Childminder in Cheshire East

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 attending this welcoming provision. They have developed warm and trusting relationships with the childminder, who is kind, patient and caring in her approach. Children clearly enjoy her company. They are full of smiles and are confident to ask for help when needed. Children have established good friendships. They play harmoniously together, completing jigsaw puzzles and helping each other to thread large wooden beads. Children are motivated to learn. They are curious and keen to explore the array of resources that the childminder provides. The childminder has high expectations of what children can achieve. She successfully builds on children's existing skills, gathering detailed information from parents when children first start at her setting. The childminder continues to support children's confidence in social situations following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The provision is good

Children behave well for their age. They are learning to share and to take turns with gentle and consistent reminders from the childminder. Children understand routine and what is expected of them. For example, they know they must tidy away toys before moving on to the next activity.

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need to do better?

n Although the childminder has some procedures for monitoring children's attendance, this does not include robustly recording the times of arrival and departure. That said, she is aware of her need to do so and describes how this used to form part of her daily practice prior to COVID-19. The childminder fully understands the importance of maintaining records and, despite not accurately recording this information, she is able to share with the inspector children's attendance patterns. n The childminder knows the children exceptionally well. She plans activities that support their good progress and development. Children are motivated to explore and investigate resources independently. The childminder playfully engages with children as she helps them to develop their ideas as they play. However, occasionally, the childminder has not thoroughly considered how to fully engage younger children so that they can truly benefit from the learning opportunities

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need to do better?

provided. n The childminder regularly evaluates the service that she provides. She rotates resources and equipment to maintain children's interests, which helps to sustain their enthusiasm for learning. Furthermore, she continually seeks the views of parents and uses any suggestions to drive improvements. The childminder has completed mandatory training to ensure her knowledge and skills remain up to date. However, more recently, the childminder has not fully considered development opportunities to enhance her existing skills and knowledge and

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need to do better?

9 August 2022 raise the quality of her teaching to the highest level. n Children enjoy learning about the natural world around them and the community in which they live. They visit places of interest, such as local woodlands, parks, farms and shops. Children enjoy learning about special celebrations, such as Chinese New Year. The childminder helps children to develop an awareness of their individual uniqueness. For example, she uses sign language as a means of communication. Older children understand this and use simple signs as they communicate with their peers. n Children show an awareness of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. They understand the necessity to follow good hygiene procedures and wash their hands independently before eating and after using the bathroom. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, sandwiches and yoghurts. They are reminded to drink water and engage in daily energetic play,

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need to do better?

either in the childminder's garden or out and about in the local community. n Children have good opportunities to develop their independence skills. For example, when exploring a variety of dressing-up clothes, the childminder carefully supports children to fasten their chosen outfits independently. Furthermore, young children are keen to help the childminder prepare lunch and use age-appropriate knives to assist cutting soft fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers. Children relish the role and responsibility they are given and are developing essential skills for the future.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of the action she would take if she had concerns about a child's welfare. She carefully explains the potential signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder ensures her safeguarding training is regularly refreshed so that her knowledge and skills remain up to date. She completes detailed risk assessments to ensure that her home is safe and secure. Furthermore, she applies the same due diligence when planning outings and trips or using her car to transport children.

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Due date

maintain an accurate record of the arrival and departure times of children in attendance. 12/08/2022

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should:

n adapt the implementation of activities more effectively to fully engage younger children and extend their skills as much as possible n engage in targeted professional development opportunities to help build on existing knowledge and teaching skills, in order to raise the quality of the provision to the highest standard.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY383127 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10249229 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 4 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Congleton, Cheshire. She provides care all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. In addition, she offers some sessions during weekends and some overnight care. The childminder has an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector observed an activity and discussed the impact of this on children's learning. n The inspector reviewed the areas of the childminder's home that children use, to ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children throughout the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation, including the suitability of adults living in the household, first-aid certificates and relevant policies and procedures.

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Inspection activities

9 August 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 August 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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