Childminder in Calderdale

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder failed to meet all statutory requirements. This hinders her ability to reach a good overall outcome. Despite this, children show that they feel safe in the childminder's care. Her gentle, nurturing approach puts them at ease and they develop a strong sense of belonging. The childminder is very aware of children's needs and habits. For example, they cuddle up to her and rub her ear when they are tired. Children show kindness and consideration, demonstrating the positive attitudes and behaviours that the childminder models. They tell the childminder 'I will take care of you' when they pretend to be doctors and nurses during imaginative games.

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder's curriculum is designed to help all children to make progress across all areas of learning. She has an inclusive approach that supports children's individual learning needs well. Accurate assessments inform her teaching, which helps her to focus on what children need to learn next. Activities are attractively presented and thoughtfully displayed, which ignites children's interest and encourages their participation. There are plenty of opportunities for children to be active, during time spent in the garden and visits to local play areas. The childminder teaches them about the importance of a nutritious diet and about hygiene habits, such as washing hands and brushing teeth. This helps to support children's good health.

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need to do better?

n During the inspection, some fire safety equipment was not readily accessible or fully operational. The childminder responded swiftly to this breach to requirements by taking immediate steps to replace and install smoke alarms and a fire blanket. She has carefully reviewed activities to reduce fire risks and remains highly vigilant while final measures are put in place. This reduces the impact on children's safety. n The environment is welcoming and stimulating, which helps children to feel excited to learn. The childminder designs the curriculum around topics and themes, which helps to make learning meaningful for children. Activities are based on children's interests, which helps to keep them motivated and interested. They are keen learners who show increasing levels of concentration. For example, they listen intently when the childminder reads to them. n The childminder helps children to develop key skills in mathematics and literacy,

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need to do better?

which help to prepare them for later learning in school. For example, children use a tape to measure the size of a spider web. They practise early reading and writing skills when they tick the things they find in the garden off their list. n Children eagerly join in lively and rich conversations. The childminder uses effective questions to encourage children's thinking skills. She models new words

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need to do better?

8 April 2025 such as 'stethoscope', which helps children to expand their vocabulary. Occasionally, however, her frequent interactions limit children's ability to think and learn independently. n There are plenty of opportunities for children to reinforce and remember their learning. For example, visits to local places of interest bring topics to life and help children to deepen their understanding. They link new learning to previous experiences. For example, they recall what they learned about the animals they saw at the farm while sharing a book with their friends. n Parents' feedback is extremely positive. They appreciate excellent communication from the childminder, which helps them to feel involved in what their children are learning. For example, they read the weekly note from the childminder, which helps them to extend children's learning at home. This shared approach helps to strengthen children's learning and contributes to their good

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need to do better?

achievements. n Although the childminder shares ideas for good practice with other childminders, she has not taken steps to sharpen her teaching skills further, to help to raise the consistently good quality of education to even higher levels. n The childminder is very patient and understands the need to vary her approach to meet the diverse needs of children. Her gentle guidance helps children to regulate their feelings and they develop an understanding of their differing needs. Children are very tolerant and accepting of others.

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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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Due date

ensure that fire safety equipment is easily accessible and in good working order at all times. 11/04/2025

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should:

n increase children's opportunities to think, plan and lead their own learning to develop their skills further n strengthen professional development arrangements to build further on the

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should:

8 April 2025 already good quality of education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 303589 Local authority Calderdale Inspection number 10388712 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 11 Date of previous inspection 24 July 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1997 and lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire. She operates all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She operates from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from midday to 5.30pm on Wednesdays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 6. She works alongside her daughter, who is also a childminder.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about how the provision is organised and about how she supports children's learning and development. 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 The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder shared relevant documents with the inspector to support discussions about leadership and management. n Parents shared their views through written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

8 April 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

8 April 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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