Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children thrive in the care of this kind childminder. They are excited about their learning and enjoy the range of activities on offer. They play happily on their own or with their friends. The childminder has developed strong bonds with the children. She knows them very well, and children feel safe in her company. The childminder enthusiastically joins in children's play to their delight. She extends their learning through questioning and talking to them about what they are doing. They immerse themselves in activities, such as playing with the play dough. Children chat regularly, developing their speech and practising new words.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides the children with a well-thought-out curriculum. Children learn about the world around them and significant events. The childminder takes the children on regular outings, such as to the beach or park. They read stories, learn songs and use their imaginations to create art work. The childminder develops children's mathematical knowledge well. She helps them to count different objects. Children develop their knowledge of quantities, such as discussing how much glue there is in a pot. Children learn about money as they pretend to go shopping. They happily take turns being the shopkeeper.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has put in place a meaningful curriculum. She carefully considers what she wants children to learn. She makes links to themes to ensure learning is relevant to children. For example, children develop their fine motor skills as they make crowns for the King's Coronation. She supports children to learn how to use scissors to cut paper and hold small paintbrushes effectively to apply glue. Children develop good skills for their age. n The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves healthy. Children have fun singing a special washing song as they learn to wash their hands effectively. The childminder provides a range of fruit at snack times and encourages children to try new foods, such as different types of melon. Children learn about the importance of a balanced diet. n Children become more independent. The childminder builds frequent opportunities for children to develop their independence into the day. For

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need to do better?

example, they learn to cut their own fruit safely with a plastic knife. Children help to tidy up after each activity before moving on to the next one. The childminder uses gentle encouragement to help children persevere, such as when they are putting on their own socks. n The childminder promotes a love of reading. She reads stories to the children that are linked to their learning. Children become excited as they listen and answer questions. They choose books from the book corner and look at them independently.

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need to do better?

24 April 2023 n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She identifies the difficulties individual children have through tools such as the two-year-olds progress check. She works with parents to support children's specific medical needs. However, she does not always seek up-to-date advice from other professionals to support children's specific needs as they get older. n Parents are very happy with the service the childminder provides. They welcome the updates she provides through secure online diaries and messaging. They notice the improvements their children make in their learning and in their emotional development. Partnerships with parents are good. n The childminder continually evaluates the service she provides. For example, she has identified the need to provide more language development activities and songs. She reflects on her teaching and adapts it where necessary. She seeks

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need to do better?

advice from other childminders as part of a local network and from her local authority early years advisor. n The childminder carries out thorough risk assessments. She has recently moved house and is developing her garden to make it less steep for children to play in. However, she does not make use of the accessible part of the garden as much as she could. Children would benefit from more learning opportunities in the garden in order to make the best possible progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder carries out regular risk assessments. She takes keeping children safe from harm in her home very seriously. She puts in additional measures to keep children safe dependent on their age and ability. For example, she uses baby gates on the stairs when babies and toddlers are attending. The childminder regularly updates her safeguarding training. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including radicalisation and exploitation. She knows how to report a concern about a child if necessary.

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should:

n strengthen links with other professionals to gain more advice on how to support children with specific special educational needs and/or disabilities n review the use of the garden to provide more learning opportunities so children make the best possible progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2623222 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10280896 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 4 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She lives in Martock, Somerset with her family. The childminder cares for children on Monday to Wednesday from 7.45am until 5.30pm, all year round, except for family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She is receipt of funding for early education for children who are three and four years old.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

24 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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