Astbury, Mr Mark William

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder works closely with a co-childminder to provide children with a stimulating and nurturing environment. Children thrive in this home-from-home environment. The childminder supports children's emotional well-being exceptionally well, providing plenty of praise and reassurance to help children feel completely safe and secure.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder ensures that children receive the best possible start to their education. He understands children's individual learning needs. As a result, children benefit from the rich and ambitious curriculum, which seamlessly incorporates children's interests. The childminder consistently provides an inspiring and varied selection of activities. Children are inquisitive, enthusiastic and highly motivated to learn. They show high levels of confidence as they choose what they want to play with. For example, children strengthen their fine motor skills as they skilfully build a clock tower with magnetic blocks. This empowers the children to take ownership of their learning from a young age.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is an outstanding role model. He listens attentively when children are talking and treats them with the greatest respect. Children's behaviour is impeccable. They happily follow the childminder's routines and high expectations. For instance, they know to tidy up their toys before snack time and help setting the table.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is deeply passionate about his work with children. He has an excellent understanding of child development. The childminder knows children well and accurately identifies the next steps in their learning. He plans activities that are age-appropriate and promote children's deep concentration. The childminder assesses the impact of activities and understands how to further extend and embed children's learning. His support for children's learning is highly effective. Children thrive and excel under the care of this experienced and knowledgeable childminder. n The childminder completes home visits to discover children's individual needs and starting points. Robust settling-in procedures and extended settling-in sessions ensure a smooth transition and fully supports children's well-being. This enables the childminder, children and parents to build secure bonds before the children start. As a result, children are well prepared for their learning journey

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need to do better?

with the childminder. n The childminder has a strong focus on developing children's communication and language skills as part of the planned curriculum. He models excellent communication skills and understands the importance of asking effective

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need to do better?

11 November 2024 questions. For example, for those younger children who have not yet fully developed verbal communication skills, the childminder uses Makaton as well as verbal communication. Children are given ample time to think and process information before they respond to questions. This ensures that children are confident communicators and articulate themselves well. n The childminder provides superb support to help children develop their independence and personal care skills from a young age. He encourages children to do as much for themselves as possible. Children freely tidy away when change occurs within the daily routine. They help each other set up activities they have chosen. Older children are encouraged to put on their own coat and shoes to go outside. The childminder encourages children to chop up their own fruit for snack time using safety knives. As a result, children make remarkable

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need to do better?

progress and show great confidence in their self-care skills. n The childminder provides valuable experiences for children that broaden their understanding of the wider world and people that make up the local community. The childminder regularly takes children to the local care home. Children participate in activities with the elderly residents. This helps to develop children's understanding of the different people in the community in which they live and affords real-life experiences upon which to build their knowledge. n The childminder is dedicated to his role. He works incredibly well with a co- childminder. They work together to reflect on practice and continuously look at innovative ways to enhance their provision. The childminder completes relevant training to develop his skills and knowledge. For example, the impact of a recent communication and language course is evident in the childminder's positive

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need to do better?

interactions with the children. He understands how to use language screening tools effectively to refine planned next steps for children. This helps to ensure that any gaps in children's learning are swiftly identified and addressed. Children rapidly develop their vocabulary and communication skills. n Partnerships with parents are strong and highly effective. Parents value the safe, homely environment the childminder provides. They describe the childminder's approach to childcare as incredibly personalised. This allows him to cater experiences to children's own unique needs. The childminder routinely shares training for parents to help support them in understanding how best to support their children's learning at home. This helps to provide excellent continuity of care and learning for all children.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number EY500892 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10360041 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 11 December 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2016 and lives in Hoole, Chester. The childminder operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for family holidays. He works alongside another childminder.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk and discussed the provision and the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during both indoor and outdoor play and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n Children spoke and engaged with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector took account of written testimonials from parents. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation.

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Inspection activities

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

11 November 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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