Childminder in Merton

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 prepares children well for the next stage of their education, including school. She creates a rich curriculum, which covers all seven areas of learning. The childminder places a strong emphasis on developing children's mathematical skills. Older children learn to count from one to ten and beyond. The childminder builds on children's understanding of mathematical concepts, such as size, weight and measurement.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's language development. Together, they sing rhymes and read stories, which help to expand children's vocabulary. Older children speak confidently, while younger ones babble to express themselves. Promoting children's independence is also a priority for the childminder. She gives children age-appropriate responsibilities and encourages them to do things for themselves. Older children persist in putting on their coats and shoes until they succeed.

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The provision is good

One of the childminder's distinctive qualities is her commitment to providing a variety of nutritious and home-cooked meals. She offers children opportunities to taste different flavours and textures, emphasising meals made from scratch using fresh ingredients. This approach helps children to develop positive attitudes towards healthy foods. Children behave well and enjoy playing with each other because they feel safe and secure. The childminder works hard to ensure that all children are happy in the setting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports her assistants effectively and promotes her own professional development. After training, she has improved her strategies for enhancing children's play, resulting in greater engagement. The childminder aims to learn more about assisting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities so she is prepared for future situations. n Parents and carers give highly positive written feedback about the childminder. They highlight her role in their children's development and the caring, fun environment she creates. Parents appreciate the regular communication with the childminder, as it gives them a great sense of reassurance. This strong partnership between parents and the childminder helps ensure a consistent approach to meeting children's educational and care needs. n The childminder takes a nurturing approach to caring for children. She carefully plans daily routines to meet their needs, including designated sleep times. This

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need to do better?

promotes a sense of security, especially for the younger ones. Additionally, the childminder organises snack times and mealtimes effectively, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Children enjoy each other's company during mealtimes.

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need to do better?

15 April 2025 n The childminder observes children's learning closely to help them to make good progress. Overall, she plans a sequenced curriculum. However, the childminder sometimes does not have a clear learning intent for her planned activities. This limits her ability to extend children's learning further. n The childminder takes children out into the local community as part of the curriculum. This includes visits to soft-play centres and playgroups. The childminder uses these opportunities to teach children about similarities and differences between people. Children also learn to socialise with others, developing their personal skills. n Children love engaging in sensory activities, indoors and outdoors. During a planting activity, older children learn about the life cycle of sunflowers and how to care for them. In another activity, children demonstrate strong early literacy skills. They enthusiastically recite rhyming words and phrases. Children show

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need to do better?

positive attitudes towards their learning. n The childminder encourages positive behaviour, such as sharing and turn taking. Children learn the concept of waiting and remind each other, 'We have to be patient.' Children are kind and show care for others. Additionally, the childminder frequently praises children for 'thinking hard' during activities, which they respond to positively. This approach helps to enhance children's motivation and confidence. n The childminder is very kind and approachable. Children, especially the younger ones, enjoy spontaneous cuddles with the childminder. They appreciate the reassurance they receive, particularly when they practise their newly acquired physical skills. n The childminder evaluates her practice rigorously. Since the last inspection, she has earned a higher qualification, showing her dedication to working with children. The childminder continues to consider the resources she provides. This

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need to do better?

is to ensure that children have a variety of materials to support their creativity and imaginations while playing.

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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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should:

n clarify the learning intention for activities that are provided to maximise the support for children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY437235 Local authority Merton Inspection number 10380731 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 12 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 20 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in the London Borough of Merton. She provides childcare services all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant and holds an early years qualification at level 6. She offers government funded childcare for children aged between nine months and five years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around the setting and discussed her curriculum. n Parents shared their views on the quality of the provision through written feedback, which was taken into account. n The inspector observed an outdoor activity with the childminder and assessed its impact on children's learning. n The childminder and her assistant spoke with the inspector about their work with children. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors.

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Inspection activities

15 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

15 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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