Childminder in East Sussex

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children develop close bonds with the dedicated childminder and her assistants. Children show that they are happy in their care. Younger children receive the reassurance they need to support their emotional security. This helps them to settle and develop the confidence to choose activities that interest them. Children are motivated to explore and learn in the well-organised and clean environment.

p.2

The provision is good

Children listen to their favourite stories read by the childminder and her assistant, such as 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. They deepen their knowledge of the life cycle of a butterfly. This helps them to understand about the world around them. Older children learn the new word 'cocoon'. They hear this repeated by the childminder and her assistant in a range of contexts. For example, children curl themselves up into a cocoon after a leaf-threading activity and search for a cocoon that has been chalked on the path. Children's language is supported well.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are well behaved. They learn how to cooperate with others and make good friendships. For instance, the assistant reminds children to be kind to their friends and share the resources. Children respond well to praise from the childminder, who clearly values their achievements. This helps to reinforce their positive behaviour.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child's progress. She gives parents regular, daily updates on children's play and learning, and ways they can support their child's learning at home. Parents state that they are happy with the quality of care and education their children receive. They comment that their children's communication and language have greatly improved from their starting points. n The childminder has high expectations for children's independence. She encourages children to complete age-appropriate tasks throughout the day. For example, children eagerly put on their own shoes, use a safety knife to cut up their fruit, and clear away their plate and cup at mealtimes. The childminder recognises the social and cultural variations between the children she cares for. She equips them with the self-help skills and confidence they need for future success. n Children develop their physical skills well. The childminder provides various

p.2

need to do better?

opportunities for children to explore a range of play equipment at the local park and in her garden. This helps to develop their core strength. For instance, children enjoy the physical challenge of climbing the slide and balancing on the see-saw. Younger children gain more hand control over objects to help them develop their muscle strength and hand-eye coordination. For example, they

p.2

need to do better?

13 June 2024 build a tower with stacking cups. Children show perseverance and sustain good concentration. n The childminder supports children's mathematical understanding well. Older children demonstrate that they have already learned some mathematical concepts for their age. For example, they know the star shape and count pictures of pears and plums in a book. Children demonstrate a 'can-do' attitude. n At times, the childminder plans ambitious group activities to encourage good social skills and back-and-forth interactions with others. For instance, she asks children questions about the calendar, to point out things in a book, and sing several verses of songs. However, she does not always adapt her teaching for the youngest children and take account of their abilities. This means that older children benefit more in their learning than the younger children. n The childminder and her assistants work well together as an enthusiastic and

p.2

need to do better?

committed team. The childminder identifies next steps for children's learning and provides good opportunities for children to practise new skills across all areas of learning. However, the childminder does not always teach what is intended during the activities that she plans. She has too many learning outcomes for children. Children's learning experiences are not always fully enhanced. n The assistants feel well supported in their role and understand their responsibilities. For example, they take part in regular peer observations to improve their teaching. The childminder and her assistants regularly discuss the needs of children and how to support their learning. They all receive training to upskill their practice. n The childminder consistently reflects on ways to improve her practice. For instance, she has identified a training course to help her and her assistants to enhance children's communication and language skills even further.

p.3

need to do better?

n The childminder works well with outside agencies. For example, she knows how to seek support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities swiftly.

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 strengthen planning to support children's individual learning needs more precisely n organise group activities to match the needs and abilities of all groups of children, particularly babies and younger children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2660364 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10339479 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 17 Number of children on roll 23 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022. She lives in Uckfield, East Sussex. The childminding service is open from 8am to 5.30pm. The childminder works with two assistants. One of her assistants is her husband, who helps out occasionally. The childminder has a recognised level 3 childcare qualification. She receives the early years funded entitlement for children aged two, three and four years.

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 childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, assistants and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder and her assistant. n Parents shared their views about the childminder's service with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 June 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

13 June 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