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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision is good

Children enjoy a warm and welcoming environment. They share a close bond with this attentive childminder. Children approach her for cuddles and reassurance. This means they feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder works well with her co-childminder to provide inspiring and nurturing care and education. Children enjoy caring for the setting chickens and regularly spend lots of time outdoors. This is teaching them empathy and how to care for other creatures. Children learn to follow rules about how to keep themselves safe when moving around the setting.

p.2

The provision is good

Children delight in building their own obstacle course and skilfully balance along the wooden planks. The childminder closely supervises and encourages them to take appropriate risks and test the boundaries of their limitations. As a result, children move confidently and build their self-esteem by completing tricky tasks.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for all children. She promotes the use of manners and gives them gentle reminders on how to behave. Consequently, children are kind, polite and often use manners spontaneously. They show respect towards their peers and other adults. For example, they help each other to put on their shoes and listen to instructions. This prepares them well for their next stage in learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has made positive changes since her last inspection. She ensures her assistants complete training to improve their knowledge about safeguarding. The childminder keeps children safe by making timely referrals to other agencies and actively engaging with other professionals to improve her knowledge and understanding of local safeguarding procedures. n The childminder works closely with her co-childminder and assistants to ensure they all have up-to-date knowledge of the children's progress. They hold regular meetings and peer reviews to monitor the quality of teaching. Consequently, the quality of education is good. n There is a well-balanced approach of free-choice play and structured learning for children. They enjoy circle time, where they learn the days of the week, share stories and sing songs. As a result, children confidently communicate in groups. The childminder cleverly follows the children's lead and adapts activities to

p.2

need to do better?

follow their interests. This ignites children's curiosity and eagerness to engage and learn. n The childminder makes excellent use of songs and signing to support children's communication and language. She is clear and engaging in her manner. She supports children who speak English as an additional language well. However, sometimes, when she asks a question, she has a tendency to answer the

p.2

need to do better?

12 July 2023 question herself. Therefore, children do not have the time they need to think, respond and expand their knowledge. n Children confidently move around the setting and choose what they would like to play with next. They are building good habits for their future learning. The childminder sensitively joins in their play and supports them to make decisions. There is further scope for the childminder to promote children's independence. Sometimes, she wipes older children's noses or pours their drinks for them. This means they do not always have the opportunity to practise these skills themselves. n Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet of home-made, freshly prepared meals. They have access to fresh drinking water and hand hygiene practice is embedded into the routines of the day. Children know to wash their hands before mealtimes and after being outside. This promotes good health and hygiene habits for the future.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder gathers valuable information from parents before children start. She uses this to identify next steps. She makes regular observations of children's learning and shares progress with parents via an online app. The childminder offers a tailored and individualised settling-in process to support children and parents to feel happy, safe and secure. n Parents speak positively about the setting. They comment their children are building friendships and love attending the setting. They feel their children are well prepared for their next stage in learning. The childminder works closely with other professionals and links to the local school are strong. Teachers often visit the setting and they share information. Consequently, children make a smooth transition to school.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder, co-childminder and her assistant have a secure understanding of their role to keep children safe and how to promote their well-being. They know what the signs and indicators of possible abuse are. They understand the actions to follow if they have any concerns about children's welfare or if an allegation is made against an adult. They attend regular training to keep their knowledge current. The childminder makes effective use of risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards to children. This helps to keep children safe from harm.

p.3

should:

n allow children the time they need to respond to a question so they can think deeply and expand their knowledge n give children the opportunity to practise their independence with a range of

p.3

should:

12 July 2023 tasks so they can develop these skills themselves.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2672036 Local authority Herefordshire Inspection number 10271714 Type of provision Childminder Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 19 Date of previous inspection 13 December 2022

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She works from her co-childminder's home in Worcester. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5pm, all year round, except for family holidays and bank holidays. The childminder works with assistants. She holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. The childminder receives funding to provide free early years education for two- and three-year-old children.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 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 that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning.

p.5

Inspection activities

12 July 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

12 July 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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