Ward, Amy

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children enjoy the time that they spend with the childminder and her assistant. The childminder provides a welcoming environment, where children are excited to learn. The childminder and her assistant give plenty of praise and affection to children. This helps them to feel safe.

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The provision is good

Children are happy, settled and confident. The childminder understands how children learn and recognises when to join in with their play to help extend their learning. There are good opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the importance of healthy eating. For instance, they visit the local greengrocer to choose healthy vegetables, such as carrots, marrow and squash, to use as they play. They learn about good hygiene practices and talk about brushing their teeth.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder places a strong focus on learning through play in the outdoor environment. Children have daily opportunities to explore outdoors. Babies develop good physical skills. They show a can-do attitude as they pull themselves up to stand, using items to support their balance. Children develop the skills to listen and follow instructions. They learn to ask adults for help when needed. The childminder supports children's independence skills effectively and helps prepare them well for starting school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder creates a curriculum that builds on what children already know and can do. She provides children with a wide range of activities and outings based on their needs and interests. She knows the children extremely well. She uses observations, together with information gathered from the children's parents, to plan learning opportunities. Children develop their creative and imaginative skills well. However, the childminder misses some opportunities to extend children's interest and skills in early literacy experiences. n The childminder and her assistant support children to build on their vocabulary. For example, they sing songs and rhymes with children, who enjoy listening and joining in with the actions. The childminder and her assistant readily engage children in conversations. Their positive interactions help to promote children's communication and language skills. The childminder recognises that the younger

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need to do better?

children need more support with communication. She uses props and pictures to help children remember outings and activities they have enjoyed, such as their visit to meet the dentist. n The childminder has high expectations for all children. Children show good levels of concentration and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. They persevere at a given task and take pride in their achievements. The childminder uses questioning effectively to enable children to consider 'How are you feeling

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need to do better?

16 September 2021 today?', when they discuss their emotions. Children are kind and considerate towards each other. They take turns with the resources and politely ask, for example when they would like to share a book with another child. Children's behaviour is good. n Children show a keen interest in numbers. They begin to learn about shapes, and they can count to 10 with confidence. The childminder involves children in making decisions. She asks them what activities they would like to take part in, and she respects and values their choices and ideas. However, at times, adult- led group activities do not engage some children as deeply as others. n Parents are complimentary about the support the childminder provides. They are pleased with the progress their children make and feel that they are happy in her care. The childminder encourages parents to share what their children learn at home, to help ensure a consistent approach.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works in partnership with other settings that children attend. She shares information with them about children's achievements and progress. This supports consistency and continuity of learning for children. n The childminder effectively reviews her practice. She identifies ongoing areas to improve, which has a positive impact on children's experiences. She evaluates the day's activities and uses her findings to support her future activity plans. This helps keep children motivated to learn and continue to make good progress.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant access regular training to help to keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date. They can identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. They understand the procedures to follow should an allegation be made against an adult. The childminder is also aware of wider safeguarding issues and who to contact if she is concerned about a child in her care. She checks her home thoroughly to help minimise any hazards and ensure children can play safely indoors and in the garden.

p.3

should:

n review how some group activities are planned so that learning experiences challenge all children and precisely match their individual development n extend children's opportunities to develop their early reading and writing skills to support their future learning even further.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY559817 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10190533 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Tamworth, Staffordshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 2. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children. The childminder works with an assistant.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk across all areas of the setting to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum is organised. n A joint evaluation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and spoke to her assistant and children at appropriate times during the inspection. The inspector took account of the views of parents through written feedback provided by the childminder. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents. This included evidence about suitability and training.

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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

16 September 2021 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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