Childminder in Somerset

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle quickly into the home of the caring and attentive childminder. They learn good manners and how to be respectful to one another. Older children learn to be patient and wait for short periods until the childminder has completed tasks, like settling babies to sleep, before taking part in activities they request, like painting. Children are keen to make marks with colouring pens, chalks and paints. This helps them to develop their fine motor skills and they are also learning to identify colours.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are very responsive to the childminder and they have very strong bonds with her. Every child in her care benefits from high-quality individual attention from her as she meets all of their needs with respect and affection. When children experience minor conflicts, the childminder calmly reminds them the importance of being kind and considering others. This helps children to feel safe and secure and to develop positive relationships with their friends.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder knows her children very well and plans learning opportunities for them based on their interests and her knowledge of their progress and development. She actively encourages them to share their views and to make suggestions about what else they would like in the setting. For example, she took the children on a visit to the local charity shop to purchase jigsaw puzzles. The childminder shares important information with parents and other settings that children attend. This supports a consistent approach to children's learning and development and contributes to the good progress they make.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is a good role model for language. She talks to the children about what they are doing, asks them questions and introduces lots of new vocabulary throughout their daily routines and play. During a painting activity, the childminder uses words like squeeze, scrape and swirl, encouraging the children to repeat the words. This supports the development of children's language and communication and they become confident speakers. n Children explain how the seeds they have planted will grow as they enjoy watering them in the childminder's garden. They talk excitedly about how they will take them home. Children are learning how to take care of living things and to be proud of their efforts. n Children very keenly suggest songs they would like to sing and dance along with, such as 'Wind the bobbin up' and 'Twinkle, Twinkle'. Older children sing along and babies join in with movements and actions. The childminder

p.2

need to do better?

introduces musical instruments for them to play along to the songs, which the children do with enthusiasm.

p.2

need to do better?

18 June 2024 n Overall teaching is of a high standard. The childminder offers good-quality learning experiences for the children and they engage well. However, the childminder does not make full use of opportunities to introduce counting or shape and size recognition during children's play to support their mathematical development. n The childminder plans regular opportunities for the children to engage with and explore the local area. They visit farms where they pick fruits, develop their physical skills by playing ball games and balancing in the park and socialise with others at play groups and in cafes and shops. This helps children to gain an awareness of the world around them and to be physically active. n The childminder encourages children to eat healthy food, learn good hygiene and to develop independence skills, for instance washing their hands and drinking from open cups. She explains the importance of tidying away a painting

p.2

need to do better?

activity before eating at the table. However, she does not consistently teach children the importance of putting toys away after they have finished playing with them. n Parents speak highly of the childminder. They describe her as caring and devoted. The childminder develops strong and supportive partnerships with parents and she gives valuable advice on how to keep their children healthy and contribute to their children's well-being and development. n The childminder is passionate about her role in giving children the best start in life. She seeks out training and networking opportunities to reflect and improve on her provision. This supports all children in her care to make good progress.

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 ensure children have frequent opportunities to count and explore shapes in their play to support the development of their mathematical understanding n support children's independence skills further by encouraging them to take care of the things they play with.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY500940 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10347075 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 9 August 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Cotford St Luke, near Taunton. She operates all year from 7.30am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded childcare for eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection of the setting since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is organised and its impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with the children throughout the inspection. n The childminder discussed the leadership of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector spoke to and read statements from parents to gather their views. n The inspector sampled documentation.

p.4

Inspection activities

18 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

18 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