Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

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

The childminder's home is happy, welcoming and calm. Children have formed positive and secure relationships with the childminder and they thoroughly enjoy spending time here. Children's behaviour is good. They respond positively to the childminder's instructions, encouragement and praise. The childminder knows when children are tired, hungry or unwell and responds appropriately to ensure their individual needs are met. Children learn to share toys and play well together. For example, older children help younger children to rock on the see-saw. The childminder has clear intentions for her curriculum. She places a strong focus on communication and language. Children gain a love of books through the constant use of storytelling. They are engrossed while they help the childminder to retell their favourite stories. Mathematical development is promoted well. Children are excited to count out how many fruits the caterpillar has eaten in the book.

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The provision is good

Children show resilience as they adapt to new routines during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. For example, children know that their parents do not enter the setting. This helps to limit the amount of close contact children have with people and helps to keep them safe. Children are ready to wash their hands when they arrive in the morning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's physical development well. She plans and provides interesting opportunities, which promote children's learning. For example, children develop their fine motor skills as they help to prepare the food that they eat. They spread peanut butter independently onto their rice cakes at snack time. Children scoop water into different sized pots and pans to transport it from one area to another. They practise their gross motor skills as they navigate their way over the indoor climbing frame. n The childminder knows the children very well. She understands how they learn and what interests them. The childminder monitors the children's progress closely, and quickly identifies any gaps in their learning. She skilfully introduces new vocabulary to children as they play. For example, children are introduced to the word 'delicate', as they describe the snail's shell that they find in the outdoor

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need to do better?

area. n Children have good listening skills. They concentrate hard when the childminder teaches them how to cut fruit and vegetables safely. Children follow the childminder's instructions well and are enthralled as they chop the fruit and vegetables in half. The childminder introduces children to new fruits, such as pomegranates. She plans opportunities to explain to children how the fruit and vegetables grow. For example, children have first-hand opportunities to watch sweetcorn grow in the childminder's garden.

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need to do better?

1 October 2021 n The childminder has forged good links with the local pre-school and other childminders. She understands the importance of sharing meaningful information to ensure children's learning is supported. Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder seeks parents' views and opinions through verbal discussions and values what they say. She uses feedback that she receives to support any improvements. Parents are thrilled with the service the childminder provides. n The childminder provides opportunities that promote children's growing independence. Children access the resources they want to play with. Older children put their shoes on independently before they go outside. They are learning to manage their own toileting needs. The childminder provides a range of healthy and nutritious food. However, the childminder does not consistently help children to understand the benefits that eating healthy food can have on

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need to do better?

their bodies. n Children learn about some of the similarities and differences between themselves and others. However, the childminder does not routinely plan the curriculum to enable children to learn about further similarities and differences, particularly around different families and communities. n The childminder takes children on lots of trips. For example, children go on outings to the local parks and on nature walks. They visit the local zoo and boat museum. These rich experiences help to extend children's understanding of the world around them.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to safeguard children. She is able to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse, including extremist influences. She knows she must refer to her local contact procedures to seek advice, should she have any concerns regarding children's safety or welfare. Risk assessments are completed regularly to minimise any risks to children. Children are supervised well in all areas of the premises. The childminder teaches children about possible risks and hazards. She conducts regular fire evacuations to teach children what to do in an emergency.

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should:

n enhance opportunities for children to learn more about similarities and differences between themselves and others, particularly around different families and communities n build on the ways you teach children about the importance of a healthy diet and how this contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY561938 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10190725 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 6 Number of children on roll 2 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Alvanley, Frodsham. The childminder operates all year round from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Fridays. She holds qualified teacher status.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID19 (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 Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of the childminder's training. n The childminder and the inspector had a learning walk and tour of the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n Parents' views were taken account of by the inspector by reading their written comments. n An observation of an activity was carried out, and the inspector and the childminder discussed this afterwards. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

1 October 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

1 October 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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