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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder is friendly and welcoming. Children form secure attachments with her and continuously demonstrate that they feel safe, happy and secure in her home. The childminder is warm and caring in her approach and has high expectations of young children. Children explore the environment with increasing confidence, having the reassurance that the childminder is close by. They independently select the resources they wish to use and are developing their concentration skills. For example, young children carefully stack different sized cups. They develop good hand-to-eye coordination and become aware of shape, size and colour.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder is fully aware of the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and their families. As such, she focuses her teaching on supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. In particular, the childminder is developing children's confidence in social situations. She visits local groups, now that restrictions have been lifted. She uses these opportunities to encourage children to engage with others and play together in larger groups. The childminder provides cuddles and reassuring words as needed when children are unsure and require extra support. This practice enables children to relax in new situations and helps them to develop skills needed for their future learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder plans activities that reflect children's interests and span all areas of learning. Teaching is effective as she plays alongside the children, assisting them to become excited and motivated to learn. The childminder seeks information from parents about their child's care routines, likes and dislikes. She successfully uses this information to support children to settle quickly into her care. However, the childminder does not routinely gather precise information about children's existing abilities to enable her to plan purposely from the outset and build on what children already know and can do. n Literacy is a strong feature of the childminder's provision. Children demonstrate a love of books as they snuggle together with the childminder. They clearly enjoy the close interaction of sharing a story. The childminder sensitively supports children to explore the different textures within their chosen story and

p.2

need to do better?

to turn the pages independently. She describes what is happening in the pictures and reads with enthusiasm. This helps to maintain children's interests as they develop their early literacy skills. n The childminder promotes children's emerging communication and language skills. For example, she commentates as children play which helps to give meaning to what they are doing. Furthermore, the childminder copies young children's babbling and models turn taking in conversations. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

8 November 2021 uses descriptive language to ensure that children are able to hear and absorb a wide range of words. n The childminder is a good role model and demonstrates polite, kind and positive behaviours. This helps children to understand what is expected of them. The childminder continuously supports children's independence. For example, young children are encouraged to have a go at feeding themselves at lunchtime. The childminder is careful not to over direct and allows children to have a go themselves. As a result, children are quickly developing their self-care skills. n The childminder has developed effective partnerships with parents. Written comments following information shared about children's learning and development, show that parents are very happy with the care and attention that the childminder affords to their children. The childminder ensures that parents feel well informed about their child's experiences and routines. She holds daily

p.2

need to do better?

discussions with them and shares photos of children enjoying the many activities that she provides. n The childminder values the importance of professional development. She engages in mandatory training and carries out her own professional research to ensure that she is able to further develop her knowledge, skills and understanding. The childminder uses self-evaluation effectively to further improve her practice. For example, she has plans to enhance her outdoor area and introduce more natural materials and resources for children to explore.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in protecting children from harm and reporting any concerns that may arise. Children's safety is maintained within the home and outside because the childminder successfully completes risk assessments. This practice enables her to identify any potential hazards and to take the necessary steps to ensure children's safety. The childminder holds a first- aid qualification and attends training on safeguarding to ensure she stays abreast of any changes in legislation. She shares policies and procedures with parents and maintains documentation that include registers of attendance, accident and medication records.

p.3

should:

n gather more precise information from parents when children first begin to attend, to help identify what children can already do and further develop planning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2606398 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10213652 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 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Helsby. The childminder operates Monday to Friday from 8am until 5pm, all year round. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A learning walk was completed with the childminder to discuss the curriculum intent and how the provision is organised. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector reviewed a variety of documents, including evidence of the suitability of those living in the household, the childminder's qualifications, first- aid certificate and policies. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

p.4

Inspection activities

8 November 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

8 November 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6