Childminder in Merton

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder and her family offer children a warm welcome into their home. The childminder treats children with love and respect and makes every effort to ensure that children are comfortable and their needs are met. She places an emphasis on building relationships, understanding that children need to be settled and secure before they can grow. This can be seen readily, as children have the confidence to explore and try new things. Children concentrate well during activities that have been designed to suit their likes and interests.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well and know what is expected of them. The childminder provides a consistent narrative, allowing children to understand what is happening next. This helps children to settle and learn the routines. The childminder listens to children and repeats back words to ensure clarity and show that she is listening and interested. This helps to build positive relationships with children as well as helping their language development. The childminder introduces new vocabulary and shows pleasure when children repeat it back.

p.2

The provision is good

Children go on regular outings and enjoy links with the local community. For example, they have trips to the library to listen to story time. Children select books and develop a love of reading. They enjoy opportunities for physical activity, such as at the park. The childminder meets with fellow childminders and children, taking pots and pans to make a mud kitchen. This supports children's social skills as well as their creativity and imagination.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder consistently uses language for thinking and invites children to make choices. For example, she helps children to solve problems when using stacking dolls. Children remain engaged with activities that maintain their interest. For example, children use autumn leaves and conkers they have collected on a recent walk, adding them to play dough to make a 'cake'. n Children explore the texture of the play dough and squidge it in their hands, developing the muscles needed for early writing. They poke the play dough with leaves, then remove them and look at the imprint and show it to the childminder. She acknowledges the marks made and praises children for their efforts. However, at times, the childminder does not give children time to fully explore their fascinations before she moves them along to the next activity. n The childminder knows the children well and can describe their stage of development and how to move them on to the next step of learning. She shares

p.2

need to do better?

this information with their parents. n Parents report good communication and appreciate the childminder's advice on their children's stages of development, such as potty training. Parents enjoy

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need to do better?

11 October 2023 receiving daily photos of their children playing during the day. They value the face-to-face feedback at the end of each session. Parents feel well informed and are very happy with the care their children receive. n Children enjoy regular outings, which form part of the daily routine. Children learn about nature and caring for others, such as when feeding ducks in the local park. Children learn about larger animals on a trip to the farm. The childminder meets with other childminders and their children to widen the children's social circle and help with their confidence and language skills. n Children enjoy a range of home-cooked food, which the childminder prepares with care. The childminder bases meals around children's dietary needs and requirements, as well as their likes and requests. Children taste dishes from around the world. This helps to expose children to different tastes and promotes

p.2

need to do better?

discussions about cultures and places. n The childminder is keen to progress her own knowledge and professional development. For example, she has attended online courses for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder has also attended weekend sessions with a network of fellow childminders to reflect on and explore what good practice is. This directly benefits children; for instance the childminder learns about promoting positive behaviour. n Children behave well and know what is expected of them. They hold hands or know to sit in the buggy. To keep them safe, the childminder reminds children about the road and to be careful. n Children are encouraged to be independent. Young children chop their own bananas and count the pieces. The childminder incorporates learning experiences with mealtimes, such as by chatting about colours, teaching new words and using mathematical language.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder shows a good understanding of child protection. She can describe the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder knows to take into account a range of factors when considering a change in children's behaviour. She demonstrates a good knowledge of the procedures regarding allegations, safer recruitment, keeping records and who to contact should there be a concern. The childminder is aware of managing risk and constantly supervises children. She continually monitors the environment and visually assesses risks at home and on trips out. The childminder has procedures for managing medication, accidents and children's allergies.

p.3

should:

11 October 2023 n allow children to follow their own fascinations and interests at their own pace to maximise opportunities for their learning and development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2671490 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10313372 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in the London Borough of Merton. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday.

p.5

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 and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years setting, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents spoke to the inspector and shared their views. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector joined the childminder on a walk with children.

p.5

Inspection activities

11 October 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

11 October 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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