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 Good

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy themselves in this warm, welcoming and inviting environment. The childminder ensures that all children's individual needs are fully met. Children demonstrate they feel happy, safe and secure while in the care of the well-qualified childminder. They seek out cuddles and reassurance when they start to feel tired.

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The provision is good

Children have access to a wide range of resources. They enjoy imaginary play with the large choice of pretend food. They are confident and approach the inspector to ask what she would like to eat. Children laugh and giggle when they bring the requested foods back. The inspector jokes that she will not be able move, as food after food is brought for her to try. The childminder skilfully extends this learning for the older children by suggesting that they write a list of the food requested.

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The provision is good

Children learn early mathematical concepts. They build blocks while counting and are asked to name shapes and colours. Children enjoy using a variety of different resources for mark marking, such as small blackboards and chalks. They enjoy using a mechanical drawing toy to draw and copy numbers and 'magically' wipe them away. Children develop an avid interest in the world around them. The childminder's garden provides a variety of wildlife which children watch. They discuss whether the robin which has come is going to just drink the water or have a bath. Children are learning to self-regulate their own behaviour, and the childminder reinforces that they must share and take turns. Overall, children behave well.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses information obtained from parents and her own observations to track children's progress. Any gaps in learning are swiftly identified and a plan of support is put in place. Children make good progress ready for their next stage of learning. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. The childminder works closely with other professionals who are involved with children's care. She attends meetings and provides termly assessments on the children's progress which she shares with parents and other professionals. This ensures consistency and means that children make the best possible progress. n The childminder agrees strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour, especially for those children who may have additional needs. She works closely with the school and parents to ensure that all children are safe. n Children can recall knowledge which they have learned and apply it to new

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need to do better?

situations. For example, when making bread with the childminder, they are taught that warmth is required to help the dough grow in size. When making a

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need to do better?

2 March 2022 chocolate cake later and having the treat of licking the bowl out, children take the bowl to the radiator and announce that they are 'trying to make it grow so there is more'. n The childminder's curriculum centres around children learning the skills required for school. The childminder plans lots of activities based on children's interests to ignite their curiosity and thirst for learning. She follows the children's lead in their play and continually extends their learning. For example, when talking about music and being loud, she offers the children cardboard tubes. The children excitedly take these and proceed to 'trumpet' down their tubes and march around the room together. n Younger children are provided with lots of opportunities to explore using their senses. When the childminder sees a baby rubbing their feet on a plastic board used for building blocks, she removes their socks and asks, 'What does it feel

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need to do better?

like now?' The baby giggles and continues to explore the texture. n The quality of teaching is good. Children's communication and language skills are well promoted. The childminder asks questions which make children think and respond in full sentences. Children's language is extended as they talk about tornados and what these do. The childminder repeats words back to the younger children and she skilfully interacts with babies as they babble to her. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents comment that they are extremely happy with the service they are provided with and do not know what they would have done without the support of the childminder. n The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle. Children have freshly prepared healthy snacks and lunches. They are learning to be independent in going to the toilet by themselves. However, the importance and teaching of handwashing are not always fully promoted. The childminder uses antibacterial gel instead of

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need to do better?

encouraging children to wash their hands with soap and water.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of all safeguarding issues. She ensures that her knowledge is kept up to date by attending regular training. She knows the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. In addition, the childminder understands the procedure to follow should any allegations be made against her or a member of her household. The childminder keeps meticulous records for the safe and efficient management of the setting. For example, any behavioural intervention is recorded and shared with parents. The childminder ensures that her premises are safe and risk free. She holds an appropriate paediatric first-aid qualification.

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should:

2 March 2022 n help children to understand the importance of handwashing and how this links to keeping themselves healthy.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY299131 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10229269 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 22 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays, a week at Christmas and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years foundation degree.

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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 childminder and the inspector had a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to and communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

2 March 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

2 March 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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