Childminder in South Gloucestershire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children are confident and happy. The childminder cares for them in a welcoming, organised environment that she plans well to meet their differing needs and interests. For example, toddlers and older children move easily between play areas as they explore and investigate resources, for instance in the role-play area. Children become self-assured to initiate their own learning. The curriculum meets children's needs successfully and inspires children's curiosity across all areas of learning.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well. The nurturing childminder role models respectful relationships very effectively, allowing children to make their own choices and valuing their opinions. The childminder manages children's behaviour positively. For instance, very young children show an understanding of how to manage risks. They stop what they are doing when asked to 'listen and wait' by the childminder and that a message will follow 'to keep them safe'. Children learn to take turns well. For example, they wait patiently for their turn to play a tune on outdoor chime pipes.

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The provision is good

Children learn the importance of healthy lifestyles. For example, older children tell the younger ones the childminder's pet dog 'needs to go out for walks to keep him fit and happy, like us'.

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The provision is good

The experienced childminder knows the children very well and has high expectations for their behaviour and achievements. She checks their progress carefully. Children make good progress from their starting points and gain the skills they need in preparation for school.

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need to do better?

n Children form very secure attachments to the highly attentive and caring childminder. This successfully supports their sense of well-being. n The childminder provides daily opportunities for children to play in the fresh air. For example, children enjoy many outdoor walks and outings to local parks and groups in the local community. Teaching children about the natural world is a key focus for the childminder. She recently attended a nature course that has helped her extend children's interests in birdwatching. n Children are motivated learners and keen to develop their skills. The childminder supports children well in learning, especially their counting. For example, during a visit to a local sensory garden, children counted and used mathematical terms confidently. They compared the heights of trees and statues, counted falling leaves, and discussed the colours and patterns on the budgerigars in an aviary.

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need to do better?

n The childminder develops children's literacy skills well. For example, they enjoy sharing stories and children carefully turn the pages and excitedly anticipate

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need to do better?

3 October 2019 what happens next. Older children sound out letters and recognise their names competently. n There are good opportunities for children to explore using their senses. The childminder provides a wide range of natural and sensory resources to promote children's exploration. For instance, when children show a keen interest in plants that give off a scent, such as rosemary, fennel and pine, the childminder extends their interests by helping them create a sensory patch in the garden. She uses opportunities in activities and conversations to reinforce children's language and exploratory skills, particularly with the older, more articulate children, who search for 'the plant that smells of lemon'. However, her interactions with the quieter, younger children are sometimes not as successful to help develop their thinking and learning to higher levels. n Partnerships with parents are very effective. For example, the childminder

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need to do better?

consistently shares information about children's development with them and other carers. Written testimonials are unanimous in their praise for the way the childminder 'teaches children skills for life, such as road safety and how to be kind'. The childminder contacts other providers children attend to help continuity of care. However, these partnerships are not highly successful. n The childminder works hard to make continuous improvements to the service she provides. She uses research and local authority audits to review ways to improve outcomes for children. She welcomes the views of parents and children. For instance, she has improved the way she communicates with parents online, to share even more ways they can continue to support their child's learning and healthy development at home. Additionally, the childminder continues to improve her knowledge and skills by sharing practice ideas with other

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need to do better?

childminders and completing online training workshops to help her do this.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date, including about wider safeguarding matters which she regularly researches online. She has a clear understanding of what to do if she has concerns that a child is at risk of harm and knows how to report these to the relevant authorities. The childminder risk assesses her home, activities and outings very effectively to help her ensure children's safety. For instance, she reminds children not to run inside in socks as they may slip and gently advises younger children to remain seated at the table when eating, so they do not choke on their food. The childminder shares her child safety procedures with parents, so they understand her practices.

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should:

3 October 2019 n ensure that teaching and activities consistently meet the learning needs of all the children taking part, particularly those less confident n continue to build on the good relationships with other settings that children attend, to share a wider range of information and support a more consistent approach to learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY216867 Local authority South Gloucestershire Inspection number 10071947 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 to 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 20 October 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2002. She lives in the Downend area of South Gloucestershire. She receives funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. Her service is open all year round, Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 5.45pm. The childminder works with an assistant when required.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed activities and the childminder's interactions with children throughout the inspection. n The inspector sampled children's observation, planning and assessment information and looked at registration records. n The inspector checked evidence of the childminder and her assistant's suitability to work with children and sampled some policies and procedures. n The inspector spoke to parents and children, and read parents' testimonials and feedback forms to gather their views about the service and their children's progress. n The childminder undertook a joint observation with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

3 October 2019 We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

3 October 2019 regulates and inspects to 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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