AN early-years childminder has been rated Good following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Deanne Taylor, of Grange, was praised by inspectors after a visit conducted on October 18.

Deanne Taylor is a registered childminder with 13 children aged up to two years old currently on her roll. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 6 pm Monday to Friday.

The report praised her 'bright and welcoming home' describing it as ' safe and meticulously clean'.

The report said: "(The children) show that they feel safe as they separate from their parents with ease. 

"Children rush into the setting, keen to start their day. 

"They warmly greet the childminder and her assistants and enthusiastically select what they would like to play with first.

"Children choose from the wide range of resources available, selected by the childminder with children's changing interests in mind. 

"They enjoy playing with small world farm toys. Children laugh as they correctly identify the different animal noises that the childminder's assistants make."

Inspectors also noted the facilities at the address that allow the children to enjoy the outdoors: "The covered area enables outdoor learning to continue in all weather. 

"Children learn basic mathematical concepts, such as 'more' and 'less', as they play with water and dig in the sand. 

"Young children grin with delight as they spin around on a low, swivelling platform. 

"They climb and slide on the soft-play equipment. This helps children to develop their coordination skills and core muscles. Children's physical development is well supported."

The report also noted the childminders' methods in promoting children's independence:

"The childminder helps children develop some healthy habits and independence skills. 

READ MORE: Ofsted rating of village primary school revealed

"They sit together for home-cooked meals. Children learn to dress themselves and wash their hands after playing outside. 

"However, the childminder does not yet teach children how to use technology appropriately. This hinders their ability to develop certain life skills."

Inspectors described how the children are taught about different cultures.

"Children go on outings in their local village with the childminder. This helps them to develop an understanding of their immediate community," they said.

"Children learn about some festivals from other cultures, such as Chinese New Year."