Ash, Andrea Jane

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder takes time to get to know the children. She observes and uses information gathered from parents to help her plan activities that children will enjoy. For example, the childminder knows that children are interested in animals and dinosaurs. She has added these toy animals into the song bag. Children 'roar' when they find the dinosaur, and they are eager to join in the singing time. Due to their interest, they concentrate well. Children develop close and loving bonds with the childminder, who sits with them and interacts in their play. They reach out their arms for a cuddle and sit on the childminder's knee to play with toys. The childminder supervises children closely. They are settled and safe in her care.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder carefully plans how to implement her ambitious curriculum. She uses bubbles to help motivate young children to pull themselves up to stand. Children giggle as they reach up to the bubbles, and they are delighted when they catch them. They are developing their core strength and balance. The childminder encourages children to behave well. Children learn to sit and listen to a story. They work in a group and show patience as they wait for their turn. Children benefit from attending a variety of toddler sessions in their local community. They are developing confidence in new environments and social skills, which help them when they go to school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder maintains the training required of her and seeks additional information to help her improve specific aspects of her curriculum. For example, the childminder has focused her research on identifying new ways to strengthen children's muscles and promote their physical development. The targeted improvements in her curriculum have helped to close emerging gaps in children's progress. This continual improvement in her knowledge and skills also helps the childminder to maintain good-quality provision. n The childminder arranges her curriculum to provide children with the skills they need. For example, to help promote physical development, she offers children dough. This helps to build their finger muscles. However, most of the childminder's toys have one set purpose, and there are few resources that help the children to think creatively. This prevents children developing the strongest natural curiosity and critical thinking skills needed to help them become the most

p.2

need to do better?

effective learners. n The childminder makes good use of songs and stories to help promote children's listening and attention skills. Children choose items from the song bag, and they know the song it represents. They are so well versed that even young children know the actions to familiar songs. Children are developing memory skills and learning to make connections, which support their understanding.

p.2

need to do better?

31 October 2023 n The childminder uses interesting words, such as 'gooey', to build children's understanding of vocabulary. However, she does not consistently promote all aspects of their communication and language development. For example, sometimes when children point, the childminder simply obtains the item for them without encouraging or waiting for them to use their words to ask. Children's speaking skills are less well supported. n The childminder encourages children to develop their independence. Children feed themselves, and they progress from using a lidded cup to an open cup. They learn to put on their own coats and shoes. Children become confident in their own ability, and they develop their self-care skills well. n Assessment arrangements are secure. The childminder observes children and uses her knowledge of what they know and can do to help her decide what they need help with next. The childminder plans specific ways to address any gaps in

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need to do better?

children's learning. This helps all children to make good progress. n Parents say that their children are excited to attend the setting and that it is a 'second home'. They value the information they get about their children's activities and development. This partnership working helps them to continue children's learning at home. n Children's physical development is well promoted. The childminder provides rich opportunities for planning outdoors in the fresh air. Children lift and carry sand and water containers as they play. They learn to climb steps in the garden safely. Children are developing their large muscles and coordination well. n The childminder models kind and caring behaviour. Children hug dolls and gently pat their backs. They put teddies to bed and carefully put covers over them. Children are affectionate and are learning to show care for others.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder knows her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. She attends regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She knows the signs and symptoms of abuse and what to do should she be concerned about the welfare of a child in her care. The childminder has completed paediatric first-aid training, and she knows how to administer basic first aid. The childminder talks to children about road safety and ways to keep themselves safe.

p.3

should:

n develop ways to increase children's curiosity and critical thinking skills to help them to become highly effective learners n increase opportunities for children to use words and verbalise responses to help them develop their speaking skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY464392 Local authority Oldham Inspection number 10311892 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 13 April 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013. She lives in Failsworth, Oldham. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language, and physical development. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared written feedback of the setting with the inspector.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

31 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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