Childminder in East Sussex

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and her assistant. The childminder makes use of the countryside location to promote children's learning. Her well-sequenced curriculum inspires children to be curious and to want to find out more. From a young age, babies and toddlers excitedly follow the lead of their older friends. They hunt for bugs in the childminder's garden and imaginatively use the mud kitchen to create 'soup' for the bugs they find.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder and her assistant know the children extremely well. They interact closely with them and help all children to quickly settle and feel happy and emotionally secure. Children approach them confidently for cuddles and enthusiastically invite them into their play.

p.2

The provision is good

Activities are planned well to take account of what each child can already do, and what they need to learn next. There is good progression in all activities, and the childminder adapts her teaching style to take account of each child's developmental ability. For example, as children make bug creatures with dough, one child confidently counts out the number of 'googly' eyes they have used. The childminder's assistant gently supports a younger child to develop their social skills and ability to confidently play alongside other children. From an early stage, children learn to share, take turns and be kind to others.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder demonstrates a very professional approach. She uses her knowledge and experience to help support the training of her assistant. They work together well and share the same ambition to deliver high-quality care and learning experiences. Parents clearly value the childminder and speak highly of her. They recognise how much their children enjoy attending and the positive impact it has on their learning and development. n The quality of teaching is good. The childminder and her assistant respond quickly to children's interests and plan suitable activities to extend children's learning. For example, after finding bugs in the garden, the childminder encourages children to make 'dens' for the bugs out of bricks. She draws out children's language well and encourages them to think in detail and work things out independently. For example, when children proudly show her the models they have created, she asks questions such as, 'Tell me how you made this....'

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need to do better?

This helps children develop their language and critical thinking skills. n Children are very well prepared for starting school. The childminder links closely with schools to make sure detailed information about every child's learning needs is exchanged. Older children practise typical routines they might follow at school, such as saying goodbye to parents at the door and entering the room

p.2

need to do better?

26 July 2023 independently. They have good opportunities to talk to the childminder about any worries or concerns they may have and she prepares them well emotionally. For instance, they bring items of their new school uniform and book bags to show to their friends. n Overall, the childminder has designed her learning environment well. She takes account of what she wants children to learn and encourages children to explore freely. Children spend large amounts of time outside investigating nature and seasonal change. They visit the neighbouring common to make dens and enjoy nature walks. They have 'sports day races' in the adjoining fields. However, the childminder has not yet fully explored further ways to develop aspects of her practice to offer an even greater breadth of learning experiences for children outside. n Children behave well. They follow the positive examples set by the childminder and her assistant and are respectful of each other. Children talk about their

p.2

need to do better?

different families and listen well to one another. Older children share ideas and fully involve younger children in their play. The oldest children teach their younger friends how to manage tasks. For example, they help three-year-olds develop the skills they need to successfully negotiate the childminder's climbing tower and slide.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of how to safeguard children. They have completed relevant training and are fully aware of the signs and indicators which might suggest a child is at risk. Children's safety is given high priority. They are supervised closely, particularly when using the garden and public areas. Children regularly practise emergency evacuation procedures and the childminder has carefully considered the actions she takes to keep children safe. Robust risk assessments are in place and the childminder regularly checks her home and garden for any potential hazards.

p.3

should:

n build on knowledge of how to extend children's learning even further in the outside environment.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY495789 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10301555 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 10 January 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015. She lives near Lewes, East Sussex and holds a recognised early years level 3 qualification. She regularly works with an assistant. The childminder offers care from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round. Funding is accepted for the provision of free early years education for children aged two, three and four years.

p.4

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder explained to the inspector how she plans for children's learning and checks the progress they are making. n The inspector viewed the areas of the home used for childminding and discussed with the childminder how she makes them safe. n Children spoke to the inspector and talked about what they liked doing with the childminder. n The written feedback provided by parents was taken into consideration. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, inside and outside, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

p.4

Inspection activities

26 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.

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Inspection activities

26 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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