Hicks, Louise Ellen

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this safe, homely, welcoming and exceptionally well-organised environment. They eagerly look out the window, expectantly awaiting the arrival of their friends. Children excitedly greet each other before settling down to play.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder knows the children incredibly well. She meticulously plans a curriculum that is precisely tailored to their individual needs and interests. The childminder knows that the children enjoy playing with the train track and sets this up in advance of their arrival, which engages them extremely effectively from the moment they come in. Children play exceptionally well together. They push the trains around the track, chatting to each other in their imaginative play.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder responds naturally and enthusiastically when children ask for a story, and they snuggle up together. She expertly uses this opportunity to further develop children's language. The skilled childminder introduces new vocabulary, such as 'pincers', and encourages children to move their hands like the crab in the story. She promotes the use of recall as children touch the roughness of the creatures in a 'feely' book. The childminder relates it back to the icy snow on the car roof, which they previously felt when they came down the path to her house. This helps to continually build on and extend children's learning and development. The childminder provides lots of cuddles and shows much affection, which helps to foster children's emotional well-being and attachment.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has high expectations, and children's behaviour is exceptional. She encourages children to share their feelings and to 'use their own voice' during minor altercations. This is embedded in practice as children confidently say, 'no thank you' if they do not like something another child is doing. Children are confident and articulate and able to make their needs known.

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need to do better?

n The experienced childminder constantly reflects on and reviews her practice. She keeps her knowledge current, for example, through attending regular training. As a result, she has an excellent understanding of how children learn and uses this information to help to ensure children make extremely good progress from their starting points. n Partnership working with other professionals is exceptional. The knowledgeable childminder understands the importance of partnership working with the pre- schools the children attend. She uses this opportunity to discuss joined up support for children's well-being and development, following personal setbacks. This helps to ensure that, together, they consistently meet the children's individual needs and interests. The childminder talks about the importance of

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need to do better?

9 January 2025 getting children ready for school and encourages children's independence from an early age. n The skilful childminder builds on what children know and can do very effectively. Parents complete an 'All About Me' when the children start, and the childminder uses this as a starting point. She regularly observes children, using the information she gains to plan targeted next steps in their development. She confidently talks about what the children have achieved since starting with her. For example, children's communication skills and vocabulary have improved rapidly since starting with the childminder. n Partnership with parents is outstanding. The childminder provides exceptional support to the families. Parents comment that the childminder is 'amazing' and 'the best thing' that has happened to their families. She goes above and beyond to provide help in difficult circumstances. The childminder encourages parents to

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need to do better?

continue to support their children's learning at home. For example, she provides ideas and tips on successful mealtimes. This excellent partnership approach enables children to thrive in their development. Originally from a nursing background, the childminder has used this connection to secure additional support for parents around first-aid training and advice. This helps parents understand how to respond to accidents in the home. n Personal hygiene is promoted extremely well. The childminder is an incredible role model. She leads by example, encouraging the children to develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. She washes her hands regularly. She encourages children to do the same, even if it means washing their hands in quick succession because they have touched things. This helps to embed excellent hygiene practices consistently. n The childminder ensures that children have daily access to fresh air and exercise

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need to do better?

to develop their physical skills and well-being. She uses the grassed area outside her home for this purpose. The childminder places a great emphasis on safety. She ensures children explore the familiar area within safe parameters. For example, while out, they see a dog running free. The childminder reminds the children they do not know this animal, and therefore, it is not safe to approach. This helps to develop children's understanding of the importance of following instructions to keep them safe. n Children develop positive attitudes to learning and persevere in their play. For example, the skilful childminder sets up exciting activities designed to develop concentration. Children work hard to complete jigsaw puzzles and animatedly show the childminder when they have finished, pleased with their achievements.

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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 2757206 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10349751 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 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in November 2023 and lives in Southampton, Hampshire. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She has a level 3 childcare qualification. The childminder provides government funded early education places for children aged from nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that they are safe and suitable. 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 childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the childminder with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

9 January 2025 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

9 January 2025 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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