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 thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's care. Strong, secure relationships between children and the childminder have formed. Children seek affection and reassurance from the childminder when there are visitors, such as the inspector, to the home. Resources stored safely at low level means that children can make their own choices about play and follow their interests. They access a wide variety of books and sit and look at them quietly or join in with stories when the childminder is reading to them. Children recognise that a tiger who has tea with a little girl forgets to use their manners and eats all of the food.

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The provision is good

Children's confidence blossoms in this nurturing, relaxed environment. They learn independence from an early age. Children readily help themselves to drinks, feed themselves and learn the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times throughout the day.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's language and communication skills are supported very well. They respond to questions asked of them, share their own thoughts and enjoy talking about past experiences. Very young children point to pictures in books and repeat familiar words and sounds, such as the different sounds animals make.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy being active and use their small-muscle skills well. They spend time filling and emptying baskets with different toys. They make marks with various pencils and crayons and pat, roll and manipulate dough into shapes.

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need to do better?

n The childminder spends time getting to know children and their parents through a gradual settling-in process. This enables children to become familiar with their new environment and start to build relationships with her and the other children in her care. Documentation is completed with parents and stored securely. However, routines for gathering information from parents about what their children already know and can do are not yet securely embedded in practice. n The childminder plans a curriculum that supports children's learning while taking into account their interests. She uses her knowledge of the way children learn and provides support and encouragement to them. Resources stored safely at low-level means that children can select toys to enhance their play. For example, children can see how many different animals they can find, matching two or more animals that are the same, which encourages simple addition.

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need to do better?

n Children's language and communication skills are supported well. The childminder is animated when she reads books to children, pronouncing words correctly and praising children when they repeat them. She asks children questions about the stories and uses books to help children as they learn to

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need to do better?

4 April 2023 recognise emotions and feelings. n Parents are extremely happy with the care and learning opportunities their children receive. They feel assured that their children are having a lovely time and that their individual needs are met effectively. Parents feel that communication between them and the childminder is first class, and not a day goes by without an update, accompanied by pictures and videos of their children. This enables them to feel part of their child's day and share milestones in their development. n The childminder supports children as they learn to share and take turns. Gentle reminders and recognising children's efforts and achievements through praise have a positive impact, and children behave well. n The health and well-being of the children are a priority. They enjoy nutritious food and remain hydrated throughout the day because drinks are freely available to them. Individual dietary needs and preferences are known and catered for.

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need to do better?

n Children's comfort is maintained throughout the day through regular nappy changing routines. Older children use the bathroom independently. The childminder deals with minor accidents sensitively. Children receive lots of affection throughout the day, and the childminder recognise when children are becoming tired. They rest and sleep according to their needs, enabling them to recharge their energy levels in readiness for the rest of the day. n Children are incredibly active. They enjoy regular visits to local soft-play centres, spend time outdoors exploring woodland areas, running and learning to take risk as they climb. Children build good social skills as they enjoy opportunities to meet with familiar adults and children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is fully aware of her responsibility to safeguard children in her care. She knows the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm and neglect. The childminder understands the local referral procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child or if an allegation is made against herself or her family. Effective steps taken by the childminder ensure children play in a safe and secure environment. Daily risk assessments enable her to identify potential hazards and minimise them. Effective procedures for transporting children and for moving children between the childminder's home and the car mean children remain safe.

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should:

n consider methods for gathering information from parents about their child's development when they first attend the setting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY547039 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 10284702 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 7 Date of previous inspection 26 September 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Hereford. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. She provides early education funding for four-year olds.

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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 this into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises.

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Inspection activities

4 April 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

4 April 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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