Childminder in East Sussex

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely secure and settled in the environment. They have wonderful bonds both with the childminder and each other. The childminder skilfully supports children to become extremely keen and enthusiastic learners. Children become highly observant and take notice of everything in their environment. The childminder actively encourages them to be highly curious, explore, and ask questions to find out as much as possible about the world around them. For example, children are fascinated when they take part in a 'sink or float' activity. They show exceptional levels of concentration and perseverance as they experiment and find out the differences in the properties of materials. Even very young children listen very attentively to instructions on how to roll a ball 'slowly' and 'fast'.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They show an excellent understanding of the boundaries and the importance of being patient. Children share and take turns without being prompted by the childminder. They show affection for each other and take pride when tidying away their toys as the childminder praises them for being so helpful. The childminder has high expectations of every child and encourages them to be independent. Children independently use the toilet and wash their hands. They proudly show the inspector how clean their hands are.

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need to do better?

n The childminder appreciates the importance of taking children outside of her home. She offers wonderful experiences, such as visiting the library or going to the zoo. Children revisit these activities by looking at photographs. They recall a recent trip where they counted 'lots and lots of enormous trees'. Children remember a recent bus trip where they were encouraged to look for shapes and patterns in the environment. The childminder uses these opportunities to build on children's mathematical knowledge, sequencing skills, and future learning. She ensures that children receive a rich set of experiences that encourage them to think about other cultures and communities beyond their own. n Parents are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences with the childminder. They comment that she is scrupulous in her attitude to keeping children safe. Parents mention that communication is fantastic and that they are

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need to do better?

grateful to receive ideas to support home learning. They appreciate the information given about keeping children safe online and for oral health. Parents describe how they enjoy playing an active part in their child's learning. n The childminder captures the interests of children by providing a variety of visual prompts to be used alongside storytelling. For example, she reads a story and children use small, coloured toys to support them to explore the language of feelings. Children are confident to share examples of the things that have made

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need to do better?

6 February 2024 them sad or happy. For example, children tell the childminder that they were 'very excited' and 'loved' watching ice melt in a recent activity. All children are taught to be confident when they say 'no' and 'stop' if they feel uncomfortable in any situation. Consequently, children gain the ability to practise handling their emotions from a very young age. n The childminder actively seeks out additional training to further develop her existing expert knowledge. She has recently completed a course on professional development. The childminder has used her new learning to model excellent communication skills to children. On a regular basis, she gathers information from parents and uses this to inform children's next steps for learning. Any gaps in children's development are swiftly identified and shared with parents and other professionals, such as health visitors and class teachers. As a result, all

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need to do better?

children, including those who are at risk of falling behind, make remarkable progress in their learning. n Children learn in detail about how to keep themselves safe. The childminder includes them throughout the daily routine in order for them to be aware of their own safety. For example, children know how to behave next to a busy road or if a dog approaches them in the park. The childminder has recently accessed additional safeguarding training to further deepen her understanding of child protection issues. She knows what procedures to follow if she is concerned about the welfare of a child. The childminder has extensive knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow if an allegation is made against her.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY499492 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10317330 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 6 Date of previous inspection 23 May 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016. She works from her home in Peacehaven, East Sussex. The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She offers care from 8am to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, for 48 weeks of the year. The childminder receives funding to provide early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since 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 gave the inspector a tour of the areas used by children, and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector took into account the views of parents. n The inspector spoke to children and gathered their views during the inspection. n The childminder talked to the inspector throughout the inspection about her curriculum, what she wants children to learn, and how children's progress is monitored. n The inspector observed children engaged in activities and the childminder's interactions with them.

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Inspection activities

6 February 2024 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 February 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.

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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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