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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The childminder builds warm, trusting relationships with children that help them feel safe and secure. She takes the time to help newer children settle in at their own pace and prioritises their emotional well-being. Children grow in confidence and quickly become familiar with the daily routines, such as finding their boots and putting on their warm clothes to go outside. They play in an interesting and inviting learning environment that the childminder organises carefully to spark their curiosity and imagination. Children are intrigued by the available resources and busily gather containers, confidently turning on taps to fill them with water.

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The provision is good

Children gain useful skills that help prepare them for their future learning. The childminder places a strong emphasis on encouraging children to do things for themselves. Children quickly learn to manage their own coats and shoes and begin to wash their hands independently. They make choices and decisions about what they want to do and, with the childminder's support, learn to express their thoughts and feelings. The childminder gives children calm, clear guidance and reassurance to help them understand how to behave well. They willingly share with their friends and try hard to wait patiently for their turn during activities.

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need to do better?

n Communication and language are at the heart of this childminding setting. The childminder fills children's day with conversation, songs and stories. Children confidently talk to the childminder about their plans for the day, and she gives them ample time to express their ideas. They practise new vocabulary as they make their own play dough, learning the meaning of words such as 'sticky', 'slimy' and 'gooey'. Children enthusiastically sing songs that remind them of what happens next in their routine, such as washing hands or having a snack. They cuddle up contentedly to listen to a familiar story at nap time. n The childminder gets to know children well and has a good understanding of their learning styles and needs. She plans activities that extend children's skills and link well to their interests, which motivates them to learn. They often become engrossed in completing tasks and are eager to join in. At times,

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need to do better?

however, the childminder does not fully consider how to adapt activities effectively for the different learning needs of the children taking part. Occasionally, some children are not as fully engaged as others and so do not gain as much from the experiences that are provided. n There are effective arrangements for monitoring children's progress. The childminder observes children and quickly identifies any gaps in their learning or possible special educational needs and/or disabilities. She works with parents closely to share information and meet children's needs, including offering regular meetings to discuss their learning. However, before children start with her, she

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need to do better?

18 December 2023 does not gather detailed information from parents about what their child already knows and can do, to help her build on their existing skills and knowledge from the outset. n There are many opportunities for children to practise their physical skills. The childminder offers children support and encouragement to try new things, which successfully boosts their confidence. They thoroughly enjoy the challenge of balancing along a beam or jumping from the wooden platform outside in the garden. Inside, they strengthen their muscles as they pour ingredients and stir them with a large spoon to make dough. n Each child is valued as a unique individual. The childminder encourages children to share their backgrounds and experiences, which helps them to learn about diversity. For example, children learn about the different celebrations their friends have at home and make and taste food from different parts of the world.

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need to do better?

n Children learn to resolve conflicts with their friends under the childminder's watchful care. She demonstrates how to explain to others that something hurts or is upsetting. When children struggle with their emotions, she offers calm and gentle support. For instance, she teaches children how pushing out a big breath as though they are blowing out a candle can help them calm down. n The childminder is passionate about providing high-quality care and education for children. She constantly evaluates what she does and makes good use of opportunities for professional development. She carefully develops her skills so that she can help support individual children, such as completing a course about how to encourage a varied diet. This has a positive impact on the children in her care.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to keep children safe. She checks her home and the childminding cabin thoroughly for any hazards and takes steps to ensure that children can play safely. She supervises children closely and understands when to be extra vigilant, such as when they are eating. The childminder understands how to recognise and report possible signs of abuse or neglect.

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should:

n strengthen activity planning to take greater account of individual children's specific learning needs and promote their full engagement n extend systems for gathering information from parents before their child first starts, to gain an even more detailed understanding of children's developmental starting points.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2641934 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10305301 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 5 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She lives in Crowborough, East Sussex. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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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 they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector read some written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

18 December 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

18 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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