Childminder in Staffordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is trained in the Hygge approach. She uses this approach as part of her curriculum to provide children with extensive opportunities to embrace their learning. For example, she places a high focus on creating a comforting and calming atmosphere, allowing children time to explore, talk and investigate. The childminder skilfully gives children the freedom to ponder and engage within their environment and activities at their own leisure. She is highly skilled in using her interactions with children as excellent learning and teaching opportunities. For example, the childminder skilfully introduces rich language and new concepts, such as 'evaporation' and 'disappearing' as children use the brushes with water to make marks on the wall. She has the highest expectations for all children and has a deep knowledge of what she teaches. For example, children show exceptional levels of involvement and are intrigued as they learn about insects such as stag-beetles,

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The provision is outstanding

Promoting children's mental health, well-being and happiness is at the heart of the childminder's work with children. Children play harmoniously and are supported extremely well to consider the needs of others. The childminder has extremely detailed knowledge of each child's development, progress and next steps in learning. She uses this information exceptionally well during her interactions to ensure that all children achieve at the highest level.

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need to do better?

n The outstanding outcomes that children make are clearly attributed to the childminder's practice and her genuine commitment to her own professional development. She provides excellent, playful learning opportunities to build on children's prior experiences. The childminder takes full advantage of a wealth of training opportunities, often tailored to the needs of children attending. For example, she has undertaken in-depth behaviour management courses and learnt how to best support picky eaters. This helps enhance her practice even further and enables her to share her expertise with parents. n The childminder appreciates the importance of nature and offers wonderful experiences for children to engage with in their natural world. She uses the changing of seasons as a base to allow children to immerse themselves in what they see, hear and touch outdoors. Children have excellent first-hand experiences as they visit nature reserves, woodlands and parks to learn about

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need to do better?

plants, birds and animals. These experiences are used exceptionally well to also support children's mathematical and literacy development. n Promoting children's communication and language is given the highest regard and the childminder models language exceptionally well. Early literacy skills are rooted through inspiring activities. Books are freely available alongside activities

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need to do better?

6 September 2023 which immediately capture children's curiosity. Children are extremely confident to talk. They have a vast vocabulary and articulate themselves well. n The childminder prioritises outdoor play and provides an extensive range of physical experiences to support children's health and well-being. The childminder has a deep knowledge of how to build children's shoulder, hand and finger strength to prepare them for early writing. n The childminder offers children security and comfort, and this helps them to develop extremely trusting relationships with her. Children are independent, responsive and cooperate tremendously well when there are changes in the routine, such as tidying up and getting ready for lunch. These transitions are seamless and children behave impeccably. They demonstrate high levels of respect for their environment and each other. n The childminder places a top priority on making sure children make high rates of

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need to do better?

progress. She diligently tracks children's progress and swiftly identifies any children who may benefit from additional support. She is proactive and takes the lead in involving other professionals to help children receive the support they need. For example, she works tirelessly with health visitors to ensure the progress check for children aged two years is completed as quickly as possible when concerns are highlighted. She has an excellent knowledge of how to provide an inclusive environment for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder uses a wealth of strategies to engage with parents to gain an in-depth understanding of the uniqueness of each child and their family. She is meticulous in ensuring any home-learning activities suggested to parents are personalised to each child to help them make the best possible progress. Parents report they are greatly impressed by the high quality of experiences on offer.

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need to do better?

They report the childminder diligently meets their children's medical and dietary needs and are thankful for the advice they receive.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder's professional approach and attention to detail are seen in all aspects of her practice, including in her safeguarding practice. Detailed information about early help, indicators of abuse and child protection issues is displayed and understood. The childminder has extensive experience and knowledge of child protection issues and works with other professionals to safeguard children. There are robust procedures in place to ensure household members are suitable. The home is clean, safe and suitable. Comprehensive risk assessments are undertaken to ensure children are safe on outings. For example, children wear high-visibility jackets, learn how to risk assess and climb trees safely.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY493123 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10295570 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 19 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Heath Hayes, Cannock. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. The childminder uses aspects of the Hygge educational approach.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk together to gather information about the experiences provided. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation and held discussions with the childminder. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation. This included information about the suitability of household members and her policies and procedures. n The inspector took into account the views of parents.

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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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