Routledge, Linda Ann

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children squeal with excitement when they arrive and are welcomed by the energetic and fun-loving childminder. They develop strong friendships and instantly greet their friends with hugs and smiles. They form trusting and deep attachments with the childminder who creates a safe and nurturing space where they can flourish. The childminder works closely with parents to provide a curriculum and routines that meet the needs of all children in her care. For example, she ensures young children feel confident and reassured when she follows their familiar routines from home.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is exceptional. They are extremely polite, friendly, sociable and motivated. They are highly skilled in negotiating, listening to others and taking turns which helps them enjoy sustained periods of play together. Children are extremely curious and experimental, using information they have learned in new contexts. For example, older children use their knowledge of the order of the days of the week when they help to retell the story of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Babies notice how paint is transferred from a paintbrush to paper, and use this new knowledge to independently explore paint, colour and texture.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from learning in a well-planned and creatively resourced environment, inside and outside. The childminder provides their favourite activities alongside new ones to extend their skills, critical thinking and knowledge. Children develop wonderfully positive attitudes, self-assurance and confidence to help them become successful lifelong learners.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is a highly experienced professional who is full of joy and enthusiasm. She takes an active interest in the things children like and knows what they can do. She uses this knowledge to create a curriculum which helps children build on their skills in playful and meaningful contexts. For instance, she puts scissors with the play dough to develop children's physical skills in a fun and relaxed way. n Children demonstrate good communication and language skills. They recall words from previous activities and learning, and spontaneously use them in their play. The childminder builds their vocabulary well providing new words, such as 'crumbly' and 'cocoon'. She explains what new words mean in age-appropriate ways, such as when a child asks what 'turn-taking' means. She repeats key phrases for young children to copy and repeat. n Children develop a love of storytelling and books. They listen intently during

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need to do better?

story time, joining in with familiar refrains and predicting what might happen next. They happily sing their favourite songs alongside actions and signing. The

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need to do better?

28 February 2023 childminder introduces songs to develop children's mathematical skills, such as counting. n Children enjoy ample space to exercise and develop their muscles, movements and coordination. They competently climb, throw a ball and use the slide when they play outside. Babies use the stable furniture and push-along toys to pull themselves up to standing and to practise walking. n Parents are full of praise for the care their children receive with the childminder. They know what their children are learning and doing, and they value the good two-way communication the childminder has with them. n The childminder places a strong emphasis on children developing the confidence and independence skills they will need for their future, including when they go to school. She sequences this well, giving children time to consolidate what they can do. For instance, babies help to put their arms into their coats while older

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need to do better?

children competently put on coats by themselves. Older children confidently and politely ask for the things they need, such as when they want to go to the toilet. n Children understand how to keep themselves healthy and safe. For example, they tell the childminder how they must wash their hands before they eat. The childminder encourages children to make healthy choices when they help themselves to the wide range of foods she provides. n Children celebrate different festivals, such as The Chinese New Year and Christmas. They talk about their families and what they like to do at home. Children ask pertinent questions and show great interest in the lives of their friends. This helps children to begin to reflect on their differences and similarities. However, the childminder does not consistently provide children with rich and varied resources and experiences to help them learn about the lives of others beyond their own community.

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need to do better?

n The childminder continues to develop her professional skills and knowledge, such as by sharing ideas with other childminders or by seeking information from her local authority advisor. She is a reflective and dedicated practitioner who places children's welfare and learning at the heart of her practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children. She recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She knows what to do should she have any concerns about the welfare of a child or if any allegation were made about her or a household member. She regularly updates her training to help her understand other safeguarding issues within the community, such as children being exposed to radicalised and extreme views. The childminder reminds children of simple 'rules' to teach them how to keep themselves safe. She creates a safe culture for children where they openly talk and share any concerns or worries they might have.

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should:

n further enrich children's knowledge and understanding of other cultures and communities beyond their own experience.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 131040 Local authority Brighton and Hove Inspection number 10264014 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 19 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1993 and lives in Hove, East Sussex. She works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years.

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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 childminder spoke with the inspector about her curriculum for children and what she wants children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with children and their parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

28 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

28 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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