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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's warm and welcoming home. The childminder is nurturing and caring, offering children reassurance when new visitors are present. This helps to promote children's emotional well-being. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in her care. They approach her for help, when needed, and readily include her in their play. Children behave well. They willingly help with tasks such as tidying up the toys and setting the table for mealtimes.

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The provision is good

The childminder has recognised that some children have not had the same social experiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She organises regular meetings with other local childminders to ensure that children have the opportunity to mix with larger groups. Children enjoy opportunities to explore the local community. They talk about their recent trip to collect tadpoles. They speak excitedly about how these tadpoles are going to grow into frogs. They enjoy using their imagination, pretending to make food and drinks for the childminder in the toy kitchen. Children make good progress in their learning and are well prepared for their next stage in learning, including their eventual move on to school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her own observations and assessments to inform her about what children need to learn next. She understands how young children learn and develop and provides a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated play. However, the childminder does not always gather enough information from parents when children first start to help her fully understand what children already know and can do. n Children make independent choices in their play. They confidently select from the well-resourced environment. However, the childminder, at times, does not fully promote children's independence. Occasionally, she completes tasks for children that they could manage themselves. This means that children are not always encouraged to develop their independence skills to the highest level. n The childminder is a good role model. She reminds children of the importance of sharing and taking turns. She offers frequent praise and encouragement. The

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need to do better?

childminder helps children to understand the rules of the setting. For example, during a water play activity she explains why they should try and keep the water in the tray. She tells children that if it gets spilt, it will make the floor slippery and this may cause them to fall over. n Children's mathematical skills are developing well. They concentrate as they count the number of seeds they need to plant in containers filled with soil. The childminder introduces a range of mathematical language to children as they play, such as 'full' and 'empty'. She encourages children to compare and

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need to do better?

30 March 2023 estimate. n The childminder promotes children's good health. She provides a range of healthy meals and snacks. Children routinely follow good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They understand the importance of this, saying it is to 'get rid of the germs on their hands'. n Parents express their complete satisfaction with the care and education the childminder provides. They value the level of progress their children have made since attending. They describe her as 'kind and caring' and say that their children enjoy attending. Parents appreciate the 'home-from-home' environment she provides. n The childminder ensures that her mandatory training is kept up to date. She networks closely with other childminders to share ideas and discuss ways to improve her practice. She works closely with local authority advisors to gain important updates to benefit her practice. This helps to improve the overall

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need to do better?

outcomes for children attending. n The childminder understands the importance of forming strong links with other settings that children attend. She shares information about children's progress and actively incorporates information shared by the other settings into her own plans for children's learning. This two-way communication promotes continuity of care for children's learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a very good understanding of her role and responsibility to keep children safe. She attends regular training. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. The childminder knows the procedure to follow if she has concerns about children's welfare. She supervises children well and maintains a safe and secure environment for children. She carries out regular risk assessments of her home. For example, she has identified that, due to current building work, her garden is not suitable for children. Instead, she ensures that children have daily opportunities for exercise and fresh air by visiting local parks and areas of interest.

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should:

n gather more information from parents about what children already know and can do when they first start, to help plan effectively for children's learning from the very beginning n build on opportunities for children to do more for themselves and develop their independence skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY545937 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 10282125 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 5 Date of previous inspection 22 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Ross on Wye. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. 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 inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the premises. n The views of parents were taken into consideration by reading written references.

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Inspection activities

30 March 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

30 March 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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