Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

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

Children are nurtured and cared for well by the attentive childminder. They are confident and feel safe and secure. The childminder works on their emotional resilience by ensuring they have lots of opportunities to interact and socialise with other children. They attend play groups and soft play sessions to expand their socialisation skills and practise their gross-motor skills, climbing and sliding. Children say they like sliding down the big slides into the ball pool. Younger children receive an abundance of cuddles and reassurance, which helps them build secure and strong attachments with the childminder.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder operates from a purpose-built playroom, and children have access to the outdoors in all weathers. Indoors activities are provided which ignite children's curiosity for learning. A large tray of sand, which sticks together, leads children to role play being pirates. Children use scoops and small spades to dig for hidden treasure, following a map the childminder has made for them. They share their delight as they shout 'hurrah' when they find hidden gems. The childminder claps and celebrates with them. This helps to boost their self-esteem. Younger children enjoy rubbing the sand between their hands and fingers, feeling the texture.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about the role she plays in the children's learning. She undertakes continuous professional development. Recently she has become part of a mentor scheme and links with other childminders. This helps her learn about and share best practice and enables her to reflect and evaluate her own practice. This ensures the quality of teaching is consistently good. n Children learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles. The childminder sings with them as they wash their hands after using the potty. Oral hygiene is also promoted, and children are taught about the importance of cleaning their teeth. The childminder provides freshly prepared healthy snacks, such as fruit, and vegetable crudities. Children also benefit from home-cooked meals. n Overall, children behave well. The childminder is teaching them right from wrong. She explains that we cannot throw toys because it might hurt our

p.2

need to do better?

friends. That said, instances of unwanted behaviour do sometimes continue as children have not yet learnt to manage their feelings and self-regulate their behaviour. n The childminder gathers lots of information from parents about the children. She uses this, and her own observations and knowledge of children's development, to devise a curriculum that builds on skills and helps children become successful learners and ready for school. Children make good progress with the childminder.

p.2

need to do better?

8 November 2023 n A strong focus is placed on communication and language. Children are exposed to a rich vocabulary. The childminder constantly talks to the children and encourages them to voice their own opinions and thoughts. New words are introduced, such as 'snorkel', and children are encouraged to practise saying these words. n Children enjoy activities which are led by the childminder. For example, the childminder reads stories and uses props to bring the story alive. Children enjoy practising their fine-motors skills as they use spatulas and glue to decorate pictures of pyjama's, like the ones from the story. That said, the younger children do not gain as much from these activities as the childminder has not fully considered how to adapt them to meet their needs. n Younger children are supported to explore their environment. However, the childminder does not consistently provide enough opportunities for younger

p.2

need to do better?

children to practise their developing physical skills. On occasions, when they are standing, the childminder moves the younger children to a sitting position. This does not effectively support their curiosity and promote their physical development as well as it could. n Partnership with parents is good. The childminder provides daily feedback on the activities their children have been doing. Termly written reports are shared with parents, which updates them on the progress their children are making and the next steps for their learning. Parents comment that the childminder is welcoming and nurturing, and that their children enjoy attending.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is vigilant in her duties to ensure that children are safe while in her care. She keeps accurate records of existing injuries, or any accidents that may happen while children are with her. The childminder has attended safeguarding and child protection courses, including one with her local authority. She knows the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about children in her care. The childminder is also aware of the action she would take in the event of any allegations being made against her or a household member. The childminder holds an appropriate paediatric first-aid qualification.

p.3

should:

n continue to support children to manage their feelings to help them learn to self- regulate their behaviour n review teaching practice to consider how to adapt activities to further support the needs of the younger children n consider the environment to look at more ways to support younger children's

p.3

should:

8 November 2023 emerging physical skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2644043 Local authority Stoke-on-Trent Inspection number 10308647 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2021 and lives in Stoke-on-Trent. She works from Monday to Friday, from 8am until 6pm, all year round, except for family holidays. The childminder is eligible for early education funding and currently provides funded early education for two--year-old children.

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 childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their EYFS curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector reviewed written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

p.5

Inspection activities

8 November 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

8 November 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.6

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.7

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.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7