Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection date 18 March 2019 Previous inspection date 17 February 2016

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n Children are happy, settle well and form positive relationships with the childminder and her assistant. They have a strong sense of belonging and behave well. n The childminder has developed secure partnerships with a range of professionals. Highly effective intervention plans and close monitoring help all children to make good gains towards the early learning goals. n The childminder has high expectations of children and develops their independence skills very well. She encourages them to tend to their own physical needs and gently reminds them of the rules and routines of the setting. Children develop secure friendships and play well together. n The childminder creates a highly stimulating environment both inside and outdoors. Planned activities are fun and children are engaged and motivated to take part. For example, children become enthralled while practising sign language during singing and dancing activities.

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This provision is good

n Parents are thankful for the service the 'helpful, knowledgeable and flexible' childminder provides. They praise the childminder for keeping them regularly updated with their children's achievements. n Occasionally, the childminder does not fully extend children's critical thinking skills in their play and learning. n The childminder's targeted professional development plan for her assistant does not precisely focus on raising teaching practice to the highest level.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

n provide further opportunities to extend children's critical thinking skills during their play and learning n build on the arrangements for the professional development of the assistant, to further enhance the quality of teaching to a higher level.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children. She reviewed children's records and evidence of the suitability of all adults working and living in the household. n The inspector took account of the written feedback provided by parents about the childminder's service. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching inside and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation of an activity with the childminder.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow if a concern should arise regarding children's safety or welfare. She is very clear of the action she must take to record and report concerns to protect children from harm. The childminder has appropriate processes in place to ensure her assistant is suitable to work with children. Overall, the childminder supports her assistant's practice effectively. The childminder keeps up to date with new initiatives and attends training to further support children with their spoken language. The childminder evaluates the quality of the setting and acts upon the views of parents and children. She works collaboratively with the local primary school and shares best practice ideas.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder provides children with a good range of resources that are age appropriate. Children are confident to express their ideas and independently make choices about what they want to play with. The childminder plans fun and exciting activities which keep children motivated to learn. For example, children become captivated while listening to their favourite story and excitedly enact characters using engaging props. The childminder has a secure understanding of how to promote the learning and development of young children. She knows children well and effectively observes them as they play. She plans clear next steps in their learning and monitors these with great precision. Children make good gains across all areas of learning and show good mathematical skills. For example, they are fascinated by recognising numbers in books and articulately name the properties of two-dimensional shapes.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder's home is very welcoming and children thoroughly enjoy spending their time there. Children respond positively to the childminder's instructions, encouragement and praise. The childminder knows when children are tired, hungry or unwell, and responds appropriately to ensure that their emotional well-being is met. She ensures that parental wishes are followed, such as providing food to cater for individual dietary requirements. Children enjoy mealtimes and develop a positive attitude to leading a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy helping to look after the childminder's pets and take the dogs on regular walks, to the vets and to be groomed. Children visit local attractions, such as the woods, the zoo, gardens and soft-play areas, which are helping them learn about the wider world.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning. They are curious and keen learners who show good levels of motivation and concentration. The childminder's strong focus on promoting children's confidence and independence prepares them well for their next steps in learning and their eventual move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY264327 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10073225 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 11 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 16 Date of previous inspection 17 February 2016

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Registers

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Elton, Chester. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 4. She works with an assistant on a daily basis.

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Registers

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

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Registers

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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