Pike, Elaine

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

Children are at ease in the childminder's home. They enjoy her company and that of her assistants, and go to them for cuddles when required. The childminder and her assistants have worked hard to provide children with a loving and caring environment. The play area is warm and inviting, with children's work proudly on display, helping to develop their self-esteem. Children are happy and content in the setting. The childminder implements strategies to help children to express their feelings. For example, children identify their emotions as they select relevant pictures from the 'feelings board'. The childminder acknowledges their feelings and offers reassurance and hugs when needed. Children learn how to understand, manage and regulate their emotions.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder supports the children's learning well. She understands how to incorporate the curriculum into the activities she provides, to help children to make good progress. For example, she takes the children on outings to the local park to further strengthen their physical skills. The childminder is enthusiastic about developing children's love of learning. Children very much enjoy books and listening to stories, rhymes and songs. For example, children take home a book bag each week to encourage reading at home.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder maintains a calm atmosphere. Children behave very well and tidy their toys away independently when finished with them. The childminder and her assistant have high expectations of the children's behaviour.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children in her care well. She provides a good range of activities, which successfully support her curriculum. For example, children enjoy exploring with building blocks, which are used to support their speaking skills, mathematical knowledge and imagination. Children count the blocks confidently to 10. The childminder draws attention to the shapes that have been made. She teaches children about three-dimensional shapes, such as 'cube' and 'cylinder'. Children develop good communication and language skills through these interactions. n Children represent their experiences in play. They show gentleness, care and consideration when handling baby dolls. They know that after washing the babies, they need to dry and dress them. The childminder offers gentle praise and encouragement as she helps the children to dress the babies. She models how being gentle is important, and children enjoy her involvement in their play.

p.2

need to do better?

Children demonstrate an understanding of the needs of others. n The childminder values every child's individual belief and plans experiences to help children to learn about different cultures. For example, the children

p.2

need to do better?

18 December 2023 celebrate Eid, Christmas and Diwali. The childminder plans interesting activities to support this learning, such as making celebratory cards and reading books. This helps children to develop an understanding of other cultures and communities. n Parents speak very favourably about the progress that their children have made at the setting. The childminder ensures that she keeps parents well informed about their child's achievements through regular discussions and sharing observations and assessments, including the progress checks for children aged between two and three years. She understands the importance of progress checks for the children, and plans well for children's next steps in learning. n The childminder communicates well with children. She weaves in new words and maintains a consistent dialogue with them. For example, she asks children questions while they are playing, such as 'What shape is that block? Is it a cube

p.2

need to do better?

or square?' This helps children to hear words and develop their speech and understanding. However, on occasion, she does not give children enough time to respond to questions, to help to develop their critical thinking skills. n The childminder and her assistants are keen to seek professional development. This supports the childminder to continually develop her professional practice. She takes appropriate early action should she see any gaps in children's learning. The childminder's assistants also complete mandatory training to keep their knowledge current about how to promote children's safety. n Children regularly go out into the community. For example, they attend local groups and regularly visit the library. This provides them with opportunities to mix with other children, and helps them to develop their social skills. Children learn vital skills, such as road safety and how to stay safe while outside.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her role in protecting and safeguarding children. She carries out regular risk assessments to ensure that all areas used by children are safe. The childminder works alongside two assistants and ensures their ongoing suitability. They attend mandatory training and regular refresher training courses. The childminder has a good understanding of the potential signs and symptoms of abuse and how to report these. The she ensures that her home is safe and secure, and has a stringent signing in and out policy. She teaches the children the importance of being safe before outings and trips.

p.3

should:

n give children more time to respond to questions during their learning, to further support their critical thinking skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 128842 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10316883 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 7 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 1 May 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1994. She lives in the London Borough of Lewisham and provides childcare all day from Monday to Friday, for most of the year. The childminder works with two assistants. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence that the childminder has completed paediatric first-aid training. n Parents shared their views about the setting with the inspector. n The childminder explained her early years curriculum to the inspector and what she wants the children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector during activities.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

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