Childminder in East Sussex

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

The childminder is dedicated and places children at the heart of everything she does. Children thrive in the stimulating environment, which the childminder has organised with and abundance of resources, including many real-life items. Children play in the role play area and act out going shopping. They pretend to buy real carrots, potatoes and oranges. The childminder skilfully uses this opportunity to introduce new vocabulary to younger children. All children, including younger children handle real money and are taught basic maths skills as they count out the change for their friends. The childminder makes children's imaginative play more meaningful as she reminds them of their regular and very recent shopping trips into the local village.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder effectively uses her outdoor environment to cover all the areas of learning. This benefits all children but particularly children who prefer to play outside. Children count and collect eggs from the childminder's chickens and the eggs are later prepared and cooked by the children. They learn how to care for animals and respect their environment. For example, the childminder teaches children about food waste and recycling. Children understand how to compost vegetable cuttings which they later spread onto the garden where they grow their own produce, such as fruits, vegetables and a large variety of herbs. The childminder is an excellent role model. She provides a strong routine and has high behavioural expectations for children. Consequently, children's behaviour is excellent. They nurture each other and show a genuine affection for the childminder and their friends.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is meticulous in her planning. She demonstrates an in-depth knowledge on how children learn and their ages and stages of development. Activities are skilfully adapted to incorporate children's current interests and capabilities. For example, children delight in helping to set up a 'tea party' for their teddies. Older children are shown how to use tongs to grasp a tea bag. The childminder adapts activities to help children develop the muscles in their hands to support writing later on. Younger children use spoons for the same activity. They learn and then repeat new vocabulary, such as 'scoop', 'more' and 'all gone'. n Children are extremely confident communicators. The childminder consistently provides opportunities for children to build on their comprehension and vocabulary. For example, the childminder teaches children simple signs that represent words. Children use these signs to express themselves during songs

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need to do better?

and rhymes. The childminder provides props that represent children's emotions. She recognises that some children need support to understand their feelings.

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need to do better?

7 March 2025 The childminder is calm, gentle and sensitive to the unique characters of the individual children in her care. n Children are very well supervised in the childminders home and garden. Robust safety measures are implemented when children are on outings. These outings are meticulously planned to support children's understanding of the local community and the natural world. The childminder takes children on a double- decker bus so that children can experience a different perspective of the villages and towns surrounding their home. Children visit and buy ingredients from European supermarkets. They learn about a variety of different diets across the world. The childminder seeks out people to share experiences of their own cultures. Children learn songs in other languages, such as Mandarin. Consequently, children gain an excellent understanding of the diverse world around them. n The childminder is passionate about continuously developing her practice to

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need to do better?

support all children and families to a very high standard. She regularly carries out her own research and attends training to further enhance her curriculum and benefit children. The childminder works alongside parents to gain a deeper understanding of children's individual needs and interests. She offers support and guidance to families on every aspect of their child's care and education, including information about low-cost educational places to visit with their children. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child's education. n The childminder has an exemplary attitude to supporting children's understanding of healthy lifestyles. She provides home-cooked nutritious foods which children help to prepare using safety knives. The childminder uses everyday routines, such as handwashing and toileting, to support even very young children to become proficient in their own self-care. Older children

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need to do better?

independently use the toilet, and younger children find tissues to blow their own noses. The childminder promotes children's oral health effectively. For instance, the childminder has introduced teeth-brushing after meals. She supports children's understanding further through having discussions about a recent trip to the dentists and reading books on teeth care.

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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 2702251 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 10388384 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 4 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in the village of Groombridge, East Sussex. She cares for children all year round between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am to 4.30pm on Friday except for family holidays. The childminder holds a level 3 childcare qualification. She provides government funded early education places for children aged from nine months up to three years

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Inspection activities

n The childminder carried out an activity and evaluated this with the inspector. n During the inspection, the inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder talked to the inspector about how she organises her provision and her curriculum intent while the inspector viewed the premises. n During the inspection, the inspector spoke to the childminder and the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector viewed some relevant documentation and held a discussion with the childminder. She read written feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

7 March 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

7 March 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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