Childminder in Walsall

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder has not fulfilled her responsibility to complete all the required checks to ensure the suitability of her assistant. This means Ofsted cannot be assured that her assistant is suitable to work alone with children. However, this has minimal impact on the safety of children because the assistant is never left unsupervised with them.

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The provision requires improvement

Despite this weakness, children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. The childminder provides them with a warm, nurturing and homely environment. This helps all children to feel safe. The bond they have with the childminder is evident. The childminder spends time getting to know children and their families before they start. She gathers valuable information about their likes, interests and routines. As a result, she forges trusting relationships with children and their families.

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The provision requires improvement

The quality of education that children receive is good. The curriculum is ambitious and gives children a solid foundation for their next stage in learning. The childminder has high expectations for what she wants children to achieve and encourages a 'can-do' attitude. The childminder supports children to try and zip up their own coats and put on their own shoes. Children wipe their own faces after eating and find their own drinks. The childminder supports children to recognise the first letter of their name on their cups. As a result, children are independent and keen to learn. They show resilience as they persevere at tasks and make good progress from their various starting points.

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need to do better?

n Weaknesses in the childminder's oversight of recruitment procedures mean some of the required checks for her assistant are not complete. As a result, Ofsted has not been able to fully assess her suitability to work with children. However, the impact on children's safety is minimal because the assistant has the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check, and the childminder ensures that she is never left unsupervised with the children. n The quality of teaching is good. Children show a love for learning. The childminder and her assistant ask open-ended questions to encourage children to speak and problem-solve. However, sometimes, they repeat the same question in quick succession before children have had time to think and respond. This occasionally makes it difficult for children to process what is being asked of them. n The well-planned environment flows and is clean and clear of hazards. This

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need to do better?

means children can safely access the areas and be independent. The childminder reflects on what she wants children to learn and changes the resources

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need to do better?

12 March 2024 throughout the day. This means the activities available meet the individual next steps and interests of children. This helps them to focus and engage in their learning. n Children enjoy the freedom of choice. The childminder and her assistant respectfully respond to their ideas, for example, children choose to play outside in the rain. Consequently, children feel valued. This builds their confidence, self- esteem and independence in learning. n Children eagerly anticipate the routines of the day. They jump with joy as they get ready for song time. Children excitedly shake bells to the rhythm of songs. They know to get ready for nap time after they finish lunch. This structure helps children to feel secure. n The childminder is attentive to safe sleep procedures. Children have colour- coded beds and bedding, which ensures good hygiene. The childminder observes them sleeping and completes regular checks to make sure they are

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need to do better?

safe. n The childminder and her assistant are good role models. They praise children and remind them of good manners. Children behave well. They show kindness and respect for their friends and learn to share and take turns. n Children learn the appropriate rules of the setting. For example, before starting a new activity, they must help to tidy up the last. This supports children to learn about responsibility and looking after things. n Children show a love for books. They regularly visit the local library. They enjoy sharing stories on the lap of the childminder and turn the pages of the books to feel the different textures. This helps to widen the children's vocabulary and improve their language skills. n Parents speak extremely highly of the childminder. They clearly attribute their children's progress to the childminder's teaching. They say their children flourish and progress exceptionally well, which is due to the positive support and care

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need to do better?

they receive. There is effective two-way communication with verbal handovers, daily pictures and messages. However, there is further scope for the childminder to strengthen ways to support parents to continue their children's learning at home. This will help to consolidate children's learning between home and the childminder's setting.

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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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Due date

ensure any assistants have completed the relevant suitability checks. 03/04/2024

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should:

n enhance interactions with children so that they have enough time to think and respond to what is being asked of them n build on partnership working with parents to support children's learning at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY399621 Local authority Walsall Inspection number 10311849 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 8 Date of previous inspection 12 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009. She lives in Sutton Coldfield. The childminder works with an assistant. She operates from 7am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder and her assistant hold relevant early years qualifications 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 childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. 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 and inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 March 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

12 March 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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