Helen Patricia Elliott

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

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The provision is good

The childminder creates a welcoming home-from-home environment where children feel very safe and secure. Children build warm bonds with the childminder and any assistants. The childminder spends time getting to know children and their families during the settling-in process. She gathers important information from parents when they first begin attending. Children settle quickly and demonstrate that they have a strong sense of belonging.

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The provision is good

The childminder offers an ambitious curriculum that caters to children's needs and interests. A key focus of the curriculum is developing children's language and communication skills. Adults skilfully read familiar books with children, extending their language and vocabulary. They support children to develop confidence in expressing themselves and expand their vocabulary through meaningful interactions. Children are confident communicators.

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The provision is good

Children regularly explore the local area. For instance, they enjoy weekly music sessions where they learn about music and rhythm. Children also enjoy visiting the local park and woodlands. This helps children to learn about the local community and to develop their physical skills. The childminder has high expectations for behaviour and reminds children of the rules and boundaries in the setting. For example, when younger children begin to run indoors, the childminder asks them to use their 'walking feet'. The childminder encourages children to share and take turns through discussions and the use of sand timers when needed. Her gentle reminders and guidance help children to learn what is expected of them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and any assistants she employs, work effectively as a team. They regularly review practice and access online learning. All are currently working towards a relevant qualification. This helps them to maintain and improve their own skills and knowledge. n The childminder uses her ongoing assessments to identify when children have gaps in their learning or development. Where concerns arise, she makes swift referrals to other professionals. The childminder is dedicated to enabling children who speak English as an additional language to communicate effectively. For instance, she uses keywords and phrases in their home language and picture cards to help them to understand the words being spoken. This supports all children in making good progress from their starting points. n The childminder provides resources in the garden that enable children to develop and practise their physical skills. For instance, some children use their

p.2

need to do better?

imagination as they scoop and mix sand to make 'cakes'. Others are supported to learn to use the steps when climbing the slide. Children are physically active

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need to do better?

24 March 2025 and develop good strength and stamina. n The childminder knows what she wants the children to learn. She arranges focus group times for children based on their age and stage of learning. However, the group times can go on too long for the older children. This results in some children becoming distracted and fidgety. At these times, children do not show sustained engagement and focus to enhance their learning. n The childminder promotes children's independence well. For example, children practise their independence by pouring their drinks and self-serving their food. However, occasionally, some routines are not very well organised and take too long. As a result, some children are unsure of what to do. n The childminder helps children to recognise their feelings and gives them time to learn to self-regulate their emotions. For example, she has set up a quiet space, where children can rest and relax if they feel overwhelmed. This helps to

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need to do better?

promote their well-being. n The childminder teaches children well about the importance of healthy living. She provides them with nutritious, home-cooked meals and regular outdoor play. Children know to wash hands before eating and when coming in from the garden. This promotes their understanding of health and hygiene effectively. n Parents are very happy with the care their children receive. They comment that she has a kind and patient attitude that has a positive impact on children's growth and development. The childminder shares information effectively with parents using an online app. This helps to promote continued learning at home. n The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with other settings children attend. For instance, she actively contacts other settings and instigates the use of a communication book to share important information. This helps to promote continuity in care and learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and any assistants are good role models and treat children with kindness and respect. Children demonstrate good manners and ask to get down from the table when they have finished eating. They show kindness and compassion towards their peers.

p.3

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.

p.3

should:

n adapt adult-led activities more effectively to ensure all children remain engaged n review the organisation of some routines to maximise children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY547794 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10391942 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 24 Date of previous inspection 2 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She lives in Blackwater, Surrey and works alongside two assistants. The childminder operates Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, for most of the year. She provides government funded early education places for children aged from nine months to four years.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector completed a learning walk with the childminder and discussed what she wanted the children to learn. n The inspector and the childminder carried out a joint observation and held a discussion. n The inspector observed the quality of the interactions between the childminder, her assistants and the children and assessed the impact of these on the children's learning and development. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including any assistants suitability to work with children and documents relating to the suitability of other adults living on the premises. n The inspector sampled written feedback from parents and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

24 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

24 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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