Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children happily enter the childminder's home on their arrival. The childminder's caring and friendly manner makes children feel welcome, and they are happy in her home. The childminder sets up her provision in a stimulating way, to encourage children's inquisitiveness and motivate them to explore. Children learn about boundaries in place for their safety and the safety of others. They listen to the childminder's clear explanations and reminders. For example, they adapt their actions and behaviour well as they play with large sticks and long spades. They learn to share toys with other children and take turns with resources. The childminder assesses and re-evaluates children's learning regularly, focusing her planned experiences on skills they need to develop. She knows children's capabilities and encourages them to practise and develop their skills in suitable tasks. Children gain dexterity and strength using tools and equipment. They use

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The provision is good

brushes to paint. They connect magnetic shapes to build structures and attach coloured bands to pegs to create patterns. The childminder offers them encouragement and praise, helping to build their confidence. Children concentrate well as they cut up fruit for their snack, safely using real knives. They persist when challenges occur and show positive attitudes towards learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has focused on developing her practice since her last inspection. She has clear processes for her self-evaluation. She has links with other childminders and plans to join the local childminding group, to gain good practice ideas and to help her develop all aspects of her provision. She thinks about what she provides and works to implement her outlined plans, making changes and improvements to benefit the children in her care. n Children's communication and confidence develop effectively. The childminder patiently explains things to children to help their understanding and encourage their cooperation. She gives children time to think and respond to her questions, supporting those that are quieter and less confident. She is patient and gives children plenty of attention. She gets down to their level and joins them in their play. They listen and are interested in what she has to say. Children gain

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need to do better?

confidence in speaking, taking turns in conversation and communicating what they want or need. n Children make good progress. The childminder observes children's play and exploration, assesses their achievements and any gaps in their development. She promptly outlines next steps in the children's learning and works to support them, to help these gaps close. However, during some activities, the childminder is not always successful in adapting the activity or her support to the varied interests and needs of the children. Consequently, at times, some children lose interest or their exploration and learning are not extended as much as possible.

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need to do better?

21 June 2022 n The childminder encourages children's healthy lifestyles. Children enjoy fresh fruit for their snack and drinking water. They learn good hygiene practices. The childminder offers reminders and makes these routines fun, singing songs to encourage children's involvement and enjoyment. Children are inspired to learn about nature, as they grow a range of items with the childminder. They relish picking berries and learn about the different types. They enjoy being active in the fresh air, using the swings and other equipment in her garden. n Children are happy to do things for themselves. They peel their fruit at snack time and take their shoes off independently when they enter the childminder's house. However, the childminder does not consistently encourage them with other independent tasks, such as clearing away their items after lunch or ensure all the children help tidy the toys and resources. Additionally, at times, the

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need to do better?

childminder does things for the children instead of encouraging them to do things themselves. This means that children's sense of responsibility and self- care skills do not develop as much as possible. n The childminder has good partnerships with parents and works with them to support children's learning and development. Parents comment that the childminder is intuitive, compassionate, calm and wonderfully understanding. They feel their child is nurtured and safe at the childminder's setting.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibilities to the children in her care. She has refreshed her child protection knowledge through training. She knows the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm and how to report any concerns. The childminder ensures her home is clean and well maintained. She has attended first- aid training and carries out thorough risk assessments of her home to help maintain children's safety and welfare. The childminder watches and supports children as they play, while still ensuring they have the freedom to explore and develop their confidence and skills. Children adapt their actions well and begin to recognise and manage the risks they encounter.

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should:

n give further consideration to adapting activities to fully support the differing needs of the children involved n make the most of opportunities for children to do things for themselves and extend their sense of responsibility and self-care skills further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY554922 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10203199 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 5 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 7 July 2021

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Frome, Somerset. She operates from 9am to 1pm, Tuesday to Friday, during school term times only and occasional days in the school holidays. She follows the Steiner educational philosophy. The childminder provides funded early education for children aged three years.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection of the setting 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 provision. n The inspector viewed the areas used for childminding and discussed with the childminder how she implements the educational programmes for the children. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated the effectiveness of an activity together. The inspector observed the children and the childminder and spoke with them at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents shared their views of the childminder's provision with the inspector. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including suitability checks and paediatric first-aid qualifications, and the childminder discussed her procedures for safeguarding the children.

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Inspection activities

21 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.

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Inspection activities

21 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.

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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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