Childminder in Solihull

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

The childminder provides a nurturing environment for the children she cares for. Children benefit from warm and sensitive interactions with the childminder and her assistant. Children's emotional and care needs, such as wiping their nose or cuddling them when they are teething, are attended to promptly. This helps children to feel safe in the setting.

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The provision is good

The focus in the setting is to support children's personal, social and emotional development. The childminder and her assistant model the behaviour and attitudes they expect from the children. For example, they speak calmly and kindly to one another and encourage the children to do the same. As a result, children behave and interact well. They listen to instructions and act on gentle reminders given about rules.

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The provision is good

Developing the children's knowledge of the world is a priority. Children learn to care for the childminder's dogs, cats, chickens and ducks. They plant, grow, pick and eat vegetables from the garden. Regular visits to the library, park and playgroup also support children to learn and develop beyond the setting. The childminder knows the children and their interests well and uses this knowledge to plan for their next steps. As a result, children make good progress and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.

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need to do better?

n Communication and language skills are developed throughout the setting. For example, during story time, the childminder uses puppets and gestures to support children to understand new words. She encourages them to join in by saying sounds and words. This increases the number of words that children know and use. n The childminder and her assistant ask questions during their interactions with children, to develop children's language and understanding. However, the reply often only requires one word and time is not always given for the child to think before they answer. This limits children's responses and the opportunity for them to use higher level thinking skills. n Each child's personal development is supported well. For example, younger children are taught how to access the garden via the step. Older children learn how to put on their own coats and shoes. This encourages children to become increasingly independent.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides balanced and nutritious meals, and she talks with the children about the food they eat. Children learn about the importance of brushing their teeth, and they role play trips to the dentist. This supports children to learn about and live a healthy lifestyle.

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need to do better?

27 September 2023 n Clear structures and routines are in place, which children understand and follow. For example, children wait quietly and calmly to wash their hands before sitting at the table for snack time. This helps children to anticipate key events in the day and know what is expected of them. n The childminder promotes equality and diversity throughout the setting. Children learn about each other's cultures and religions and why we are all special. All children have equal opportunities in their learning, regardless of age, gender or needs. As a result, children enjoy learning together and are kind and loving towards one another. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified swiftly and supported appropriately. The childminder knows how to access support and advice from other agencies and supports parents with this process. n The childminder constantly monitors her practice and highlights areas of

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need to do better?

strengths and areas for development in the setting. She engages with childminding networks, forums and local authority visits to improve the quality of provision. However, the assistant does not have a secure enough knowledge and understanding of the early years foundation stage. n Parents say that their children are happy to attend what they describe as a 'nurturing' and 'encouraging' environment. Some parents say that they feel they are dropping their child off with family. n Parents feel that their children make good progress at the setting and that they are kept well informed about their children's learning, development and well- being. They feel that their children will be more than ready for school due to the care and support they receive from the childminder. Parents would recommend the setting to others.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is an important part of everyday life in the setting. The childminder and her assistant are aware of the signs that children may be at risk of harm and they know what to do if they have any concerns. They know the appropriate procedures to follow in the event an allegation is made about an adult. Risk assessments of activities and the environment are carried out daily. This minimises risks to children. Fire evacuation procedures, created in consultation with the local fire brigade, are practised monthly. The childminder is reflective of the effectiveness of the setting's safeguarding policies and procedures and the quality of safeguarding practice.

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should:

n strengthen questioning skills to ensure that children are given time and support

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should:

27 September 2023 to communicate effectively n improve the assistant's knowledge and understanding of the early years foundation stage, to strengthen teaching and learning even more.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497337 Local authority Solihull Inspection number 10301737 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 12 Number of children on roll 19 Date of previous inspection 8 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Solihull. She operates all year round from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 5 and employs an unqualified assistant. The childminder 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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on personal, social and emotional development and communication and language. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact that this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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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

27 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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