Childminder in Southampton

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

Children thoroughly enjoy their time within the homely environment. Children benefit from the freedom to be autonomous in their play as they confidently explore the interesting activities on offer. Children form secure relationships with the childminder, who is attentive and kind. She provides children with reassurance and cuddles as they need it. This helps children feel safe and secure.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children's early literacy skills through their love of stories and books, which feature heavily within the curriculum. She creates story times that are fully interactive and engaging. For example, children wait in anticipation as the childminder slowly pulls animals out of a bag when reading about a zoo. Children enjoy making connections as they explore the toy snake while practising initial sounds. Children choose to read books during independent play, taking turns as they lift flaps and talk about what they see.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. The childminder teaches children techniques to help them as they begin to regulate their emotions. For example, children use their fingers to trace the stripes of a rainbow, while using breathing techniques to restore calm. They learn to respect their environment as they clean up after themselves. The childminder provides meaningful praise for a job well done. This helps children develop a sense of pride.

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need to do better?

n The childminder creates a curriculum that is ambitious and responds successfully to children's individual learning needs. She uses assessment effectively to identify potential gaps in children's learning and knows how to access support for children who may require it. The childminder works in partnership with parents, sharing information regularly to inform activities and children's next steps in learning. Parents report that they 'love the personalised care in the homely environment', which is 'relaxing' and 'comfortable'. Leadership and management is effective. n Children have regular opportunities to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts. For example, the childminder introduces big and small as children compare items of fruit. She tests children's understanding by introducing items of a similar size. Children explore heavy, light, empty and full, as they fill containers with mud and water in the garden. This helps provide

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need to do better?

children with a secure foundation that will support their future learning. n Children have lots of opportunities to make connections with the world through experimentation. For example, children explore changes in texture, as they add flour, glitter and rice to play dough. In the garden, children follow recipes and combine mud, water, shells and soap to make 'chocolate mud'. However, on

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need to do better?

18 December 2023 occasion, the childminder does not use resources to maximise learning opportunities consistently, for example, linking stories with characters as children create gingerbread men out of play dough. n Children have lots of opportunities to develop their communication skills, including those who have English as an additional language. For instance, the childminder uses pictures, simple sign language and words in children's home language to help them articulate their needs and desires. She models speech continuously, providing commentary and repeating spoken words to strengthen pronunciation. As a result, children learn to be effective communicators. n The childminder promotes children's independence well, helping them to develop the skills they will need for their eventual move to school. For example, children learn to put on and take off their shoes as they transition from inside to the

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need to do better?

garden. Children learn to use tools as they clean up after each activity. For example, children work in collaboration, and they use brooms, dustpans and cloths to sweep the floor and mop up spillages. n Children start to gain an understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy. For instance, the childminder uses songs to teach children about germs and effective hygiene practice, such as washing hands. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when using knives to cut fruit. For instance, the childminder helps children with cutting techniques. Children learn to hold knives safely, tucking their fingers away from the blade. n Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills in preparation for future writing. For instance, children strengthen their pincer grip by picking up small parts to decorate their play dough creations. They strengthen their hand muscles as they squeeze play dough and learn to use cutters and rolling

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from potential harm, including abuse. She demonstrates a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child welfare concern. This includes those relating to county lines and domestic abuse. The childminder shows confidence in knowing when and who to refer safeguarding concerns to, including in the event of an allegation being made against a household member. She has suitable procedures in place that reflect local safeguarding partnership guidance and she ensures that her knowledge is updated regularly. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of risk management and has effective risk assessments in place, including those relating to pets. Children are safe as a result.

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should:

18 December 2023 n maximise children's learning opportunities by using resources effectively to consistently meet the learning intent of activities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2644575 Local authority Southampton Inspection number 10305531 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in August 2021 and is based in Southampton. She operates for 51 weeks of the year, from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector carried out a learning walk with the childminder, discussing the curriculum she provides for the children. n Observations were carried out by the inspector on the childminder interacting and communicating with the children. n The inspector spoke to the children and the childminder at convenient times and reviewed written feedback from parents.

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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

18 December 2023 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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