Childminder in Cheshire East

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder normally works with two assistants, which means that up to nine children in the early years age group may attend her setting at any one time. The children enjoy using the large garden cabin playroom and adjoining outdoor play area for the majority of their day. The cabin is designed as a dedicated safe play space, with easy access to low-level toilets and sinks. Children become increasingly independent. For example, they confidently select equipment and books from the low-level units and shelves. The childminder's strong routine ensures that children understand what is happening next and they readily join in with activities. The childminder and her assistants have clear expectations about behaviour. They plan activities which develop children's ability to share and play cooperatively. The atmosphere is purposeful.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides equipment and activities that support children's next steps in learning and help them to practise new skills. Parents are not able to come into the childminder's home because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions. Children are greeted at the front door by the childminder and happily come in to join their friends. Parents receive information on what their child is doing through discussions with the childminder. An online system also allows them to see a wide range of information whenever they wish.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gives careful consideration to what she wants the children to learn and how this will be organised. Children's individual next steps in learning are identified and woven into activities. The childminder ensures that the assistants understand what these are so that they too can support the children's development. The childminder also ensures that children's horizons are broadened through the use of themes which introduce new concepts and vocabulary. n Children take pride in their work and concentrate well. They learn to look carefully and record what they see as they draw a self-portrait. This supports their developing knowledge of themselves and their own uniqueness. They also develop an ability to identify small differences in preparation for letter recognition. They show excellent pencil control, and the childminder is able to explain how she monitors and adjusts children's pencil grip to ensure that good

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need to do better?

habits are developed in readiness for more formal writing. n Younger children benefit from watching and joining in with slightly older pre- school children. They develop their communication skills as, for example, they hear rhymes. They make their own contribution to song time as they remember and join in with the actions. However, in some group times, the activity is too challenging to hold some children's attention. This in turn disrupts the most able

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need to do better?

21 September 2021 children's learning. n The childminder works with assistants, who are apprentices. She has regular meetings to discuss the plans for children's learning, review the activities undertaken and any changes in legislation. Structured reviews of the assistants' employment are undertaken every six months. The childminder works proactively with the college and supports the assistants with planning activities for their college assignments. However, she does not provide targeted feedback to them about their general teaching, to fully support them in improving their practice. n Children learn to keep themselves healthy. They start to understand why they wash their hands before meals and after playing outside. The childminder provides healthy food, and mealtimes are social occasions. Children of all ages enjoy a varied diet. They are encouraged to independently feed themselves and develop a positive attitude to healthy eating.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses assessment to help her to plan what she wants children to learn and also to highlight where she feels children may need extra help. She works with parents and the local special educational needs coordinator to access any required help. For example, advice is sought from a speech therapist to help children to make appropriate progress in their communication skills. n The childminder ensures that children can revisit what they have learned in the past. Children return to look at familiar books and props used during previous themes. This prompts meaningful conversations between adults and children. Children can confidently recall the information they have learned.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has undertaken safeguarding training. She clearly understands what would constitute a safeguarding concern about a child or an adult working with her. She knows where she should report any concerns. She ensures that her assistants fully understand their role to safeguard children. The childminder is confident about working with safeguarding agencies when this is required. She ensures that the house and garden are secure and that any risks have been minimised. This includes measures to minimise any potential risks posed by the pet dogs. The assistants have appropriate first-aid training. This allows them to be left, for short periods of less than two hours, while the childminder undertakes tasks such as collecting children from school.

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should:

n adapt some group activities, so that all children can participate fully to remain engaged in their learning

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should:

21 September 2021 n develop the feedback given to assistants, to help them to improve their teaching skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY547086 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10203265 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 18 Number of children on roll 18 Date of previous inspection 15 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Crewe, Cheshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays, family holidays and two weeks at Christmas. The childminder employs assistants.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of the house which are used for childminding, along with the garden and cabin playroom. She explained how the curriculum is planned and implemented. n The quality of teaching during activities and routines was observed by the inspector, who assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector had a discussion with the childminder about two activities. n The inspector had discussions with the childminder, her assistants and the children. She looked at relevant documentation, including the register and documents which establish the suitability of the assistants. n Parents and guardians shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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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