Childminder in Leicestershire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children confidently make choices from the inviting resources and lead their play. The friendly childminder plays alongside children, encouraging them to use their imaginations. For example, children collect items for a 'picnic' and go on a 'trip' to the hallway. With support from the childminder, they recall outings when they took food to eat outdoors.

p.2

The provision is good

Children concentrate on play, such as with dough, for significant periods of time relative to their ages. They use tools, including cutters and rolling pins, with dexterity. They shape the dough to create 'pizzas' and 'snowflakes' and talk enthusiastically about what they have made. Children ask the childminder questions, engaging in conversations with ease.

p.2

The provision is good

Children demonstrate they feel settled and safe in the childminder's welcoming home. They know what the childminder expects of them as she gives gentle reminders about how to behave with kindness. The childminder encourages children to share and take turns. For instance, when they both want the same jewellery, she suggests to children that they come to an agreement. They willingly hand over a necklace for their friend to wear. The childminder is sensitive to children's emotional needs, offering reassurance when required. She recognises when they are hungry or tired and when to move on to a new activity.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows children well. She plans the curriculum around information she gathers about children's needs and interests. Overall, she covers the areas of learning using fun activities, both indoors and outdoors. However, there are fewer opportunities during play for children to practise their early mathematical skills, including counting and number recognition. n Since the last inspection, the childminder has used support from her local authority to help make improvements to her practice. She identifies areas for further development and takes steps to address these. She exchanges ideas with other childminders. n Children generally make good progress from their starting points. They gain some basic skills needed for their future learning. However, the childminder does not consistently use her observations and assessments to identify precise next steps and help ensure even better progress. n The childminder supports children to develop their self-care and independence

p.2

need to do better?

skills. For instance, children find their boots and put them on without help because they have had plenty of practice. They happily cut up fruit at snack time with guidance from the childminder. Children help to tidy away resources to keep play areas free from trip hazards. The childminder praises their contributions.

p.2

need to do better?

14 January 2025 n The caring childminder works closely with parents, such as when children are toilet training. She provides ongoing information to parents about children's achievements and advice about how to continue these at home. Parents value the many opportunities children have to gain social skills, including taking part in local groups. They say that children enjoy many outings, such as visiting a canal museum and a farm. n Children develop a love of stories and rhymes. This is because the childminder provides a rich environment full of familiar books. Children snuggle up to the childminder and ask for another favourite as soon as the book ends. The childminder pauses to allow children to complete sentences and refrains. Children choose songs from their wide repertoire and join in with actions and words. This supports the good development of their early literacy skills. n The childminder ensures that she introduces new words during children's play.

p.2

need to do better?

One example of this is when children manipulate dough and she talks about kneading, rolling and squeezing the material. She provides an ongoing commentary for their play. The childminder gives children plenty of time to think and answer when she asks questions. Consequently, children develop good communication and language skills. n Children benefit from nutritious meals and snacks and learn about making healthy choices. They play outdoors in the fresh air regularly, such as in the garden and local parks, where they practise their physical skills. Children follow good hygiene procedures, including washing hands before they eat and after using the toilet. This promotes their physical well-being.

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 focus even more precisely on what children need to learn next to help them gain targeted new skills swiftly n enhance planning to provide more opportunities for children to practise some of their early mathematical skills, such as counting and number recognition.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2686010 Local authority Leicestershire Inspection number 10380192 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 16 April 2024

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. She operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n The children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. 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. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder.

p.4

Inspection activities

14 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

14 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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