A CHILDMINDER has been rated as good once again by Ofsted inspectors.

Gemma Bennett-Smith, who looks after eight children from the ages of two to 11 at Talavera Crescent, Colchester, was praised by an education official after an inspection took place last month.

The Ofsted report, which was published last week, praised the “strong attachments” formed between the children and Ms Bennett-Smith, adding children enjoy a “welcoming, home-from-home environment”.

Ms Bennett-Smith was also described as being a strong role model, supporting children to show good manners and tidy toys away once they have finished playing with them.

One section of the report read: “[The childminder] is calm and patient and promotes positive behaviour through praise and encouragement.

“She gives children clear and consistent reminders and simple explanations of the rules [and] supports children to learn good manners and to take care of the environment.”

Children at the childminder are also encouraged to be independent and develop routines throughout the day, and parents were described in the report as being happy with the care their children receive.

Ms Bennett-Smith, who first registered the childminder in 2008, has now received good reports in each of the last four inspections.

The full Ofsted report can be read here.