Childminder in Merton

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 children with a home-from-home environment, giving them the confidence to be themselves. She works closely with her co-childminder to ensure that children feel safe and emotionally secure. Her warm, caring and nurturing approach makes children very happy. She also serves as a positive role model for children and teaches them good table manners. Children learn to say 'please' and 'thank you' in the right context. The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles for children by ensuring they get plenty of fresh air and exercise regularly. Additionally, she prepares healthy meals and snacks to support children's growth and development.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's learning. She shows a deep understanding of what she wants children to learn. The current curriculum nurtures children's fascination with letters and numbers, supporting their early literacy and mathematical abilities. For example, the childminder encourages children to look for letters and numbers during sand play. They enjoy listening to stories read to them and singing along to familiar nursery songs. Children's language and comprehension abilities are developing quickly. They receive lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts, which promotes positive attitudes towards their learning.

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need to do better?

n Parents speak highly of the childminder and her co-childminder for their caring and friendly approach. They praise the regular communication, which includes updates on children's care routines and learning. Parents appreciate the wide variety of activities available for younger children, including outings. They also commend the childminders for helping older children with their schoolwork. The collaborative work between the childminders and parents has a positive impact on children's developmental progress. n Since the last inspection, the highly experienced childminder continues to advance her professional development. She has completed training that has improved her understanding of how to support boys' learning more effectively. Following this training, the childminder has reviewed how she organises group activities, such as story times. This has led to improved listening skills among children. n The childminder uses her extensive knowledge of child development to create an

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need to do better?

ambitious curriculum. She is particularly skilled at bringing nursery songs and rhymes to life. During these activities, the childminder uses props, such as finger puppets, to enhance children's language and listening abilities. Children join in and have lots of fun, singing and dancing to age-appropriate music. However, the childminder recognises the potential to expand the range of activities,

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need to do better?

12 September 2024 allowing children to express higher levels of creativity and imagination. This has not yet been fully integrated into the curriculum. n The childminder makes precise observations and assessments of children's learning. As a result, all children make significant progress from their starting points. For example, children become skilled at counting and using mathematical language. Additionally, children who lacked confidence have gained social skills, enabling them to engage with others in different situations. n The self-evaluation process is evidently effective. The childminder has reflected on the types of outings she organises for children, to increase their understanding of similarities and differences between people. This has had a positive impact on children's understanding of diversity. n The childminder consistently manages children's behaviour. She clearly communicates her expectations, such as being kind and sitting at the table

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need to do better?

during mealtimes. This teaches children to behave well. n Children become increasingly independent. They carry out manageable tasks, such as cutting their fruit at snack time or tidying up the toys. Children gain essential skills for their future education. They are active and highly motivated to learn. n The childminder follows effective good hygiene practices. For instance, she ensures that children wash their hands before handling food, to minimise the spread of infection and support their good health.

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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 extend opportunities for children to develop high levels of imagination and creativity.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 138110 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10355164 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 5 Date of previous inspection 20 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in the London Borough of Merton. She offers care on Monday and Thursday, from 7.45am to 6pm, all year round. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She works with a co- childminder.

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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 setting. n The childminder showed the inspector around the setting and explained how she implements the early years curriculum. This includes how she and her co- childminder keep children safe. n Parents shared their views on the quality of the provision through written feedback, which was taken into account. n The childminder organised a planned activity and then discussed it with the inspector for evaluation. n The inspector engaged with children at appropriate times during the inspection. She checked relevant documentation, such as the childminder's suitability checks and training certificates.

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Inspection activities

12 September 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

12 September 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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