Childminder in Staffordshire

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 have plenty of exciting opportunities to explore outside. For example, in the mud kitchen area, they use a spade to scoop up the soil. Children investigate the water with a scoop and a paintbrush. They giggle as they tip the bowl and watch the water flow onto the ground. They watch what happens when they pour water onto the weighing scales. Children display a positive attitude to learning as they try and try again to use the pump and spray water bottle. They enjoy blowing and catching bubbles. Children sit outside and explore the autumnal resources, such as leaves, twigs and hay. With help from the childminder, children notice the differences in the texture, colour, shape, size and weight of each item.

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The provision is good

Children are very fond of the childminder's indoor guinea pigs. Under close supervision, children observe and gently handle the guinea pigs. This helps children to learn to respect and understand animals.

p.2

The provision is good

Children choose a song to sing by selecting a wooden spoon with a picture on it that reflects the song. They enjoy singing familiar songs and do the accompanying actions with plenty of enthusiasm and excitement. Children are confident and happy and interact freely and enthusiastically with the childminder and their friends.

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need to do better?

n The childminder accurately observes and assesses children's progress and carefully plans what children need to learn next. She provides children with a curriculum that inspires them to be curious, focused and to solve challenges across all the relevant areas of learning. However, there are few opportunities for children to recognise, respect and value how they differ from, or are similar to, other people. n The childminder takes the children on regular outings that encourage them to explore the natural environment. For example, children visit country parks, where they paddle at the edge of picturesque lakes, climb over logs and feed the animals. The childminder regularly takes the children to the local outdoor playground. The childminder provides children with good opportunities to experience physical challenge and manage risks for themselves. n The childminder has attended training on how to support children's emotional

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need to do better?

well-being. Consequently, she values the uniqueness of each child, develops warm relationships with them and is attentive to their individual needs. This helps children to feel relaxed and secure and to engage in new experiences. Children behave well and show a high regard for one another. n The childminder enhances parents' understanding about how their child's learning can be best supported at home, for instance through discussion and the

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need to do better?

11 October 2021 sharing of photographs and ongoing information about children's progress. Parents comment on how their child has 'come on in leaps and bounds' since attending the childminding setting. However, the childminder does not always involve parents, as much as possible, in the assessment of their children's learning when they first start at the setting. n The childminder continues to improve her knowledge and skills. For example, she undertakes her own online research and shares good practice ideas with the local childminders. She undertakes regular online training on a variety of early years topics. This, along with welcoming any suggestions from parents, helps her to reflect on her practice and improve the overall quality of her setting. n The childminder uses a range of effective strategies that encourage children to develop their language skills. For instance, she uses commentary and asks

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need to do better?

children questions as they play. However, on occasions, the childminder does not give children enough opportunities to develop their thinking or to express their own ideas. n The childminder provides children with nutritious and well-balanced meals and snacks, and encourages them to drink water or milk throughout the day.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder attends regular training that ensures she is fully aware of the signs of abuse or neglect. She knows the procedures she must follow if she has any concerns about a child. The childminder checks all indoor and outdoor areas to identify and reduce any possible risks to children. This, and effectively risk assessing all outings off the premises, helps to keep children safe and well. The childminder consistently supervises children to ensure their safety at all times. She follows good hygiene procedures to prevent cross-infection.

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should:

n increase the information gathered from parents about children's prior knowledge and skills, so that this comprehensive information can be used from the outset n encourage younger children to talk and express themselves, so that their language and communication skills are fully enhanced throughout the day n increase ways to help children develop a positive view of the racial and cultural diversity that reflects multicultural Britain.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY550482 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10133799 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and works with a co-childminder in Burntwood, Staffordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This is the first routine inspection the childminder 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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector viewed the premises to make sure all areas used by children are safe. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk to understand how 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 evaluated how well she assesses children's progress and plans for the next steps in their learning. n The inspector sampled documentation, such as suitability checks of persons living or working in the household. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through the written feedback provided, and held conversations with children during the inspection.

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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

11 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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