Mathieson, Janet

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Met

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides a welcoming and homely environment. She builds nurturing bonds with children, which helps them feel safe and comfortable. Children demonstrate a clear understanding of the well-established routines and the childminder's high expectations. For example, children readily collect their wellington boots and coats to let the childminder know they want to go outside. The childminder is highly responsive to children's requests and preferences. This supports children's sense of belonging.

p.2

The provision is good

Outdoor learning is a key strength of the setting. Children benefit from a wealth of exciting outings, such as going on walks to the local parks, the lake and play groups. These real-life experiences help children to socialise with others, as well as learn about nature and wildlife. Children love to be active in the fresh air. They show a keen awareness of their physical abilities and commitment to keeping safe. For instance, they carefully consider the safest ways to climb up and down steps in the garden. Children develop good control and aiming skills as they kick and dribble a ball across the lawn.

p.2

The provision is good

Children learn life-skills that can help them for the future. The childminder knows children well and enhances their learning by attending to their interests. She plans suitable activities, such as manipulating play dough in a variety of ways to strengthen the small muscles in children's hands. This helps to prepare children to hold writing equipment correctly and make controlled marks.

p.2

need to do better?

n The experienced and capable childminder has a comprehensive understanding of her role. She researches and frequently completes training to update her knowledge and skills. For example, the childminder has recently completed an online course about how young children learn. Some of these new concepts have already been put into practice with success. The childminder sources ideas to promote fresh learning opportunities for children. She benefits from effective links with other childminders and recognises the importance of regularly reviewing her own practice to support children's continual good progress. n Children receive a varied curriculum that is built on what they already know and can do. In the main, the childminder uses her knowledge of how young children develop to increase their natural curiosity and engagement. However, on occasion, the childminder does not encourage children to try out their own ideas

p.2

need to do better?

during play. This limits children's opportunities to think critically to begin to solve any minor challenges they come across. n In general, the childminder promotes children's communication and language well. She does this by providing a running commentary, sharing stories and

p.2

need to do better?

14 October 2024 singing nursery rhymes. She brings these songs to life by including props which match different aspects of the song. For instance, children enthusiastically name different farm animals and the sounds they make when they use finger puppets. However, at times, the childminder gives children too much information at once and asks many questions in quick succession. This is not always appropriate for the age and abilities of children in her care and does not support their early communication skills to the fullest. n The childminder promotes children's understanding of healthy lifestyles. For example, she facilitates children's hygiene practices by ensuring that they wash their hands thoroughly after being in the garden and prior to mealtimes. The childminder plans activities to develop children's sense of smell, touch and taste by introducing foods they may not have tried before, such as nutritionally filled

p.2

need to do better?

Korean pancakes. She offers healthy fruit snacks and ensures children are kept well hydrated throughout the day. This means that children develop an open mind to experimenting with different foods and enjoy a balanced diet. n The childminder focuses on celebrating children's unique home experiences to help raise their self-esteem and feel valued. She gathers information from parents about children's home cultures before they start. The childminder applies these details to raise children's awareness of the diverse world they live in. For instance, she shares carnival photographs taken by parents of children from a Caribbean background. This enables children to compare their home lives with those of others. n Partnerships with parents are strong, open and effective. Parents value the childminder's experience and advice she gives them, such as giving children opportunities to be more independent when dressing themselves at home. They

p.3

need to do better?

speak highly of the progress their children make, particularly in their confidence, resilience and social skills. This shared way of working helps to collaboratively develop children's care and learning needs.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts the interests of children first.

p.3

should:

n give children more time and space to fully explore and apply their own thoughts and ideas during their play n strengthen the curriculum for communication and language to precisely match the needs of individual children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 121664 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 10355125 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 4 Date of previous inspection 19 November 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992. She lives in Ashford, Surrey. The childminder opens Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, all year round. She is eligible to receive funding to provide free early education for children aged nine months to four years. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity. 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

14 October 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

14 October 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