Childminder in Shropshire

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 and her assistant arrange the environment to inspire children's learning. Children are deeply engaged and focus for long periods of time. For example, the childminder reads a story to the children about searching for a bear through grass, mud, water, a forest and snow. Children listen intently. They know the story well and join in with repeated words and phrases. Children enjoy exploring the sand. They scoop up the sand and cover their feet with it. They marvel when they see their toes disappear and cheer when they burst back out from under the sand. The childminder makes sure that children have regular opportunities to increase their knowledge. For instance, children learn daily about the days of the week, the months of the year, the weather and numbers.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant take the children on weekly visits to a forest school site. They supervise children well while they manage risks for themselves outdoors. For example, children make their own concoctions in the mud kitchen, construct their own dens and toast marshmallows on a fire.

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The provision is good

Children form strong attachments with the childminder and her assistant. They regularly climb onto them for a cuddle. Children behave well. They are confident, happy and form special friendships with each other.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses termly themes to plan activities that engage children across all relevant areas of their learning. These themes incorporate children's interests and learning goals and promote their awareness of other people's culture and beliefs. The childminder uses suitable government guidance to help her shape the curriculum. The childminder closely monitors children's activity and progress and uses this information to inform the future planning of the curriculum. n The childminder provides a welcoming, purposeful and stimulating environment. Children engage deeply in learning. The childminder places a strong focus on providing children with a wide range of exciting activities that help to develop the hand strength they need to support their development of other skills, such as handwriting. n The childminder links with other childminders in the local community to share good practice and to help identify areas for her to improve. She evaluates the

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need to do better?

impact of her own and her assistant's practice, and reflects on and modifies approaches when necessary. n The childminder makes sure that her assistant receives regular support meetings where she can seek advice and discuss any concerns that she may have. She values the assistant's views. For example, when the assistant observed an

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need to do better?

9 February 2022 exciting outdoor activity at another setting, the childminder supported her in replicating this at their setting. The assistant is working towards a nationally recognised childcare qualification to help build on her knowledge and skills. n The childminder and her assistant encourage the children to be part of the local community. They regularly take the children to the local toddler group. This provides children with opportunities for friendship, learning and fun outside of the childminder's home. n The childminder and her assistant provide good opportunities for children to learn about nature from first-hand experiences. For example, they take the children on regular visits to farms and wildlife conservation areas. Here, children explore the natural surroundings and a range of animals. This, along with ongoing discussion, helps to consolidate children's learning and their understanding of the world.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistant regularly take the children to the local outdoor playground and to soft-play venues. In the garden, children play with a good range of ride-on toys, as well as the seesaw. This, along with nutritious meals and snacks, helps to promote children's health and well-being. n The childminder informs parents about the types of activities and experiences she provides for children. This is through daily chats and the sharing of photographs and information through the childminder's professional social media site. However, the childminder does not provide all parents with as much information as possible about the plans for their child's future learning. n The childminder and her assistant use a variety of strategies to support children's communication skills. However, they do not always fully encourage younger children to express their thoughts and ideas.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have undertaken safeguarding training. They have a good understanding of the possible signs of abuse or neglect. They know what to do, and who to contact should they have a concern about a child in their care. The childminder thoroughly assesses risks in her home, garden and on any outings, so that any hazards are swiftly addressed. The childminder and her assistant consistently supervise children to ensure their safety at all times. They fully understand how to promote and practise good infection prevention and control procedures. The childminder and her assistant have completed recent paediatric first-aid training. This provides them with the knowledge and skills required to administer effectively first aid in an emergency.

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should:

9 February 2022 n increase the information provided to parents about how they can support their child's learning at home so that children make the best possible progress n encourage younger children to talk and express themselves, so that their language and communication skills are fully enhanced throughout the day.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2624597 Local authority Shropshire Inspection number 10221018 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 12 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Shrewsbury. The childminder operates from 8am until 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday, and from 9am until 3pm on a Friday. She works all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers overnight care. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder holds early years professional status. She works with an assistant.

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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 and the childminder completed a learning walk to understand how the curriculum is organised and to check all areas of the premises. n The inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with 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 held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of persons living or working in the household. n The inspector held conversations with children during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

9 February 2022 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

9 February 2022 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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