Dixon, Kirstie Marie

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder is qualified and experienced in childcare. She is a dedicated and nurturing childminder, who ensures children are warmly welcomed into her inviting, home-from-home environment. Children's confidence is high as they self-register their arrival by finding their coloured star and they begin to recognise the letters in their name. The childminder provides children with a fun, stimulating and enabling environment in which to learn. Children show their delight as the childminder joins in with their play, she shares a joke with them, and they giggle together.

p.2

The provision is good

Children enjoy a varied curriculum that increases their knowledge. The childminder plans focused activities that support children's interests. For example, children develop their pincer grip as they use tweezers to find bugs hidden in compost. They learn how a magnifying glass works, and the childminder skilfully introduces counting as children count spots on ladybirds and legs on spiders. Children learn to appreciate the natural world and develop an early understanding of mathematical concepts and language.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder speaks to children with genuine care and respect, and she has high expectations for them and their behaviour is good. Children show care and concern for each other and use good manners as they play. Children demonstrate they feel safe and secure in the childminder's care, as they have established close and trusting relationships.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder undertakes regular assessments to track children's development and decide on the next focus for their learning. Assessments are shared with parents so they can support children's learning at home. The childminder uses an assessment tool to check children's progress. This helps her to swiftly identify any gaps in learning and put in place interventions to ensure these are quickly closed. n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to make good progress. She has a secure understanding of how to adapt her provision to ensure all children have the same opportunities to learn. The childminder speaks clearly to children using simple sentences and she ensures children can see her when she speaks to them. This means children's communication and language development are supported. Furthermore, children engage well, have fun and benefit from the activities and resources on offer.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children enjoy imaginative play. Young children feed the dolls after sitting them in a high chair. Older children make ice creams for their friends and the childminder from the role play ice-cream cart. The childminder uses effective teaching skills to support children to make good progress in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

12 May 2025 However, at times she does not give children enough time to think for themselves and problem solve as they play. n Parental feedback is very positive. Parents report that the childminder meets children's individual needs well. They feel she supports their children's learning in her setting and on outings. Parents love the nurturing home the childminder provides and say their children are always happy to attend. Parents also comment on the regular photos they receive of their children and how this helps them to see what they have been doing and what they are learning. n Children enjoy exploring in the childminder's exciting garden. They confidently add water to the sand tray so they can make sandcastles. Younger children use ride-on vehicles, pretend to mow the lawn and love to use the slide. Children are confident to take resources from the playroom to carry on their own play in the garden. The childminder supports children and engages imaginatively with them

p.2

need to do better?

as they explore the outside kitchen. Children are eager and motivated in their play. n The childminder plans regular exciting outings for children. She takes account of the access children have to outdoor play when away from her setting as part of her planning. Children enjoy adventure walks; they visit play centres and different parks to support physical development. The childminder helps children to manage their own safety on outings, for example learning about road safety. Children receive experiences that enhance their awareness of the local and wider areas.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n provide more time for children to think and respond to questions and find their own solutions to problems that arise during their play.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2739378 Local authority Kirklees Inspection number 10402160 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2023 and lives in Batley. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder offers government funded places for childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and inspector discussed the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder shared information about how she works in partnership with parents, and she shared parental feedback with the inspector. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder in relation to the leadership and management of the setting. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the childminder's suitability to work with children. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children in the dedicated playroom and the garden.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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