Childminder in Cheshire East

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 are happy and confident in this bright and inviting setting. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and form secure attachments with the childminder and her assistants, who are caring and receptive to their needs. The childminder has high expectations for children and has developed an ambitious curriculum, rich in experiences to support their learning across all areas. She instils values of kindness and good manners. For example, children are eager to help by carrying the basket of water bottles to hand out to their friends. Others are keen to hold the park gate open for the childminder. Strong friendships are forming and children smile with pride as they receive praise for their efforts.

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The provision is good

The childminder is an exceptional teacher and role model. She skilfully extends children's learning by asking thought-provoking questions, allowing them time to think creatively and respond with their own ideas. For example, children are digging soil and making 'mud pies'. They are eager to water their creations with the only big jug. The childminder calmly intervenes and asks: 'How could we resolve this, what could we do?' Children listen and respond with 'get another jug' and 'use the bucket', showing they can readily adapt. Children demonstrate excellent behaviour. Children concentrate deeply as they learn to problem-solve and manage minor conflicts amicably. This shows a high level of respect for each other and helps to ensure they are prepared for their next stage of learning.

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need to do better?

n Children have plentiful opportunities to explore the outdoor environment and develop their physical health. Younger children enjoy exploring the sensory properties of buttercups and happily play on the swings. Older children become out of breath as they negotiate obstacles and run from 'the bear' during their fabulous re-enactment of the 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' story. The childminder introduces new vocabulary such as 'squishy' mud and 'swishy' grass and uses positional language such as 'behind' and 'underneath'. Children benefit greatly from the high-quality interactions of the childminder. However, her assistants do not yet demonstrate this same quality of teaching consistently, so children do not always have the best possible learning opportunities. n Children enjoy a broad curriculum. They thoroughly enjoy planting seeds and growing vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins and green beans. Children recall

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need to do better?

enthusiastically the planting of pumpkin seeds and talk about how much bigger they are now. The childminder introduces vocabulary such as 'seedling' and 'sprouted' and asks the children what else plants need to help them grow. Children are eager to share their knowledge and say 'water' and 'rain'. The childminder prompts them to remember that 'plants also need sunshine', and the children look to the clouds to find it. Children successfully embed skills across all

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need to do better?

23 May 2023 areas of learning. n The childminder promotes healthy eating exceptionally well. She talks to children about ways to keep their bodies healthy throughout the day. For example, she asks children if they should eat the carrots from their digging tray. They say 'no because they are dirty'. Children independently select and chop their own fruit at snack time and confidently count the pieces. They also remember that they 'need to drink even more water when it's sunny'. Children are learning to manage their personal hygiene needs and become increasingly independent. n The childminder has a secure understanding of how children learn and develop. She recognises the importance of prioritising further training in order to positively impact on outcomes for children. However, she has not yet prioritised the professional development of her assistants so that training is more sharply focused on the ages and stages of development of the individual children. This

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need to do better?

means that children's next steps are not always precisely focused on what they already know and can do in order to enhance progress to the highest level. n Partnerships with parents and other professionals are strong. Parents speak highly about the childminder and the 'excellent level of care' she provides. The childminder plans activities based on children's interests and involves parents in developing detailed plans for their next steps. When children are ready to move on to nursery or school, the childminder shares her knowledge on children's progress. This partnership working and effective information sharing has a positive impact on children's learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder completes in-depth safeguarding training to ensure that her knowledge remains current. She regularly cascades this knowledge to her assistants and provides them with training so they can recognise and report any concerns swiftly. They understand the steps to take should a referral be necessary. She and her assistants teach children about keeping safe and managing their own risks, such as when using knives to chop fruit. They also remind children to listen and look both ways when crossing the road to the park. The areas used for childminding are clean, well organised and secure.

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should:

n implement a programme of further training that is sharply focused on the ages and stages of the individual children, so that their next steps in learning are precise and progress is enhanced to the highest level n strengthen the existing programme of support, coaching and mentoring, so that children have consistently high-quality interactions and learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2621635 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10285981 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 9 Number of children on roll 17 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Middlewich. Her provision operates all year round from 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder holds qualified teacher status and works with several assistants. 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 provider 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 and the inspector discussed the curriculum and the intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning and development. n The inspector spoke to the childminder's assistants and the children at appropriate times and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of relevant records and documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults living in the household. n All areas of the premises used for childminding were viewed, and the inspector took account of how the childminder ensures that children are safe.

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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

23 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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