Childminder in Cheshire East

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children truly thrive in the care of the childminder. They arrive with confidence, motivation and an eagerness to learn. Parents no longer enter the setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, children separate with ease. Their strong bond with the childminder is a clear reflection of how safe and secure they feel. Children behave incredibly well. Firmly embedded rules and boundaries help children to be clear about what is expected of them. For instance, when finishing an activity in the kitchen, they remember that utensils, such as rolling pins, should not be taken to the playroom. Children are quickly developing an understanding of what is right and wrong from a very early age.

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The provision is outstanding

Children have a wealth of challenging learning opportunities to broaden their skills and knowledge. They take part in cooking activities and learn about a variety of different herbs and spices. Children help to build a hotel for bugs and explore the living conditions preferred by different insects. They learn that adult insects provide food for their babies in the same way that their own parents provide food for them. Making these comparisons ignites children's curiosity, extends their thinking skills and helps them to make links in their learning. Consequently, children make remarkable progress in their development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder implements a wonderful curriculum that is well balanced, exciting and ambitious. He considers the range of practical skills that children are capable of acquiring beyond the seven areas of learning. The childminder teaches children to make a campfire from sticks, use gardening equipment and take part in 'do it yourself' jobs. He carefully considers children's individual learning styles when implementing new activities and adapting his practice. For instance, he understands that some children are visual learners and need additional role modelling, while other children follow instructions well through verbal direction. Children are incredibly well prepared for the next stage in their learning. n Children's communication and language development are exceptional. Very young children hold long back-and-forth conversations. They talk about different characters in a story and link this back to prior learning. For instance, when

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need to do better?

reading a book about caterpillars, children remind the childminder about their own caterpillars that are currently cocooned. This helps to consolidate children's understanding and extend their speaking skills even further. n The childminder places high priority on supporting children to adopt healthy lifestyles. He teaches children about healthy food options and the effects that different foods have on their body and teeth. By involving children in food preparation, he encourages them to make healthy choices. The childminder

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need to do better?

10 May 2022 provides children with physical exercise opportunities, such as 'keep fit' sessions. Children learn about strength, coordination and balance when running, jumping and using the miniature weights. This holistic approach helps to teach children about all-round good health. n Children's attitude to learning is impressive. They become enthralled when learning to make a ball shape from a piece of play dough. Children carefully grip the play dough between their two palms and relentlessly practise the circular motion needed. They watch the childminder's modelling intently and carefully mimic the action. When presented with difficulties, children are resilient and persevere until they successfully create their own variation of a ball. This has a positive effect on children's confidence and boosts their self-esteem. n The childminder takes children on a range of outings to broaden their experiences. They visit their own community as well as communities further

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need to do better?

away that are different from their own. Children find out first hand about different cultures, cuisine and clothing. They are learning about similarities and differences in ways appropriate to their age. This teaches children about the world around them and prepares them for life in modern Britain. n The childminder works closely with his co-childminder to reflect on the quality of the setting. He strives for continual improvement and values feedback on his practice. Following an observation from his co-childminder, the childminder has recently implemented new strategies for keeping children engaged during story time. For instance, he now provides an interactive approach and offers children more time to be involved in the story. This has increased children's love of books and developed their literacy skills even further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of his role in keeping children safe. He is alert to the indicators of abuse and is confident with the procedures for referring his concerns. The childminder is aware of safeguarding concerns that are prevalent within the local community, such as domestic abuse. He ensures that he accesses appropriate training to keep his knowledge and understanding up to date. The childminder is alert to hazards in the environment and ensures that risks to children are removed.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY356855 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10129076 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 11 April 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Knutsford. He works alongside a co- childminder. His provision operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 discussed how the curriculum is planned and implemented. n The inspector observed the quality of education indoors and outdoors and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n Discussions were held with the childminder, parents and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A leadership and management meeting was held with the childminder. Documentation relating to the suitability of people living and working on the premises was checked. The inspector looked at training certificates and paediatric first-aid certificates.

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Inspection activities

10 May 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

10 May 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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