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 demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in this nurturing and welcoming setting. They form secure attachments with the childminder and her assistant and are confident to show visitors what they can do. The childminder is a good role model and has high expectations for children's behaviour and learning. Children follow these expectations well and are supported to take turns and share. Children have respect for one another and behave very well. For instance, all children are eager to help the childminder by placing their plates in the washing up bowl and pushing in their chairs after leaving the table. Children smile with pride as they receive praise for their efforts and develop positive attitudes to learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant interact with children very well and help them to develop their imagination and confidence. For example, they support children to use all of their senses and muscles as soon as a familiar song starts to play. Children laugh infectiously as they repeat 'a is for apple' and dance around the room. The childminder helps children to think carefully about the words they hear and the letters they start with. Children are given time to work things out for themselves and are making good progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers a very flexible and inclusive service. She and her assistant teach children to be kind and respect each other's differences in an age- appropriate way. Children who speak English as an additional language progress well. The childminder works closely with parents to learn words in their home language and uses these alongside English words to help children develop a good grasp of English. All children are developing in confidence and character and make good progress relative to their starting points. n Children benefit greatly from the high-quality interactions of the childminder and her assistant, who model good communication and language skills. Children demonstrate fluency in their conversations as they speak and listen politely, with the childminder expanding and repeating words with positive reinforcement. This helps children to feel valued and swiftly builds their vocabulary. However,

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need to do better?

occasionally during group activities, the childminder does not notice where adaptations are needed in her practice to ensure that children of different ages and stages of development are consistently challenged. n The childminder recognises the importance of prioritising further training in order to positively impact on outcomes for children. For example, recent training in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities has equipped her assistant with a greater understanding of how to identify and support those children who may need extra help. This helps to ensure all children make good progress.

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need to do better?

14 February 2023 n Children enjoy their time in the secure outdoor area. They demonstrate good physical dexterity as they balance on wooden benches and confidently navigate obstacles as they ride balance bikes. The childminder teaches children to take appropriate risks and challenges as they play, building their self-esteem and perseverance. n Children are developing good hygiene practices and independence as they participate in a well-organised snack time. They know to wash their hands without being reminded and confidently make choices from a selection of fruits and savoury biscuits. However, healthy choices are not promoted consistently, as some of the children bring juice and unhealthy snacks in their lunch boxes. The childminder has not yet fully embedded the importance of good oral health and healthy eating habits into the setting. n Partnership working is a strength due to the thorough information sharing

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need to do better?

processes and well-established links with local schools. This helps to ensure that all children are ready for their next stage. Parents are provided with daily updates about their children's progress. The childminder implements innovative ideas such as the 'hero bear', which is given to children to celebrate achievements and good behaviours. This allows parents to further support children's learning and development at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have completed in-depth child protection training and ensure that their knowledge is kept up to date. They understand the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm or neglect. She and her assistant know the procedures for recording and reporting child protection concerns and are confident to implement this if necessary. They keep children under their close supervision, reminding them how to keep themselves safe. For example, children learn how to use knives carefully and learn how to stay safe online. Robust vetting procedures ensure that all people living and working on-site are suitable to be with children. The areas used for childminding are clean and well-organised, and the premises are safe and secure.

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should:

n sharpen the planning of group activities so that children of different ages and abilities are suitably challenged and supported to make the best possible progress n maximise opportunities to help children to develop positive attitudes to healthy eating and good oral health.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY394417 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10276625 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 18 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 25 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in the Wistaston area of Crewe. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She works with a level 3 qualified assistant. The childminder provides funded early 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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the curriculum and the intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children during play and daily routines. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder's assistant and discussed the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning and development. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of relevant records and documentation. n All areas of the premises were viewed and the inspector took account of how the childminder helps to ensure that children are safe and secure.

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Inspection activities

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

14 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.

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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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