Childminder in East Sussex

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder creates a calm and reassuring environment in which children are happy and relaxed. Using her secure knowledge of what children know, and their current interests, she carefully plans activities that stimulate children to explore and investigate. For example, they delight in guessing what items are hidden in a bag as they describe what they can feel and hear.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise in the exciting outdoor area. They have plenty of opportunities to challenge their physical skills, such as on the 'tree slide', and to manage risks when they take turns on the zip wire. Their interest in the environment and animals is encouraged by the childminder, who shares in their joy of feeding the chickens or excitement at finding a caterpillar.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is excellent. They are exceptionally polite and mindful of one another as they play. The childminder is a positive role model. Her high expectations, empathy and understanding support children to become resilient and capable of regulating their own feelings. Children confidently make choices about what they want to do, such as completing puzzles or drawing pictures. They demonstrate excellent independence and perseverance as they master tasks and skills that prepare them for their future learning, including when they go to school.

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need to do better?

n Children are exceptionally motivated and highly engaged in their learning. They are given time to follow their interests and practise new skills, such as using scissors, which builds their superb concentration and focus. n The childminder is a highly reflective practitioner. Her improvement plans show how she is evaluating the impact of what she is doing across the curriculum and within the environment. She actively seeks the views of parents to help her address the needs of the children. For example, she has started an art club. She is very interested in new theories about childcare but has placed less focus on targeting her training to continually improve her own professional development. n The childminder's astute observations and detailed assessments of children help her to plan an ambitious curriculum that is precisely targeted at the needs and interests of the children. Children's next steps in learning are achievable and

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need to do better?

they are making good progress. n The childminder helps children build on their existing knowledge. She reminds them of past learning while cleverly incorporating this into what they are currently doing. For example, while eating apples at snack time, children recall picking apples in the autumn, and they remember stories they have listened to, such as 'Stick Man', when playing outside. n Children's communication and language skills are very good. The childminder

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need to do better?

3 December 2019 builds their vocabulary as she introduces new words such as 'misty' and 'fog' when they are describing the weather. Children delight in singing as they follow actions and predict what comes next in a song. n Parents are very involved in their children's learning and praise the childminder's good communication with them. They share critical information to support children's learning and to support consistency in their care. They comment on the safe environment and exciting activities the childminder creates. They recognise and appreciate the strong relationships children have made with the childminder. n The childminder helps children gain a good understanding of beliefs and cultures that are beyond their immediate experience. She provides resources that support children to consider differences and similarities between their lives and others. However, not enough focus is applied to broadening children's

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need to do better?

opportunities to become more familiar with the people and places within their local community. n Children develop their mathematical skills and literacy in meaningful ways. They spontaneously count as they play, for instance when drawing the legs on a spider, or listen to the sounds of letters starting their names and the days of the week as they change the calendar. n Children have formed exceptionally close bonds with the childminder, who is a calm, nurturing and patient practitioner. She encourages children to persist in overcoming personal challenges and praises their efforts when they do. Children share jokes and stories with her as well as cuddles when they need emotional support and comfort.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder knows how to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She puts children's welfare at the heart of her practice. She knows what to do if she suspects a child is at risk and has recently updated her policies in line with changes in her local authority. She shares her policies with parents and updates them with ideas about protecting their children, such as how to keep them safe when using the internet. She has a good understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty, and how children might be drawn into extreme behaviours.

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should:

n identify further opportunities to strengthen professional development to raise already good teaching to a higher level n make more effective use of the local community in helping children to develop

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should:

3 December 2019 further awareness of where they live, and to socialise with others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY345210 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10062800 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 2 to 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 1 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives in High Hurstwood, near Uckfield in East Sussex. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, throughout the year. She holds qualified teacher status.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector spoke with the childminder about her curriculum for children on a learning walk around the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector took parents' views into account by reading their written comments. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector viewed a range of documentation, including policies and procedures, and evidence of suitability of adults living on the premises.

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Inspection activities

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 December 2019 3 December 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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