Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

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 form secure relationships with the childminder and her assistants, who are very supportive and nurturing in their approach. Children are clearly happy and show that they feel safe as they approach the adults for reassurance if they feel upset. They enjoy the time they spend at this welcoming setting. When playing independently, older children select what they would like to play with and spend a long time concentrating on their chosen tasks. For example, children enjoy playing with sand. They work hard to create sand castles and move sand with trucks. Children learn new vocabulary, such as 'flexible' and 'brittle', as they explore a range of textures in a sensory play activity. They receive an abundance of praise and encouragement from the childminder and her assistant. This helps children to feel valued and secure.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. This is because they understand what the childminder and her assistants expect of them. There are clear rules in place that help children learn right from wrong. Children use their manners and show kindness and respect for one another. They learn to tidy up resources, share and take turns. Following the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the childminder has identified that children have had limited opportunities to socialise. As a result, she prioritises helping children to visit the local community. This helps them to feel confident and happy in social situations.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants provide children with a curriculum which follows their interests and builds on what they already know and can do. Assessment is used to identify what children need to learn next. As a result, children are motivated and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. n The childminder prioritises helping children develop their communication and language skills. Adults use correct language as they talk to children and ask questions to start interesting conversations. When in the garden, children listen to sounds. When they identify an aeroplane, adults question them and they engage in discussions about their recent holidays. These interactions help children to become confident communicators. n Children develop their physical skills and strength. They climb on playground equipment on visits to the local park. Children dance and move to music. They use tweezers and tools to strengthen their hands as they play. Children develop

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need to do better?

their dexterity and hand-to-eye coordination. This helps them to develop skills that will benefit them for future learning. n The childminder seizes every opportunity to network with other local childminders and providers to share ideas. She and her assistants access regular training. They share learning points from courses with each other. This helps to

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need to do better?

20 January 2023 keep their skills and knowledge up to date. The childminder gives her assistants clear support and help to fulfil their roles. However, overall, the arrangements to monitor and reflect on practice are not yet precise enough to further raise the good quality of teaching to an even higher level. n The childminder provides children with a social and relaxing snack time. Children sit at a table and chat while they enjoy healthy food. They show independence as they pour water to drink and help to clear the table. Children learn how to keep themselves healthy. n Children visit the local community every day and learn to be respectful to people who help them. They attend forest school classes, where they learn through nature. Children have fun and develop their physical skills at a football class. They attend playgroups and music sessions; this supports their growing vocabulary. These activities help children to develop their resilience and

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need to do better?

confidence. n Care routines are effective. The childminder reminds children to cover their mouths when they cough. Children wash and sanitise their hands before and after mealtimes and after they use a tissue. They learn about effective hygiene routines. n Parents are kept up to date with their children's learning. The childminder provides parents with daily feedback and photos of their children's experiences. She also gives parents helpful ideas of how to support children's learning at home. As a result, children benefit from a consistent approach to their development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They fully understand the procedures to follow, and the appropriate agencies to contact, should there be any concerns about a child's safety or well-being. The childminder completes training to support her role as designated safeguarding lead, and ensures that her knowledge remains up to date. Children learn about road safety and know they must follow rules when they are out in the community. This helps to keep children safe.

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should:

n further develop arrangements to reflect on practice, to ensure that all teaching is consistently of the highest standard.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489067 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10264871 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 12 Number of children on roll 15 Date of previous inspection 28 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Northwich, Cheshire. She operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, during term time only. The childminder holds a relevant early education qualification at level 3. She works with assistants.

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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 inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors. n Parents, children and an assistant shared their views of the setting. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable.

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Inspection activities

20 January 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.

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Inspection activities

20 January 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.

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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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