Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

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

Children feel happy in the childminder's care. They confidently invite the childminder and the inspector into their play, showing that they feel safe and secure. Children benefit from a welcoming and well-organised environment that supports their safety and development. The childminder knows the children well and plans a curriculum that builds on their interests. For example, when children show interest in the book 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', the childminder organises a barefoot walk activity, allowing them to explore different textures and sensory experiences. She also introduces various new topics such as growth and nature. This engages children and extends their knowledge and learning further. All children make good progress from their starting points.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour and reinforces these through positive role modelling and gentle guidance. Children learn to respect each other, share and take turns. They are eager to help with everyday tasks, such as sweeping the floor after activities. Children understand the rules the childminder sets, such as removing their shoes indoors. They know the routine and follow instructions well. The childminder encourages independence from an early age. For example, children make choices about their play, manage aspects of their personal care and help to tidy away resources. These daily routines help them develop confidence and important skills that prepare them well for starting school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development, actively engaging in a wide range of training that positively influences the quality of her teaching. She aims to provide the highest standard of care, recognising the trust that parents place in her when they cannot be with their children. She strives to care for each child as their parents would, offering a nurturing and supportive environment that meets children's individual needs. n The childminder broadens children's experiences through regular outings. Children attend local playgroups where they mix with others and develop social skills outside the childminder's home. They also benefit from using equipment at the local park to further develop their physical skills. As they visit the canal to feed the ducks, children look and listen to their surroundings, learning about their local community and the world around them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder actively supports children's communication and language development. She narrates their play and exposes them to rich vocabulary through songs and stories. She asks children questions about their day and current activities. However, she does not always provide enough time for children to respond and use their words, which could enhance their language development even further.

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need to do better?

21 May 2025 n The curriculum engages children well, and all children make good progress across all areas of learning. For example, they develop small motor skills as they thread buttons onto strings. They strengthen large motor skills by kicking balls, catching them and riding push-along bikes. Children use their imagination in the role-play area as they make tea and serve pizza to their friends. However, the childminder occasionally directs children towards pre-determined outcomes, and children do not have the opportunity to develop their own ideas and be creative in their thinking. n The childminder naturally incorporates mathematical concepts into children's play. For example, she counts '1, 2, 3' with them as they throw a ball or as they count cars in the garage. She introduces numbers and colours during activities, ensuring that children hear and use mathematical language and concepts. n The childminder supports children to develop a love of early literacy. She takes

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need to do better?

children to the library to choose books, which they then take home. Children enthusiastically engage in storytelling, often joining in with familiar phrases. The print-rich environment supports early reading skills by helping children begin to recognise letters. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles. Children go outdoors daily to enjoy fresh air and exercise. The childminder encourages healthy choices by ensuring that children have access to drinks throughout the day and by engaging them in discussions about nutritious food and oral hygiene. Children bring lunch boxes from home. The childminder maintains high standards for healthy eating by working in partnership with parents to ensure appropriate food choices. n Parents value the childminder's role and the service she provides. They feel their children are safe and happy and have made good progress since starting. Parents receive daily photos and updates about their child's activities, both

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need to do better?

verbally and through an online system. They have a clear understanding of their children's developmental stages and know how to support their learning at home.

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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 support children's communication and language skills further by giving children more time to repeat familiar words and phrases and to answer questions n encourage children's creativity further by encouraging exploration and development of their own ideas.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 224580 Local authority Stoke-on-Trent Inspection number 10398100 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 2 Date of previous inspection 3 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Stoke-on-Trent. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides early education funding for all eligible children in her care.

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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 Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. 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.

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Inspection activities

21 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

21 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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