Childminder in Herefordshire

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled at this warm and welcoming setting. They form close relationships with the childminder and her co-childminder, who know the children well. Children enjoy lots of cuddles from them both. This helps children to feel safe and emotionally secure. Children confidently explore the clean and homely environment. They make independent choices about their play. Children behave well and develop early friendships. They play cooperatively together and learn to share and take turns. Older children are kind and eager to help their younger friends. For example, they show them how to carefully turn the pages in a book. Young children are beginning to learn about size and measure. They display high levels of concentration as they fill and empty sand into different-sized containers. The childminder asks questions, introducing mathematical language, such as 'full' and 'empty', to extend their thinking.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn about the world around them. They are intrigued as they hold binoculars up to their eyes and look out of the window for birds in the garden. The childminder effectively supports children's communication and language skills. She engages them in thoughtful conversations as they play. For example, the childminder and children discuss where birds live and what they eat. Children excitedly announce that they 'like worms'.

p.2

need to do better?

n The nurturing childminder works from the home of her co-childminder. Together, they provide children with a well-organised learning environment. The childminder and her co-childminder work very well together. They have a clear vision to provide high-quality care and education at all times. The childminder is reflective and ambitious. She is keen to continue with her professional development. The childminder regularly attends training to support her already good skills and knowledge. n The childminder provides children with an interesting curriculum. She plans play activities around children's current interests and next steps in learning. The childminder makes regular assessments of their learning to identify what children do well and what they need further support with. n The childminder knows what she wants children to learn from the activities she plans. For example, they identify the numbers on the cards that they search for

p.2

need to do better?

in the garden. However, the childminder does not always fully consider children's individual learning needs or their stage of development. At times, activities are too complicated for the youngest children and do not offer enough challenge for more able children. n Children are beginning to understand the importance of good hygiene. They wash their hands at regular intervals throughout the day. The childminder gently

p.2

need to do better?

1 February 2023 reminds children of the daily routines. For example, they help to tidy away the toys before meal times. n The childminder provides children with lots of experiences to support their early literacy skills. She enthusiastically reads to them throughout the day. The childminder encourages children to use small props to support their learning. For example, they pick a figure from a 'song bag' and proceed to sing a rhyme about it. Young children display high levels of concentration. They draw with crayons and use paint brushes to make marks in flour. This helps children to develop strength in their hands in readiness for early writing. n The childminder effectively supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She ensures the curriculum she provides meets the needs of all children who attend. The childminder works closely with other professionals to share information about children's learning and development.

p.2

need to do better?

Children with SEND make good progress. n Partnerships with parents are well-established. The childminder speaks to parents on a daily basis about children's time at the setting. She updates children's online learning records, sends digital messages and adds information to the setting's social media page. This helps parents to see for themselves the range of activities children take part and assists them to continue learning at home. n Parents are highly complementary about the care and education the childminder and her co-childminder provide. They comment on the 'homely learning environment' and the 'plethora of activities' the childminder and her co- childminder offer.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder attends safeguarding training to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. She has a secure understanding of how to keep children safe from harm. The childminder completes daily safety checks on all areas of the setting to ensure any hazards or risks are removed or minimised. She is aware of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse or harm. The childminder is clear on the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child's welfare. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe. For example, she talks to them about road safety when they go out for walks.

p.3

should:

n review planned play activities to make sure they are developmentally appropriate and meet children's individual needs.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY488262 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 10264606 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 8 Date of previous inspection 20 June 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and operates from the home of her co- childminder in Bromyard, Herefordshire. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

p.4

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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure those are safe and suitable. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written documentation. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection.

p.4

Inspection activities

1 February 2023 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

1 February 2023 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