Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

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 care. The children feel safe and secure because they have strong bonds with the childminder, her assistant and family. Furthermore they are confident to talk and play with the inspector. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming environment where children can have fun and succeed. Children are engaged in a wide range of activities that capture their interest and spark their curiosity. Consequently, children are eager to learn and to try out new activities, such as mixing paint on the large plastic tray with their hands and washing the paint away with the hose pipe. Children sit together at mealtimes and enjoy chatting about what they have done that morning and what they would like to do next.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They are aware of the childminder's rules, such as wearing a wrist strap when out walking to keep them safe. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they learn to cross the roads safely. Children told the inspector, 'We go to the lollipop person because she stops the cars'. The childminder cultivates children's independence from a young age. This successfully fosters their confidence in their own abilities. Children develop a love of reading. They enjoy listening to stories and are confident to select their own books.

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need to do better?

n The childminder clearly knows the children well. She plans an interesting and stimulating range of activities which promote their all-round development. Furthermore, she carefully plans the next steps in the children's learning, which means they make steady progress. n The childminder regularly introduces new words to children, which helps to build up their vocabulary. She asks questions, supporting children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, on some occasions she does not give the children sufficient time to respond. This means learning intentions are not fully met. n The children thoroughly enjoy exploring the environment. They eagerly explore the solar fountain and try to guess how it works. They build on prior learning as the talk about the birds that come into the garden and how they made bird feeders to keep them healthy during the winter. Consequently, children are inquisitive, lively and eager to learn.

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need to do better?

n Children's emotional well-being is high. This is because they receive lots of reassurance and encouragement from the childminder. Children are eager to ask the inspector questions and involve her in their play. They explain how they plant the seeds and what they need to do to help them to grow. These social interactions help promote children's confidence and self-esteem. n Children sing songs spontaneously and encourage others to join in. They chat

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need to do better?

19 April 2023 happily about a favourite story and retell it to their friends. This helps children to build on their knowledge of rhymes and stories. The childminder introduces new words to the children, such as parsley, coriander and basil, and helps children to sound them out correctly. Consequently, children are learning and using a wide range of vocabulary. n Children attempt to count objects with the childminder's support. Older children are aware of the value of numbers, for example, raising three fingers to show how old they are. They have an awareness of mathematical language, such as 'more than' and 'less than'. They recognise basic shapes and colours as they build with magnetic shapes. Ultimately, children develop an understanding of early mathematical concepts, including numbers and shapes. n Children learn the importance of good health and hygiene through everyday activities. The childminder provides reminders of how to wash their hands

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need to do better?

properly to ensure that they are clean. Children enjoy a nutritious range of meals and snacks which help them to explore new tastes and textures. As a result, children are confident to try different foods and extend what they are happy to eat. n Children learn to be independent. The childminder provides praise and encouragement to help children overcome barriers, such as when they attempt to put their shoes on. The childminder is sensitive at nappy-changing times, she asks the children if she can change their nappy. This supports the children's respect for themselves and for others. n The childminder cultivates positive relationships with parents. She works closely with them to support their children and carefully implements any changes to their routines, such as beginning potty training. This means the children's needs are consistently met.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Risk management strategies are sound. This helps to keep the children safe. The childminder and assistant have a secure understanding of their safeguarding roles and responsibilities. They are aware of the potential signs of abuse or neglect, and other factors that place children at risk of harm, such as domestic violence. They know who to contact should they have a concern about a child in their care. The childminder and assistant access regular training to keep updated about relevant safeguarding information.

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should:

n give children ample time to think and respond to questions to support their critical-thinking skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY496990 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10284717 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 12 Number of children on roll 30 Date of previous inspection 15 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Vicars Cross, Cheshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken account of this in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure those are safe and suitable. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years curriculum including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the visit and spoke about their friends and what they like to do here. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

19 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

19 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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