Childminder in Suffolk

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 nurturing childminder creates a warm, inviting environment for children to play and learn. She places a strong emphasis on their personal and emotional development, ensuring that children of all ages feel secure and safe. Children have strong bonds with the childminder, who knows them well. They cuddle up to her to enjoy stories and seek her out for affection when in need of reassurance. The experienced childminder has a kind and gentle nature, and her calm demeanour supports children's positive behaviour. For example, the childminder gently encourages safe play and redirects behaviours in an age-appropriate way, such as when young babies try to put chalk in their mouth, she shows them how to draw circles on paper instead.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder obtains pertinent information from parents of new starters to build a picture of each child before they start. She quickly focuses on getting to know the interests and fascinations of the children once they are with her. This helps new children to settle quickly. The children take delight in singing nursery rhymes with the childminder, who skilfully leaves gaps and uses actions to encourage children to join in.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has developed an ambitious curriculum. Children are well prepared for the next stage in their educational journey. This is because the childminder is clear on what she wants children to learn and supports them in achieving these targets. For example, she supports children's developing independence by encouraging them to put on their own shoes and coats, along with encouraging independent toileting and handwashing. n The mathematical curriculum is particularly strong and woven throughout all aspects of the childminder's provision. For example, the childminder encourages babies to count as they use a winding track with a ball as well as pointing out and naming shapes to develop babies' understanding of mathematical concepts further. n The childminder has thorough knowledge about the children who attend. She takes time to develop strong partnerships with parents, which support the future

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need to do better?

experiences children have. The childminder uses her knowledge about starting points and family experiences to tailor the curriculum and teaching, providing support where it is needed the most. For example, she focuses on personal, social and emotional aspects of development and provides a flexible settling-in process for children who struggle with separation. n Children partake in engaging experiences that are linked to their personal interests. Children benefit from meaningful commentary as they play, with the childminder successfully motivating children to continue practising their listening

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need to do better?

27 March 2025 skills. For example, babies play with two musical instruments while the childminder encourages them to notice the different sounds. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles. Children have access to daily exercise and outdoor play to support their physical health and well-being. The childminder takes children on trips to the park to play on larger play equipment with their favourite being the swings. Children are provided with fresh fruit, such as bananas, for snack each day. The childminder works with parents to ensure that packed lunches are healthy and nutritious. n Children benefit from opportunities to explore their local community. They visit cafes, parks, the beach and farms. The childminder meets regularly with other local childminders and their children at playgroups. These experiences deepen children's awareness of the community and help to extend their social skills and confidence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works effectively with parents to meet children's needs. She keeps parents well informed about their child's ongoing progress and care through daily feedback. Parents talk fondly of the close bonds their children have made with her and highlight trips out into the local community as positive experiences for their children. n The childminder completes mandatory training, such as safeguarding and first aid, and keeps up to date with changes to ensure that she has a good knowledge and understanding of how to promote children's safety and welfare. She shares good practice with other childminders and has a positive relationship with her local authority. However, the childminder does not consistently reflect on her practice to establish a targeted programme of professional development to improve the provision for children further.

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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.

p.3

should:

n identify relevant training and professional development opportunities to further enhance teaching skills and knowledge.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 251182 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10376182 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 4 Date of previous inspection 21 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1989 and lives in Kesgrave, Suffolk. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. 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 Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

27 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

27 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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