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

p.1

The provision is good

Children thrive in the care of this childminder. They are warmly greeted and eager to start their day. They spend much time outdoors in the garden. This helps to further develop their physical skills, spoken language and knowledge of the natural world. For example, they keenly follow a dragonfly around the garden. They discuss its size, shape and colours and predict where it will land next. They respect the environment and know how to keep themselves safe. They grow their own fruit and vegetables from seed in the green house. They are closely involved in keeping the plants healthy.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder sets high expectations. She provides a diverse range of resources for the children to access. She plans specific activities based on the children's interests and next steps. Children know the routine well. They become engrossed in the activities on offer, showing high levels of concentration. Interactions between the childminder and the children are of a very high standard. She sensitively engages in their role play and extends their interest. This means that the children have fun as they learn and are curious to know more. The childminder encourages the children to meet their own needs. She praises them well for their perseverance and successes. Children are motivated and confident.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children benefit greatly from the childminder's vast experience. Her knowledge of child development is secure. She knows what she wants the children to learn. She uses different teaching strategies to build on their previous knowledge. For example, the children have become gardeners. They learn more about life cycles from taking care of their own fruit and vegetable plants. This learning encourages perseverance and patience. It is also extends the children's vocabulary, counting skills and respect for nature. It gives them a deeper understanding of the world around them. n There is a strong emphasis on communication and language. Children hold meaningful conversations with each other and the childminder. Children include each other in their play. They have their own running commentary linked to whatever they are doing. Children also ask lots of questions and listen attentively to answers. They follow instructions carefully. However, at times, the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder does not model the correct pronunciation of words for children. This can be confusing, especially for younger children who are building their vocabulary. n Children are extremely well behaved. The childminder has high expectations linked to manners and caring for each other. When they engage in a role-play activity pretending to be doctors, the children show kindness to each other. They take turns and accept each other's ideas. They learn to value differences

p.2

need to do better?

26 July 2023 and similarities through their play and supporting materials. They have developed a good sense of right and wrong. n Children are encouraged to risk assess their own actions. For example, they take care when stepping in and out to the garden without adult support. They know the routine for snack times, tidying and personal care. They enjoy the praise they receive for successfully working through each step carefully and in a hygienic way. This builds their independence and self-esteem. n Well-being is supported. The childminder is aware that the older children in her care were born during the pandemic. Families often felt isolated, and children frequently show more anxiety in larger groups. The childminder regularly takes the children out on local trips. This sensitively increases their exposure to different groups and supports their resilience. n The childminder encourages a healthy lifestyle. Much time is spent being active

p.2

need to do better?

outdoors, and fresh fruit is offered as a snack. Children also talk about vegetables being good for their bodies and how to take care of their teeth. However, at times, children have fewer healthy options for their food and drinks. This undermines the message given to the children about how to support their own personal development. n Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They value her experience, understanding and support. They are kept aware of their child's progress each day by both verbal updates and photos. The childminder uses an online system to communicate with parents. Partnerships are strong.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is committed to safeguarding children's welfare. She knows the potential signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate a risk of harm. She has an understanding of which children may be more vulnerable. She knows the referral procedure to follow if she is concerned. Her safeguarding training has covered a wide range of associated issues. This includes information sharing and internet use. The childminder risk assesses her indoor and outdoor environment to ensure the children have safe access to play. She promotes the children's own awareness of risks in their environment. Her first-aid training is up to date.

p.3

should:

n model the correct pronunciation of words for children to support their growing vocabularies n support children's personal development by considering ways to further promote healthy eating.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 304204 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10295305 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 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 15 December 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Little Sutton. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is eligible for funding, but no children are present in receipt of funding at the time of inspection. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector and the childminder discussed how the childminder organises their provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6