Down, Susan

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

The childminder offers a calm and homely atmosphere. Babies smile with excitement on seeing her, showing they feel safe and happy in her care. Older children mirror the childminder's gentle approach. They are sensitive and kind towards babies. A child smiles at a baby, handing them a toy to include them in their play. Children play and work together cooperatively. As a team, they move a large tray. They share their struggle saying: 'It's heavy!' They also celebrate their success saying: 'We did it!' Children are encouraged to be independent and challenge themselves. A child sets themselves a task to fold a mat. Struggling, the child says: 'I am not big enough.' The childminder provides encouragement: 'Do your best, practise and you will get there.' The child proudly succeeds. Children build confidence, resilience and develop self-esteem.

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The provision is good

All children benefit from the ambitious curriculum and the childminder's high expectations. They enjoy visits to libraries, farms, zoos, parks and playgroups. Children interact with a wider range of children and are exposed to new experiences. They learn about the world and develop new vocabulary and confidence in social situations. Children show great motivation for learning and engage well in circle times and group discussions. They make good progress, develop social skills and form positive friendships.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children well. She plans activities linked to their interests. She observes their play and skilfully interacts to build on their knowledge and skills. The childminder provides targeted resources and learning opportunities for older children. However, she does not always target activities and resources for younger children to ignite their curiosity and exploration further. n There are clear, consistent rules and routines in place. The childminder is in constant communication with children, letting them know what will happen next. Children respond promptly to her calm instruction. On the few occasional disputes that occur, she quickly intervenes. She reminds children of her expectations and uses stories to teach about kind behaviour. As a result, children behave well, feel secure and know what to expect. n Children are supported to develop independence in preparation for school. The

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need to do better?

childminder effectively organises the environment to aid this. Children access low cubby holes for their belongings and wash their hands with a child-friendly water dispenser. Toys are accessible to children, and they enjoy leading their own play. Older children learn to wipe the table and spread their own toast. They relish this independence and ability to do things for themselves. n Children are challenged and encouraged to think for themselves. For example,

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need to do better?

23 February 2023 while exploring measuring equipment, children ask the childminder what things are, and she encourages children to think about it for themselves. Children use mathematical vocabulary and concepts in their play. They show understanding that weighing scales are for measuring. Young children measure out cereal and announce: 'That's four hundred!' Children recognise basic shapes, such as a circle. They demonstrate they are retaining what they have learned. n The childminder effectively supports children's speech and language development. She speaks clearly and uses repetition to help children pronounce words correctly. She engages them in regular conversation to extend their communication skills. They retell stories together. A child holds up a frying pan: 'We used this for our pancake races!' Even young children excitedly join in discussions. For example, they remember when Santa visited and explain that:

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need to do better?

'He sat in that chair over there!' Children demonstrate they can talk confidently about what they enjoy doing and engage in meaningful conversations with others. n Partnership with parents is effective. The childminder spends time getting to know children and their families. Many have remained with her for years. She efficiently shares information with them about children's care and development. She uses daily diaries, verbal discussions, messages and photo books. Parents speak positively of the care she provides. They feel listened to and value the range of activities and outings she provides. n The childminder works with local schools to aid children's transitions. However, she does not consistently share information about children's care and learning with other settings that children attend.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a strong understanding of the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk of abuse. She fully understands her responsibility around keeping children safe. She is confident about the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder ensures that her home is clean, safe and secure. Children are supervised well. She teaches them how to be safe. For example, on outings, she teaches children about road safety, and at home she teaches them to tidy up to prevent trip hazards.

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should:

n enhance younger children's access to more resources and learning opportunities that extend their curiosity and exploration further n share information about children's care and learning with other settings that children attend, to ensure consistency in their experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY253223 Local authority Wiltshire Inspection number 10263362 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 17 Date of previous inspection 28 April 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2002 and lives in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. She works all year round, except bank holidays and family holidays. She employs three assistants and operates Monday to Thursday, from 7am to 6pm. The childminder holds a level 3 early years qualification.

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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 provider. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the early years provision is organised, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how safety and suitability are assured. n The inspector sampled key documentation made available at the inspection.

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Inspection activities

23 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.

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Inspection activities

23 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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