Childminder in Sheffield

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children develop a real love of learning during their time with this extremely dedicated childminder. Children are making excellent progress from their starting points. This is because of the high-quality interactions the children have with the childminder. They are encouraged to be curious about things and to solve problems. The youngest children are supported to find out if the shakers they are holding both make the same sound. Older children discuss the best way to make their models stable. Children benefit from a highly stimulating learning environment, both inside and outdoors. They take part in a wide variety of interesting activities. They proudly tell the inspector about the lavender biscuits they have made. They list the ingredients they used and demonstrate how they mixed these together using their fingers. The children's beautiful watercolour artwork is displayed next to the flowers they have painted.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel happy and secure in the childminder's care. They beam with pride when they are praised for being helpful or kind to their friends. Children are spoken to with respect and kindness. This supports children to understand how they can make other people feel happy and valued. For example, they started to bake for elderly residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have continued to do this and are delighted when they receive letters of thanks.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has an exceptionally strong understanding of how young children learn. She attends regular training and carries out research on different approaches to early education. She reflects on her practice, making regular changes to the opportunities she provides. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of each child's stage of development. She also knows about their interests. This helps her to provide meaningful learning opportunities for all children. n There is a strong emphasis on developing children's knowledge of the natural world. Children are fascinated by the life cycle of the butterfly. They are observing real caterpillars as they change into butterflies. Children are growing their own pumpkins. They explain how they scooped out the seeds from the huge pumpkins they grew last year, to plant in the vegetable patch. The childminder helps younger children to use scissors to cut fresh herbs from the

p.2

need to do better?

garden. Older children confidently snip their own chives and rosemary, ready to make pizza toppings. n The childminder seamlessly incorporates key areas of learning into children's play. Children count the plates as they set the table. They identify shapes when building with blocks. They are introduced to both capital and lower case letters in displays around the playroom. The childminder skilfully helps older children to

p.2

need to do better?

16 June 2022 recognise the letters in their names. She explains that the letter 'e' makes different sounds at the start of some words. n The childminder ensures that children have access to a wide range of books. Children regularly choose a book to look at on their own or to read with the childminder. Children all snuggle up on the sofa to listen to stories. The childminder reminds the children about the role of the author and the illustrator before she starts reading. As she reads, she includes different songs and rhymes connected to the story. However, this means that the activity takes too long to complete and some of the younger children lose concentration. n The childminder ensures that she equips children with the skills they need to keep themselves safe. Older children show the inspector how they climb safely up a ladder to a treehouse. The childminder carries out regular visual checks of the learning environment. However, she does not consistently review and

p.2

need to do better?

evaluate her risk assessments. n Children show high levels of independence for their age. They know where to put their belongings and fetch their shoes and hats when it is time to go outside. All children wash and dry their own hands. The childminder helps the younger children to pour their own water. Older children take turns to grate cheese onto their pizzas. n Parents are delighted by the progress their children are making. They greatly appreciate the wide range of experiences provided by the childminder. They report that their children often come home with 'treasures', such as seeds they have planted, baking, artwork and mementoes from outings.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder updates her safeguarding knowledge on a regular basis. She has a detailed knowledge of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. This includes a thorough understanding of how to identify that a child may be the victim of radicalisation or grooming. She confidently explains the process to follow should she have a concern about a child. She knows what to do if there is an allegation made against herself. She also takes seriously her role in signposting parents and carers to local support services, where necessary.

p.3

should:

n ensure that planned activities do not last too long, so that all children's interests are maintained throughout n carry out more rigorous visual checks of the learning environment to ensure all risks are minimised.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY359006 Local authority Sheffield Inspection number 10117427 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 9 Date of previous inspection 15 February 2016

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007 and lives in Sheffield. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is a qualified teacher and holds early years professional status. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children.

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 childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they keep them safe. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector reviewed written feedback from parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

16 June 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

16 June 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.

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