A BROMSGROVE childminder is celebrating after her day care service was rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

Karan Atkinson, based on Birmingham Road, Malbrook, was given the highest rating by a government inspector for the effectiveness of the leadership and management, how well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend and the contribution of the provision to the children’s well-being.

Karan Atkinson said: "It is extremely hard work and can be demanding at times- working long hours, but I am passionate about my job and it is rewarding watching how children flourish.

“I am absolutely delighted and very proud that my commitment to improve children’s development and by providing excellent learning opportunities and exciting experiences my setting had been officially graded as outstanding by Ofsted."

Officer Jacqueline Nation visited the school on Wednesday, October 29.

During the assessment she talked to the childminder and children, observed the children engaging in a range of indoor and outdoor activities and took a tour of the premises.

The inspector viewed evidence of the suitability of the adults living at the property, the children’s development records, risk assessments and policy and procedure documents.

Written feedback provided by parents and carers was taken into account and self - evaluation forms about the childminder’s future plans were also looked at.

The report said: “The childminder has outstanding teaching skills and an excellent knowledge of how children learn.

“She uses her secure knowledge of planning and assessment systems to provide an excellent range of activities for children based on their individual learning needs and interests.

“Children are very happy and enjoy their time at this very welcoming setting, where they play a full and active role in their learning.

“The childminder is exceptionally skilled at engaging children in conversations, developing their communication skills.

“The childminder works exceptionally well with parents from the outset. This ensures children's individual needs are very closely monitored.

“The childminder is a very positive role model and she listens very carefully to what children say and gives them plenty of time to respond to questions.

“Lovely conversations evolve through play and the childminder carefully builds on each child's language skills and makes sure they all have time to express themselves.

“Children form strong attachments with the childminder who establishes very warm and affectionate bonds with them. This results in children feeling very settled and content while in her care.”

The officer also noted that the childminder had excellent knowledge of child protection, “very good” understanding of how to promote the health and safety of children in her care and runs regular risk assessments in all areas of the premises.

The inspector said that childminder could improve by enhancing the excellent outdoor learning environment by extending the resources for children to further use their senses and exploration skills.