Childminder in Stockport

Inspection date: 22 February 2024 - 21 March 2024

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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

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The provision is good

Children are relaxed, happy and settled in this home-from-home environment. They come back from school and settle down to read or play the playroom. The childminder has clear expectations for behaviour, and she supports the development of children's characters well. Children of different ages play happily alongside each other. They are polite, kind and supportive to each other. The childminder promotes children's social skills and encourages playing in groups. Children enjoy playing a shopping game with the childminder, chatting about the cost of the items and excitedly turning the cards over. They take turns without being reminded and are gracious to others if they do not win.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans and provides interesting opportunities for learning through play. For example, children have lots of fun rolling different coloured balls back and forth. The childminder supports children as they choose to extend the play by adding first one, and then several cardboard tubes to roll the ball through. Children independently get scissors and carefully cut the tube so that the ball will fit through. The childminder asks skilful questions that encourage problem solving. For example, she asks the children to think about what might happen if the tubes are pushed up higher or lower. She encourages them to roll the ball hard enough to complete the whole run. Children delightedly exclaim, 'it works!' as the ball rolls all the way through. This demonstrates how the childminder encourages the children to think for themselves, and how well their fine-motor skills are developing in preparation for early writing.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has constructed a mostly well-thought-out curriculum. She assesses children's starting points and their ongoing progress. She uses the assessments to plan activities which are matched to children's stages of development. She also links activities to exciting topics, such as dinosaurs, to help capture children's imagination. This helps them enjoy their learning. n The childminder has a particular focus on developing children's early language and communication. She makes effective use of sessions, such as story and rhyme time at the local library, to help broaden children's vocabulary. The childminder also takes children to play sessions where they learn to become more confident speakers in larger groups. n The childminder designs the curriculum to help children be well prepared to start school or nursery. For example, she encourages children to put away their coats and bags when they arrive. Children confidently help themselves to whatever

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need to do better?

toys and equipment they want to play with. They tidy up the toys when they have finished playing with them and store them away carefully in the cupboard. Children develop good levels of independence.

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need to do better?

22 February 2024 n Many aspects of children's physical development are promoted well. The childminder encourages children to try healthy new foods. She reminds children to stay hydrated and to practise good handwashing to help them be healthy. The childminder supports the development of children's small-muscle skills in many ways. However, she gives less consideration to their larger physical skills. Children are not routinely supported to develop their large-muscle movements or be physically active outside. n The childminder supports children to understand how their actions and behaviour has an impact on others. They happily share the toys and equipment and allow others to join in with their games. Children show a mature understanding of others' feelings and needs. For example, they sensitively move away to give an upset child more space and understand that they need to be calm and quiet. Children say please and thank you without being reminded.

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need to do better?

n The childminder takes the children on a range of trips and visits. They go to the library and to the town centre, following a trail to look for giant model frogs. Children talk proudly about how they take the childminder's dog for a walk and are allowed to hold the lead. This helps to develop children's confidence and their understanding and appreciation of the community in which they live. n The childminder works hard to ensure that her setting is inclusive and to give all children the best care and support that she can. She works in close partnership with parents to ensure that she understands all children's individual needs, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She is pro-active in seeking further support and advice, for example from the local authority. This helps her to continue to develop her skills and knowledge in supporting all children to make good progress.

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need to do better?

n Parents report that there are highly positive partnerships between themselves and the childminder. They also value the care and nurture that she gives the children. Parents speak appreciatively about the daily information shared with them. This helps them to continue children's learning at home.

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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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should:

n strengthen the provision for children's physical development, to help extend their gross motor skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY301201 Local authority Stockport Inspection number 10311984 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 9 Date of previous inspection 17 April 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2005 and lives in Stockport, Cheshire. She operates all year round from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 7am to 4pm on a Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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 provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector discussed how the childminder plans and delivers the early years foundation stage curriculum, and its impact on children's learning and development.

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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

22 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

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

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