Childminder in Staffordshire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children enjoy a warm welcome in this childminder's inviting home. They have a very close bond with the nurturing childminder. Children approach her for cuddles and reassurance, which means they feel safe and happy in her presence. Children develop a love of books as they excitedly share stories while sitting on the childminder's knee. The childminder skilfully supports their communication and language. She models language and introduces new words like 'sceptre' and 'carriage' as they talk about the king's coronation. This helps to deepen the children's knowledge of current events and widens their vocabulary.

p.2

The provision is good

Children experience a rich variety of outings in the local community. For example, they regularly visit the library, post office and music classes. Children delight in recalling the stories they read at 'story rangers'. They compare snipping the cress they have grown to 'Jack' chopping down the beanstalk. These outings help children to make links in their learning, inspire their imagination and start conversations. Children learn nurturing and empathy skills as they help to care for the childminder's pets. The children help to walk the dogs and clean the hamster's cage. This teaches them to respect other creatures and boundaries of appropriate behaviour around animals.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has made positive improvements to her practice since her last inspection. She has completed training specifically to help her manage the use of inhalers. She has also made changes to the records she keeps when administering medication. She closely supervises children when eating and gives the children prompts about how to behave at mealtimes. This helps to ensure children remain safe in her care. n The childminder has built an interesting and structured curriculum to teach children through a variety of experiences. The childminder skilfully extends their knowledge with open-ended questions and the recalling of previous learning. However, sometimes, the childminder answers the questions she asks, and children do not get the time they need to think and respond. n The childminder gathers valuable information from parents when children start. This helps her to get to know children well and set accurate starting points. The

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need to do better?

childminder plans precisely for the individual children's interests and next steps. This helps children to make good progress in their learning. n The childminder prioritises her own learning needs. She regularly completes training to make continual improvements to her setting. She participates in a support network of local childminders. They discuss any changes to guidelines and safeguarding updates. This helps her to have secure knowledge of how to keep children safe.

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need to do better?

2 May 2023 n Children learn about healthy lifestyles. There is a strong focus on outdoor learning. Children understand the benefits of fresh air and exercise. They eat healthy and balanced snacks and have access to fresh drinking water. Children explore new tastes and textures and excitedly explain that their favourite fruits are 'blood oranges and kiwis'. n Children are forming friendships, and they are learning to share and take turns. Children talk fondly of their peers who are not present. Parents also say they talk of their friends at home. These vital skills of how to work together and build relationships support children in preparation for their next stage of learning, like school. n The childminder supports the emotional well-being of children effectively. She sensitively meets their personal needs with dignity and respect. Children are learning about recognising their own feelings. Children use the well-placed

p.2

need to do better?

mirror and picture prompts to discuss how they feel. They say they are 'happy' and 'excited'. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They say their children are always greeted with a big smile and a hug and that their children are very fond of her. They say she has supported them through a number of different transitions. For example, she has supported them in reducing nap times, removing dummies and potty training. They say her effective communication and care mean their children thrive in her setting. n The childminder regularly shares information with parents about their child's progress. She gives them ideas of how to continue the children's learning at home. They work closely together to close any gaps in learning. This helps children to get any early support they might need.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of her role to keep children safe and how to promote their well-being. She knows what the signs and indicators of possible abuse are. The childminder understands the actions to follow if she has any concerns about children's welfare. She attends regular training to keep her knowledge current. The childminder makes effective use of risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards to children. For example, she has comprehensive risk assessment in place with regard to her dogs.

p.3

should:

n strengthen the use of effective questioning skills so that children have enough time to think deeply and respond.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY437691 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10269802 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 2 December 2022

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Wolverhampton. She operates all year round, from 7.45am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She accepts funded places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable for children. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector talked to the childminder and the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

2 May 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

2 May 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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