Childminder in East Sussex

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 builds warm and caring relationships with children. They settle quickly and feel safe and secure in her care, going to her readily for comfort and cuddles. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and patient approach. She gently reminds them of her expectations, and they become familiar with the consistent daily routines. They remember they need to wash their hands before snack time, and that they must sit at the table to eat. The childminder is a good role model and children behave well.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans activities that successfully capture children's interest, so they are eager to take part and develop positive attitudes towards learning. Children become engrossed in their play as they explore different textures in a tray of pasta and cereal. The childminder encourages them to keep trying when they find tasks difficult. For example, she offers children guidance and support as they concentrate on threading spaghetti through a small hole in a colander. Children are proud and delighted when they succeed. The childminder has high ambitions for all children and recognises their unique skills and abilities. Children gain a wide range of useful skills that prepare them well for their future learning and eventually starting school.

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need to do better?

n Language and communication skills are given high priority by the childminder. She takes particular care to listen to children and extend their vocabulary, for instance by introducing new words. Children happily repeat words such as 'crunchy' as they explore dry pasta in a tray. The childminder reads them familiar stories, successfully holding their attention when she changes the tone of her voice. Children are thrilled to join in with songs and confidently request that everyone sings their favourites. They receive effective support to help them become capable communicators. n Children take part in a varied range of experiences that they enjoy. The childminder takes each child's individual needs into account when she organises the day. She ensures that children benefit from outings that broaden their experiences, such as a trip to the library or a visit to a theme park. Children try new food from different countries and learn about celebrations and traditions

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need to do better?

around the world. For example, they have great fun making their own pizzas and learning about Italian food. n The childminder knows children well and has a good understanding of their development and needs. She quickly identifies any gaps in their learning and puts support in place to prevent children from falling behind. However, if children are progressing well, she does not think as carefully about what they are ready to learn next, or what she wants them to learn from activities provided. This means that, on occasion, activities do not fully build on what children already

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need to do better?

6 December 2023 know and can do to extend their learning even further. n There are good opportunities for children to develop their independence and self-care skills. The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves from an early age. Children learn to wash their hands and manage their own shoes and coats when they go outside. They select the resources they want to play with and make confident choices and decisions about what they want to do. n Children form strong bonds with the childminder, who is attentive to their emotional well-being. She teaches them about the importance of being kind and helps them express how they feel, for instance when their friend does not share with them. Children begin to show care and concern for one another. They offer their friends a cuddle to comfort them when they are sad. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder works with them closely to

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need to do better?

develop a consistent approach. She communicates with parents regularly, so they are aware of how their children are progressing, and she encourages them to share information from home. Parents benefit from activity suggestions and resources such as books to help them continue children's learning at home. n The childminder recognises the value of continually updating her own knowledge and skills. She reflects on what she does and makes good use of links with other childminders as well as online resources to keep up to date and gain new ideas. This helps her identify how she can develop her practice and provide new experiences for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is conscientious about keeping children safe. She supervises them closely and understands when to be extra vigilant, such as at mealtimes. The childminder checks her home carefully and takes steps to minimise any hazards. She knows how to recognise and report possible child protection concerns. She makes good use of opportunities to teach children about how to keep themselves safe. For instance, she shows them how to navigate the front steps safely and helps them understand the reason for rules such as not running inside.

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should:

n focus activity planning more precisely on what children are ready to learn next, to consistently build on their existing knowledge and skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY501415 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10317970 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 5 Date of previous inspection 7 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Newhaven, East Sussex. She operates from 7.30am to 5pm, from Tuesday to Friday throughout the year. The childminder is eligible to receive funding to provide early years education for children aged three and four years. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder had 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 the evaluation of the provision. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including how she decides what she wants the children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and discussed how she ensures it is safe and suitable. n The inspector read parents' written views of the setting and took these into account. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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 December 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

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

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