Childminder in Staffordshire

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 happy and well settled with the childminder and her assistant. They have formed close relationships with them and regularly come for cuddles and reassurance, which they receive in abundance. This helps children to feel safe and secure in their care. Children happily seek out the childminder to look at the books they bring to her. She asks questions which help to draw out what children know. She encourages discussion about what they say, which helps to extend their thinking further. Children explore the spacious play environment. For example, older babies enjoy navigating their way and practising their balance as they move along a walkway structure, while older children enjoy the challenge of the steps at one end. Other children have fun while they use ride-on or push-along toys and giggle when they reach the other side.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. Adults carefully observe children's behaviour and help to resolve minor disputes quickly. The childminder uses positive behaviour strategies and gently reminds children to be kind to others and use their good manners. As a result, older children routinely use good manners and are patient and kind towards others. They are keen to help give younger children their coats and shoes. Children gain the skills and knowledge they need to prepare them for the next stages of learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has clear intentions for all children's learning. When children first start, she gathers information from parents which helps her to decide what children need to learn next, including where there may be gaps in learning. The childminder makes plans for activities and experiences which help children to build on their prior learning and make continual progress. n The childminder ensures that mandatory training for her and her assistant is kept current. There is scope to seek additional professional development which builds on her existing knowledge to enhance the provision and help to further improve outcomes for children's learning. n Communication and language is a strength in this setting. The childminder and assistant provide abundant opportunities for older babies to practise their speaking skills. They adapt their teaching to help children to understand. For example, older babies are keen to point out and name the objects they know.

p.2

need to do better?

The childminder encourages older children to engage in conversation. Older children recall events from home and express their stories, including a beginning, middle and end. They are keen to talk about their interest in large construction vehicles and where they have seen them. n Independence is promoted well. For example, all children feed themselves using appropriate cutlery. They access their drinks with ease and help to give out cups

p.2

need to do better?

17 January 2024 to their peers. Children grin proudly when they show their new skills to put on their coats. They receive lots of praise for their achievements. This helps to raise their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. n The childminder has arranged the play environment to interest and engage children to lead their play. Children freely access the resources that interest them. For example, young children enjoy role play and pretend to feed others from a bowl with a spoon, scraping together the last of the imaginary food. Children play well together and enjoy this game. n Children are excited to engage in a turn-taking game. All children sit and wait with anticipation for their turn to roll a ball down the spiral structure. Older babies bounce and giggle when their ball reaches the bottom. Babies watch closely and wait patiently for their turn. Older children help to keep an eye on whose turn it is next.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder takes children on regular trips out to playgroups, local parks and play centres. This helps children to build their confidence and experience play among larger groups of children. They begin to make friends with others who become familiar to them. This helps to prepare them for their move on to nursery or school. n Parents are happy with the care their children receive. They comment positively on their increased confidence and social skills as well as their good table manners. Parents value the information they receive about their child's learning and are happy with the progress they make.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n seek professional development opportunities which build on existing knowledge to further enhance the provision for children and help to improve their learning outcomes.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY490954 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10280429 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 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 4 September 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Tamworth. She operates all year round from 7.30am until 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant. 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 and inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the organisation and intent of the curriculum and how the environment is arranged. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching throughout the inspection and considered the impact this has on children's learning. A joint evaluation of the quality of teaching during an activity took place between the childminder and the inspector. n The inspector took account of parents' views about the setting from the written information provided. n The inspector spoke to the children and the assistant at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector held a meeting with the childminder and discussed how the

p.5

Inspection activities

setting is organised. The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including evidence of the qualifications of those working in the setting.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

17 January 2024 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6