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 Good

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The provision is good

Children form strong bonds with the childminder, who gives them plenty of affection. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. Children behave very well for their age. They play alongside each other, share and take turns with the toys. The childminder adopts a curriculum that is rich in language. She introduces new vocabulary to children as they play. For example, the childminder introduces the word 'crunchy' to children as they investigate how leaves feel. The childminder repeats single words to younger children and gives them time to repeat the word back to her. This helps children to extend their vocabulary. The childminder promotes children's mathematical development spontaneously as children play. For example, she encourages children to count the blocks as they play together. Children help to count out the blueberries during snack time. The childminder introduces children to mathematical language, such as

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The provision is good

'bigger' and 'taller', as they build towers.

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The provision is good

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, children are learning good hygiene routines. The childminder helps younger children to wash their hands when they arrive at the setting. She adapted her provision as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children now separate from their parents at the door.

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need to do better?

n The childminder regularly completes relevant training courses to further her own professional development. She has forged links with the local pre-school and readily shares information about children's learning and development with the staff. The childminder reflects on the quality of her provision. She considers the views of parents and children when planning for improvements. n Parents have provided written testimonials. These indicate that they are happy with the service provided. They are grateful for the childminder's flexible and accommodating approach to different situations. Parents praise the childminder for ensuring that she provides the children with lots of outside walks and adventures. The childminder supports parents to continue their children's learning at home. Children enjoy choosing a storybook to take home each week to share with their parents. n The childminder provides opportunities to support children's growing

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need to do better?

independence. Younger children feed themselves with a spoon at lunchtime. Children choose which fruit they would prefer at snack time. They help the childminder to cut up the apple pieces. Older children manage their own toileting needs. They put on their coats and shoes by themselves. This helps to prepare them for the next stage in their learning. The childminder provides children with healthy and nutritious food. She knows when children are tired or hungry and responds appropriately to meet their needs.

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need to do better?

20 October 2021 n Children enjoy looking at books from an early age. The childminder encourages children to point to parts of their bodies as she reads them a story. They are encouraged to communicate animal names that they can see in the book. n The childminder promotes children's physical development well. Children use small scoops to transfer the lentils and pasta into different-sized containers. They use chunky crayons to make marks on paper. This helps to develop children's small-muscle skills. Children have lots of opportunities to practise their large-muscle skills as they sing action songs. The childminder takes children on local nature walks where they enjoy jumping in puddles. She uses these opportunities to teach children about plants that are not safe to touch, such as nettles. The childminder takes children to a weekly music-and-movement class to further develop children's large movements.

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need to do better?

n The childminder celebrates important milestones in individual children's lives. She helps children to recognise how they are different and unique, for example by looking at eye colour and hair colour. However, children have fewer opportunities to develop their understanding of the lives of others and strengthen their appreciation of diversity. n Children follow the childminder's instructions well. The childminder praises children for their good listening skills. However, the childminder does not always provide children with clear expectations. For example, she does not explain what is expected of younger children during tidy-up time.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her child protection training up to date. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse. The childminder is familiar with the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child in her care. She teaches children to stay safe. For example, she ensures that children store their bags away from the front door to prevent trip hazards. The childminder teaches children how to cross roads safely when they go out. She has altered risk assessments to her home to ensure that children are safe when the childminder is preparing meals in the kitchen.

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should:

n provide more opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the lives of others and strengthen their appreciation of diversity n provide younger children with clear expectations so that they understand what is expected of them.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY447526 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10204576 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 6 Date of previous inspection 16 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Parkgate, Neston. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 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 inspector viewed the premises and the intent of the curriculum was discussed. n The quality of teaching was observed and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Relevant documentation was checked and discussed, including policies and procedures. The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation and checked evidence of her suitability and the suitability of household members. n Children were spoken to and the childminder and the inspector held ongoing discussions throughout the inspection. n Parents' views were obtained.

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Inspection activities

20 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

20 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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