Husband and wife childminders in Peterborough celebrate "strong in all areas" Ofsted rating
The owners of a childminding business in Peterborough are celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.
Based in Yaxley, Laura's Explorers childminding is run by husband and wife duo Laura and Dean Stimson.
For the last 13 years, under the former Ofsted inspection framework, the business has been rated the top ‘Outstanding’ grading. Now the pair say they are “thrilled” to have been rated “Strong” in all six areas under the new inspection framework, which came into effect in November 2025.
The inspection, carried out on February 5 this year, looked at six key areas – safeguarding; achievement, behaviours, attitude and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; and leadership and governance.
An excerpt from the report reads: “The nurturing and inspiring childminder develops very warm, trusting and respectful relationships with children. Older children write how they 'love it and always have fun' at her setting. Children's behaviour is exemplary and reflects the childminder's consistently high expectations. Children understand what is expected and demonstrate excellent manners. The childminder praises children's positive behaviour, reinforcing their understanding of rules and routines.”
Regarding children’s wellbeing, the report goes on: “The childminder promotes children's healthy lifestyles highly effectively. She provides frequent outings that offer rich opportunities for physical activity, outdoor play and exploration of the natural environment. She supports children to recognise, express and manage their emotions through consistent routines and positive interactions.”
Recognising the quality of education of offer at the setting, the inspector writes: “The childminder's high-quality teaching supports children's communication and language skills extremely well. Language development is prioritised in every activity. During stories, children role play characters, repeat familiar refrains and play with toys linked to books to strengthen their understanding.”
They add: "Parents and carers comment that they could not be happier with the love, care and experiences their children receive and that they are so happy with how much their child has developed since starting.”
Commenting on the report, Laura and Dean Stimson said: “After 13 years achieving Outstanding by Ofsted we are thrilled to have received a ‘Strong in all areas’ under the new inspection framework. We are a husband and wife setting in Yaxley providing quality childcare for children all over Peterborough and surrounding areas.”