Whitfield, Natasha

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 thrive in a clean, safe and nurturing environment that their childminder creates, helping them settle in quickly. Children actively learn both indoors and outdoors, becoming aware of potential risks, such as extreme heat, and understanding the importance of sun protection. The childminder's curriculum focuses on preparing children for school by developing essential skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and collaborating with parents to encourage nutritious eating habits. Through engaging activities, children explore different cultures and celebrate diversity by participating in festivals and community events.

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The provision is good

The childminder sets clear rules and routines that help each child. The children ask politely for the things they need. The childminder gives clear directions, and the children follow them well. The children show excitement about learning. For instance, when they see the craft activities the childminder prepares, they want to join in straight away. They are curious about materials such as paints and enjoy creating their own artwork. Children access books throughout the day and demonstrate their understanding of stories, often cuddling with the childminder as they look at pictures and practise turning pages. During story time, they tackle challenging questions that help them develop their language skills, and younger children share comments and learn new vocabulary with encouragement from their peers and the childminder.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands children's learning needs and provides engaging activities that support their progress. She observes the children and builds relationships with them to identify their developmental next steps. In the prime areas of learning, she sets clear goals that build on children's existing knowledge. However, the sequence of next steps in specific learning areas could align better with the children's current skills. That said, the childminder supports the children well and, as a result, they are developing their confidence and are keen to learn. n The childminder completes the statutory progress checks and regularly observes the children's learning and shares these insights with parents. She monitors the children using her assessments. This enables her to meet their needs and recognise potential special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), allowing her to access specialist support quickly.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands the importance of children's communication and language development. She encourages discussions and interactions among the children and herself. Sharing books and singing rhymes form her daily routine. For example, when children choose what they want to learn next, they seek out books, share them with their friends and ask the childminder to read to them. As

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need to do better?

23 May 2025 a result, the children are developing a love for reading. n As children engage with significant calendar events, such as National Bee Day, they participate in hands-on experiences, for example exploring a beehive in the garden. The childminder introduces books about bees, enhancing their knowledge about these important creatures further. Children enjoy the planned creative activities and enjoy making bee crafts. They express themselves and develop their artistic skills. n The childminder helps to promote healthy choices regarding food, rest, exercise and screen time. She encourages children to develop independence in their care routines, promoting this through songs. For instance, children sing the handwashing song while completing care routines after using the toilet and before preparing to eat. n The childminder works in partnership with parents. Parents trust and value her service, commenting that it has allowed them to feel at ease. The childminder

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need to do better?

knows the children well. She observes them and gathers information about their routines from parents. For instance, when caring for young children, she recognises their signs of tiredness or hunger. She prepares a safe space for children to sleep. While the children sleep, she monitors them closely and conducts thorough checks to ensure their safety. n The childminder improves her setting by reflecting on her practice and gathering feedback from parents. She takes the lead in her professional development by accessing relevant training and up-to-date guidance materials, such as on safe sleeping and allergy awareness. The childminder remains informed about keeping children safe by regularly updating her safeguarding training. This helps her feel confident in this important part of her work.

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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 continue to strengthen knowledge of the curriculum, particularly in the specific area of learning, such as mathematics, so more precise next steps can be identified for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY537108 Local authority Coventry Inspection number 10380851 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 4 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 26 June 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016. She lives in Coventry. The childminder operates all year round from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder receives early years funding for eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. 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 childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development with a particular focus on communication and language. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

23 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

23 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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