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 Good

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The provision is good

Children develop very secure attachments with the caring and affectionate childminder. They make good friendships, and children of different ages play well together. Children are confident to express their wants and needs, and the childminder promptly responds to these. The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. Consequently, children are consistently considerate and respectful. For example, they say 'please' and 'thank you' at appropriate times.

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The provision is good

The childminder uses children's interests to plan effective learning experiences for them. For example, some children have recently been to the seaside with their families. The childminder reads a story to the children about the seaside and then helps the children to make sandcastles and decorate them with shells. During such activities, the childminder asks the children questions that encourage them to think and give fuller answers. Children explore the properties of the wet and dry sand and count the shells. They remember and talk about the significant events they have experienced at the seaside.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy releasing the toy cars and watching them zoom down the sloped guttering chutes. They investigate and talk about what happens when they lift the guttering chutes higher and lower. During such times, the childminder reinforces the early science concepts the children are learning. Children thrive in the childminder's care.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands how to work closely with parents to help new children settle in and enjoy their time at her setting. Consequently, new children settle in quickly and confidently engage in new experiences. n The childminder follows a theme-based curriculum, which provides activities and experiences across all areas of children's learning. Children can access a wide range of resources. This includes books and toys that positively reflect the diversity of people. The childminder regularly observes children in their play and makes assessments of what children know and can do. However, on occasion, the childminder does not consistently build on what children need to learn next to help them to achieve as much as possible in their learning. n The childminder skilfully supports children's literacy and communication development. For example, children of all ages communicate well with the childminder, each other and visitors to the setting. The childminder promotes

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need to do better?

children's knowledge of letters and sounds effectively. Children have lots of opportunities to develop their mark-making skills. Older children hold a pencil correctly and form some of the letters in their name. n The childminder takes the children on a variety of exciting trips. This includes

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need to do better?

6 September 2023 trips to country parks, farms, wildlife centres and museums. Additionally, children regularly visit soft-play establishments and the local playground, and they attend forest school sessions. These activities provide them with opportunities to learn about nature from first-hand experiences. The childminder has a huge garden, with lots of large play equipment. For example, children climb and play in the large wooden pirate ship and zoom around the large site on toys. They use their imaginations as they build, create and climb, playing with the car tyres and planks of wood. Activities like these offer children the opportunity to experience challenge and manage risks for themselves. n Parents value the ongoing information they receive from the childminder about their children's progress and the types of activities they enjoy. For example, information is given through daily chats and the sharing of photos and

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need to do better?

information online. This helps parents to support their child's learning at home. n The childminder has effective strategies in place to support children who may need additional help. This includes working with parents to set targets for their children and closely monitoring their progress. n The childminder provides children with nutritious light meals and snacks. However, she does not consistently encourage the younger children to develop their independence skills at mealtimes. n The childminder is committed to her own professional development. For example, she regularly attends the local authority forum meetings, early years conferences and relevant training. Additionally, she liaises with local childminders to share ideas and best practice. This helps the childminder to continuously evaluate and strengthen her practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has undertaken appropriate safeguarding training. She has a good understanding of the possible signs of child abuse and how to respond in a timely and appropriate way. The childminder knows how to support families who may benefit from additional help to keep their child healthy and safe. She carries out daily checks to identify and minimise any potential dangers to children on the premises. This, along with effective risk assessment of all outings, helps to keep children safe and well.

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should:

n strengthen the planning of activities to focus more sharply on the precise skills and knowledge children are ready to learn next n encourage younger children to develop increased independence skills during mealtimes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY492579 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10288885 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 6 Number of children on roll 6 Date of previous inspection 3 November 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Cannock, Staffordshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for Christmas week, bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a level 3 childcare qualification. She 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 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 her evaluation of the setting. n A tour of the childminder's home was completed to make sure all areas used by children are safe. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk to understand how the curriculum is organised. n A joint evaluation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and evaluated how well she assesses children's progress and plans for the next steps in their learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of persons living or working in the household. n The inspector took account of the views of parents through the written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector held conversations with children during the inspection.

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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

6 September 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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