Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy, safe and settled in this homely setting. They are treated as part of the childminder's family and receive genuine affection. Parents and carers show their appreciation for this home-from-home approach. They comment that the childminder and her family are an extension of theirs and that they appreciate her nurturing approach. Children benefit from this warm and nurturing atmosphere. They show they are comfortable and content. For instance, children seek out the childminder and cuddle on her knee to enjoy a favourite book. The childminder is attentive and ensures that activities help children learn new skills while enjoying themselves. The nurturing space and positive relationships children form with the childminder promote children's emotional well-being exceptionally well.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides captivating learning experiences through stories and role play. This enables children to develop their imaginations and creativity. Children are physically active and are beginning to learn how to promote their physical health. They climb up ladders and crawl through tunnels to develop and increase their strength and coordination. The childminder subtly adapts her teaching to meet the different needs of children. For instance, younger children make marks with chunky chalk that are easy to hold. Older children confidently use pens and pencils to write the initial letter from their names. The childminder's considerate teaching helps to ensure that all children make good progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder creates an inclusive setting where all children are supported to thrive. Through stories, role play and celebrations, children learn about the diverse world in which they live. This helps children to develop respectful attitudes. Children demonstrate tolerance, empathy and respect for others. n The childminder successfully supports children to make a smooth transition when they move to school. She shares detailed information with teachers and parents and takes children to visit the local school daily. This helps children become familiar with the environment and helps to create a seamless transition. n The childminder is determined to help children develop a love of reading. She provides a wide range of high-quality books for children to access in cosy reading corners and welcoming book nooks. Children learn to handle to books with respect. They take home their favourite stories to share with their families.

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need to do better?

This approach helps to develop a consistent approach to children's learning. n The childminder teaches children about healthy lifestyles through age- appropriate activities and games. Older children help to chop vegetables for lunch, and younger children water the strawberries they have planted in the garden. This supports children's independence and self-care skills from an early age.

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need to do better?

8 May 2025 n The childminder offers children an ambitious and varied curriculum. Each day, children enjoy an exciting range of activities and outings to support their all- round learning. Children's interests are evident in the planned activities. The childminder carefully weaves children's preferences throughout all activities to help motivate and inspire all children. n Children are confident and have a positive attitude towards their learning. For instance, when faced with a challenging task, such as how to stop a doll falling out of a pushchair, they problem solve and work together until they eventually succeed in strapping the doll in safely. This resilience is enhanced by the childminder's meaningful praise and specific encouragement. Children have a mature and positive attitude towards their learning. n Children enjoy the playing with their friends. They share plenty of laughter and are developing strong friendships with each other. Through meaningful social

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need to do better?

interactions, children learn about consideration for other children's feelings. The childminder sets clear boundaries and consistent routines to successfully help children to know what to do and how to behave. n The childminder chats to children as they play, offering new vocabulary and encouraging children to use the new words in their play. However, there are times that the childminder asks a lot of questions in quick succession. Children do not always have enough time to process the question and formulate a response. This does not consistently support the development of children's communication skills. n The childminder is committed to offering children and families a high-quality service. She explains that she loves her job and shows unwavering passion and drive. The childminder often reflects on her practice and takes steps to improve. For instance, the childminder has plans to develop her already stimulating home

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need to do better?

and strives for ongoing improvements to benefit children.

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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 strengthen the implementation of the curriculum for communication and language, helping children to develop their thinking and responding skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2708314 Local authority Cheshire West and Chester Inspection number 10376337 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 6 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Chester. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She offers early education funded places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector considered written and verbal feedback from parents and spoke to children during the inspection. n The inspector viewed evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.

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Inspection activities

8 May 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 May 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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