Childminder in Bath and North East 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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a nurturing environment for all children. Children are content and happy. They are secure in her care and spontaneously go to her for a cuddle or reassurance. She encourages them to be kind and respectful to each other. They play together, happily sharing toys and resources. The childminder gathers a wide range of information before the children start with her. She uses this knowledge to provide a broad and well-balanced curriculum linked to each child's development needs.

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The provision is good

All children develop their communication and language skills well. The childminder chats to them as they engage in imaginative play with the toys. This helps children to learn a variety of new words, for example 'cocoon', which they repeat during their play. The childminder listens attentively to children as they talk and supports them appropriately. For instance, when they struggle to pronounce a word, such as 'zebra', the childminder sensitively repeats the word back to them.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder introduces mathematical language as children play. For example, as they build a tower, she models words such as 'taller' and 'bigger'. Children are encouraged to develop their small hand muscles, such as when mark making with water and chalks. The childminder has positive expectations for children's behaviour. She praises older children for being kind and caring towards the younger children, which helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem.

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need to do better?

n The childminder encourages children to develop a love of books and to follow a story. For example, she reads familiar stories to them and encourages them to remember the characters and predict what will happen next. Children love to point to the images and fruit on the pages as she reads 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' to them. The childminder extends this interest as they pretend to be caterpillars and emerge as butterflies. This helps children to maintain focus and attention. n Parents indicate they value the nurturing care their children receive. The childminder regularly shares very detailed information with parents about their children's progress. She strengthens this bond by sharing photos and observations of their children's day and suggesting things the parents can do at home. This supports good levels of continuity for children's learning and care. n The childminder encourages children to access the outdoor area freely. They

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need to do better?

have opportunities to climb, crawl and run as they play. This helps them to develop their physical skills. n The childminder reflects on her practice effectively. She states she intends to undertake a forest skill qualification to enable her to enhance the outdoor

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need to do better?

25 June 2024 experiences for the children. n Children are keen to join in activities the childminder has planned for them. However, occasionally, she does not successfully tailor some activities to help children remain fully engaged in their learning and, at times, children lose interest and leave. n The children are encouraged to become aware of their bodies. For example, the childminder leads a daily yoga session and explains to the children that this will help them to develop strong muscles for when they run around later. In addition, she reminds them to drink their water regularly during warm weather and explains the reasons why this is important. n The childminder helps children to learn about the wider world around them. For instance, children plant and water fruit and vegetables in the garden. This helps them to understand what plants need, and they develop a sense of pride as they see them grow.

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need to do better?

n Children have support to develop their independence. For instance, the childminder encourages all children to put on their hats to go outside, to access the toilet independently and to wash their hands afterwards. However, at times when children are attempting to problem-solve, she interrupts their play and provides them with a solution. This does not fully support them to express their thoughts and develop their problem-solving skills. n The childminder understands how children learn and develop. She monitors their progress effectively and swiftly identifies any areas of concern. She acknowledges reports from external support agencies and puts their recommendations in place. n The childminder encourages children to follow rules and boundaries. For example, she reminds them to walk indoors instead of running and explains what may happen if they fall or slip. This helps children to understand behavioural expectations and promotes their safety.

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 tailor activities more precisely to help support each child's learning and keep them fully engaged n extend the opportunities that encourage children to explore further and develop their skills in solving problems and thinking critically.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY470699 Local authority Bath and North East Somerset Council Inspection number 10347056 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 23 August 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Midsomer Norton, in Somerset. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She offers childcare all year from Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n One joint observation was conducted by the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector reviewed written documentation from parents. n A meeting was held between the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents.

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Inspection activities

25 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.

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Inspection activities

25 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

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