extensive knowledge about science.

The curriculum allows the minder to undertake excellent assessments of children’s learning and plans educational programmes.

Children enjoy the minder’s approach and are ‘deeply engrossed’ in her ‘high quality interactions.’

The report added: “Older children show impressive mathematical skills. They follow home-made autumnal pattern cards and weigh conkers.

“Children also count acorns while skilfully placing them in the cardboard box using tongs. Younger children learn through exploring and investigating. For instance, they roll conkers down cardboard tubes.

“Four-year-old children have formed wonderful friendships. They happily chat away during activities and daily routines, where they manage their own self-care extremely well.

“Children readily use manners and speak to each other pleasantly.”

The setting provides children with the opportunity to develop their physical skills as well as teaches them about healthy lifestyles, as they visit museums, learn about medical history and find out what the human body looks like.

This was the first inspection post covid and the minder discussed the impact of the pandemic on children.

The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. She carried out a joint evaluation of the activity with the childminder.

The childminder shared questionnaires and other written feedback from parents.

There are eight children on roll at this childminders, which has been registered since 1989 and provides care during term time, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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