Childminder in Staffordshire

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder helps children to feel safe and secure by creating a warm and welcoming environment. For example, she speaks to them respectfully and encourages them to bring in toys from home. The childminder plans a range of activities both indoors and in the wider community. For instance, she takes children on trips to the local park and soft-play centres to encourage them to be active, and to the library to foster a love of books. Visits to the church help to prepare those children who will soon be moving on to a Catholic school. Additionally, early years funding plays a valuable role in supporting families to enjoy days out together. This contributes positively to children's overall well-being and development.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are beginning to develop independence. For instance, the childminder encourages them to manage tasks on their own, including collecting their lunch boxes and selecting the foods they would like to eat. They happily browse through images of toys and activities, helping them to decide what they would like to do next. Children take part in the 'big bird watch'. For example, they enthusiastically explore books about birds, turning the pages and asking questions to learn more about the different species. The childminder provides binoculars and charts for them to record the birds they spot on walks. They make bird feeders and craft their own binoculars. This furthers children's interest in nature.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder encourages positive behaviour by reminding children to 'be careful' and to use their 'kind feet'. Children listen to her instructions and cooperate well. However, some children need more help than others in managing their emotions. While the childminder gives children space to calm down, there is an opportunity to further support children by helping them to discuss their feelings and understand the impact their actions have on others. n Children develop their fine motor skills and coordination through everyday activities, such as threading, peeling stickers and mark making. The childminder offers to assist children in opening their own wrappers at lunchtime, which helps them gain confidence in their abilities. However, when babies show an interest in some activities, such as play dough, they are not always given the opportunity to join in alongside their peers, as activities do not always suit babies'

p.2

need to do better?

developmental needs. n The childminder works with parents and carers to ensure they provide a healthy lunch box for their children. She asks children about the foods they enjoy eating and encourages them to notice the measurements on their water bottles, showing them how the water decreases as they drink. However, she does not fully make use of these moments to discuss healthy food choices, and the impact food and drink have on our bodies.

p.2

need to do better?

4 February 2025 n The childminder establishes good partnerships with parents. For example, she collects important information from parents on arrival about their children's development, including their eating habits. This ensures that home routines are closely followed at the setting. Parents feel confident that their children are happy and they recognise the progress they have made in their development. n The childminder has plans in place to improve the physical environment and her own skills. For example, she is currently working on enhancing the outdoor area, as she does not consider it safe for children to access now. She attends training to enhance her skills and has plans to attend more training to further her professional development. n The childminder regularly observes children's progress and is confident in her understanding of child development. If needed, she would promptly discuss any concerns with parents and seek additional support from the local authority. This

p.2

need to do better?

ensures children receive the support they need for their development. n As children play, the childminder engages them in meaningful conversations to enhance their learning. For example, as they practise their threading skills, she encourages them to match beads, recognise numbers and count in order. Children recall letters and sounds, remembering that 'qu is for queen' and 'a is for ant'. These interactions foster children's cognitive development, helping them to build early literacy and numeracy skills.

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 encourage children to talk about their feelings, supporting them to understand how to respond to their emotions and recognise the impact of their actions n offer babies more opportunities that cater to their learning needs, ensuring they remain consistently engaged in purposeful play alongside their peers n make better use of opportunities to help children to understand the importance of healthy eating and the impact it has on our bodies.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY500060 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 10372674 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 7 Date of previous inspection 30 April 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Wolverhampton. She operates term time only from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The inspector inspected the premises and assessed the safety and suitability. The garden is currently not in use. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and parents and interacted with the children at appropriate times during the inspection, taking their views into account. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 February 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 February 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.

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