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 are very happy in this homely setting. The childminder offers a very warm, caring and nurturing environment. Children are regarded as members of the childminder's family and they demonstrate in their behaviours and actions how secure they feel. For example, they snuggle up with the childminder to look at favourite books. Children make room for each other as three children place themselves on the childminder's lap and listen attentively as she reads them stories. Every child is valued and included. The childminder knows each child's personal traits and characters extremely well. She gently encourages each child to grow in confidence, become independent, and develop the skills they need for starting school.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well, as the childminder adopts a consistent approach. She gives children plenty of praise and role models how to be kind and respectful to others. Children are polite and courteous to one another and willingly share with each other as they play. This helps children to form positive relationships with others and develops their social skills. For example, children confidently call out, 'Your turn!' as they play a board game and clearly understand the process of waiting and turn- taking.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through play and plans for this each day. She has developed an effective curriculum which takes account of how every child likes to learn. The childminder uses many outside activities, outings and visits to places of interest to develop children's knowledge and understanding. For example, children regularly visit National Trust properties. They enjoy train rides to reach the swimming pool, and visit local places of interest, such as the library and supermarket. These opportunities help to broaden children's experiences and help them learn more about where they live. n Children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder plans activities she knows will interest them and build on what they already know. For example, children are currently fascinated with nature and insects. The childminder has supported this well by enabling children to watch

p.2

need to do better?

caterpillars hatch into butterflies. Children talk knowledgeably about the process and relate their experiences well when the childminder reads 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story. Children confidently name items, such as a cocoon, and describe the chrysalis stage, as they have seen this and can explain what happens next. n The childminder is very aware of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how this has affected some aspects of children's learning. She has completed training

p.2

need to do better?

8 July 2024 to help her promote children's language skills. Generally, children's communication skills are supported and most children are confident communicators. However, occasionally, the childminder does not fully support children to extend their language skills, for example by modelling correct sentence structure for them. n There is good provision in place to support children's mathematical skills. Children spontaneously count and use numbers as they play. For example, during a board game, children look at the remaining pieces and correctly say, 'Three more to go!' Children also use a book about insects to confidently count, using numbers over 20. The childminder supports these spontaneous learning experiences well. She gives children time and gently supports them to count each item and name the corresponding number. This enables children to develop an accurate understanding of value and quantity.

p.2

need to do better?

n Most procedures are in place to promote children's health. The childminder plans plenty of time for children to be outside, visiting parks, playgrounds, woodland and the beach. She supports children's oral health well by ensuring children brush their teeth each day. Children understand the importance of washing hands before lunchtime. However, the childminder does not always remind children about washing hands at other times during the routine, such as before eating snacks. This leads to a slight inconsistency in messages and does not fully support children to continually follow good hygiene routines. n The childminder forms effective partnerships with parents. She keeps them well informed about children's daily activities and what they are learning. The childminder prepares detailed 'My Busy Bee Books' for every child which provide a comprehensive photographic record of a child's learning journey. Parents are

p.3

need to do better?

very complimentary about the childminder. They appreciate how well she looks after their children and comment on the good levels of progress they make.

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 develop a more consistent approach to extending and building on children's language skills n provide more support for children to learn about the importance of good hygiene routines, such as handwashing.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2667067 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10347130 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 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Crowborough, East Sussex. She holds an appropriate level 3 childcare qualification. The childminder provides care for children Monday to Friday, throughout the year, from 8am to 6pm. Funding is accepted for the provision of free early years education for children aged two 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 childminder. n The childminder explained to the inspector how she supports children's learning and development, and what she does to keep children safe. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing with the childminder. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with the children and assessed the impact this had on children's learning. n Written feedback provided by parents was read and taken into consideration.

p.4

Inspection activities

8 July 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

8 July 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