Childminder in Merton

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 build close relationships with the childminder and her assistant. They feel safe, secure and happy as the childminder provides a warm, homely environment. The childminder has high expectations for all children. She encourages them to develop their independence. Older children demonstrate this as they put their own shoes on before going out to play in the garden. Children's developing independence helps to prepare them well for the next stage in their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant are enthusiastic and knowledgeable in their approach to teaching and learning. They engage children with interesting activities, which stimulate their interest and curiosity. As a result, children are confident learners. Children play cooperatively together and, at times, they thoughtfully tidy away toys when asked to help. They take great pride in their achievements, thriving on the praise and encouragement that the childminder and her assistant give them.

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The provision is good

Throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the childminder remained open and continued to support families. She adapted her procedures for the arrival and collection of children. Parents handed children over at the front door to prevent the risk of transmission of the virus. The childminder created a noticeboard at the door to keep parents informed of their child's day.

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need to do better?

n Children's mathematical skills are developing well. The childminder provides children with regular opportunities to learn about numbers and colour as they play. For example, she supports children to count and identify colours as they use diggers to scoop up sand in the sand tray. n The childminder and her assistant know the children well and have a good understanding of where each child is in their development. They know the children's current interests and the individual ways that they like to learn and do things. The childminder takes the lead in tracking children's progress. She plans appropriate next steps to support children to make good progress in their learning and development. n The childminder regularly uses venues within her local community to develop children's knowledge and understanding of their surroundings. Children enjoy visiting settings such as the local farm and shops, and going on nature hunts in

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need to do better?

the local woods. This supports children's access to regular fresh air and exercise, and widens their knowledge of the natural world. However, children lack opportunities to develop their understanding of diversity and to learn to be respectful about people who may be different from them. n Partnerships between the childminder and parents are positive. The childminder

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need to do better?

21 September 2021 uses a multitude of methods to keep them updated about their children's day and development. She does this by displaying menus at the door, having discussions with parents at handover times and regularly sending messages and photos home. This consistent exchange of information about children's development successfully promotes their well-being and continuity in their care and learning. n Children really enjoy having stories read to them. They eagerly self-select books for the assistant to read, and cuddle up to her to listen intently. The childminder, along with her assistant, supports children's communication and language skills effectively. The childminder plans a curriculum that strengthens and builds on children's understanding and vocabulary, for example, through singing, story times and discussions. n The childminder organises her home well to ensure that children have access to

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need to do better?

a broad and varied curriculum. Activities and opportunities on offer are well presented across her indoor and outdoor area. This inspires children to explore and lead their own play. n The childminder provides good support for her assistant. The two of them have daily discussions to share ideas and knowledge about good practice. This helps to ensure that the childminder's assistant is familiar with the provision's policies and procedures. However, the childminder has yet to consider training opportunities to further develop the assistant in her role. n The childminder has a positive attitude towards her own continuous professional development. Since registration, she has completed a multitude of courses to help her improve the quality of her practice and provision. She currently has plans to increase children's knowledge of oral hygiene.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder regularly completes safeguarding training to update herself of new legislation. The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of their roles and responsibility to protect children. They are aware of the possible indicators of abuse and understand how to report any concerns they may have about a child's welfare. The childminder knows how to respond in a medical emergency. She shares information with parents effectively to ensure that children's individual health and care needs are met. The childminder encourages children to keep themselves safe at mealtimes. She reminds them to chew slowly to avoid choking.

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should:

n further build on children's respect and understanding of people's similarities and

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should:

21 September 2021 differences outside of their own communities and beliefs n put plans into effect for the assistant's professional development in order to strengthen current good practice and enhance staff's knowledge of how to promote children's care and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY562823 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10191174 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Lower Morden in the London Borough of Merton. She offers care from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. The childminder receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The inspector completed a learning walk of the spaces used by the children and discussed the different activities she provides to support children's learning and development. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, assistant and children. The childminder talked about the activities she plans and how they benefit children's development. n At appropriate times during the inspection, the inspector spoke with the childminder, her assistant and the children. n The inspector took account of verbal and written feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

21 September 2021 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

21 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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