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

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a welcoming and stimulating environment where children make excellent progress. She carefully considers how children will learn and develop when she plans her daily experiences. Children are confident and happy and direct their own play. Connecting to nature and being aware of the world that we live in are key aspects of this setting. Children express thorough excitement and fascination as the local birds come into the garden and peck at the seeds the childminder and children have put out for them. The childminder plans trips to local wildlife sanctuaries to enhance children's learning and deepen their understanding.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a strong focus on communication and language and engages the children in activities using puppets. Children giggle and light up with enjoyment and anticipation as they watch the puppets come out of the bag. The childminder interacts using the puppets, and they all sing nursery rhymes together. The childminder skilfully uses intonation to excite and engage the children. This helps children to stay focused and benefit fully from the learning opportunity. The childminder also teaches mathematical development in this way. She encourages children to count ducks and join in with the songs.

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need to do better?

n The childminder implements a wide and varied curriculum for the children. She is able to plan learning experiences that help children to progress in their education. She uses careful assessment of the children to highlight any possible gaps in knowledge. When children are not making the expected progress, she is quick to identify this and knows how to seek help and guidance from external agencies if needed. n The childminder has a passion for outdoor learning opportunities. The children experience fun and adventure in all types of weather. The childminder encourages children to take their socks and shoes off and enjoy the different sensory feelings of grass, mud and sand with bare feet. The childminder helps the children to grow a herb garden which includes lavender, mint and rosemary. These experiences help children to develop their sensory awareness and connection to nature. n Children are confident and kind. They welcome visitors into their play. For

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need to do better?

example, children explain how leaves fall from the tree. They know that the leaves change colour from green to brown when they fall. Younger children race around the garden comparing the fallen leaves to the ones in the garden to see which tree or shrub the leaf has fallen from. Children play well together and share their ideas and experiences. This helps children to develop social skills. n The childminder provides a good balance of child- and adult-led activities. She encourages children to make choices when they direct their own play. However,

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need to do better?

12 June 2024 at times during adult-led activities, the childminder only gives choices to the more confident children. Despite this, all children still participate and enjoy themselves. n The childminder has an excellent relationship with parents. They comment on the genuine care and nurture that their children receive. They are delighted with all the trips that the childminder takes the children on. Children often visit the local garden centre, zoo and theatre. Parents are thrilled with the progress that their children are making. They comment that the childminder plays a 'pivotal role' in their child's growth and development. n The childminder knows the importance of continuous professional development. She accesses a wealth of online courses that help her to widen her knowledge and expertise. She has increased her knowledge of children's language development and awareness of autism. She is aware of how children learn and

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need to do better?

develop and how to keep children safe. n Children enjoy sitting around the table and having snacks while listening to a story. They know the importance of handwashing and go to the bathroom independently to wash their hands before eating. They show confidence in wiping their own noses and know to dispose their tissues in the bin. This promotes children's independence and helps them to get ready for their next stage in education.

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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 offer choices during adult-led learning opportunities more consistently to less- confident children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY349902 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10338939 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 12 Date of previous inspection 14 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives in Tamworth and operates all year round from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3. Funded early education is provided for two- and three-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 childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to, and communicated with, the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

12 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.

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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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