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Early years · Childminder inspection (EIF, requirements met)

Childminder in Sheffield

Inspected 2 Jul 2025 · published 23 Jul 2025 · URN EY303823

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Summary

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  • Inspection date verified

    2 Jul 2025

  • Inspectors verified

    Jennifer Cowton

  • Overall effectivenesssingle source

    Met

  • Previous overall verified

    Requires improvement

  • Name on report verified

    Childminder report

  • URN verified

    EY303823

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Grade profile

Each judgement on its scale, weakest to strongest.

  • OverallMet

90% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Met (3,163 inspections).

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+48Positivemore positive than 75% of reports of this type graded Met
OutstandingGoodMetRINot metInadequate

In line with other reports of this type graded Met.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praiseconfidentlyeffectivelyhigh expectationsmake good progresspositivesecureclearconsistent
Criticismrequires improvementconcerns

How the report reads, start to finish

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FindingsWhat needs to improveAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings4w−43
  • What needs to improve520w+64

Strengths

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No standout praise found.

Concerns

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No strong criticism found.

Next steps

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What the report dwells on

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Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
6
Words of findings
517
longer than usual (typical 350)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 44, typical 47
Average sentence
16 words
Next steps
8
typical 8
Hedged sentences
0%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 0%What needs to improve 55%About the inspection 45%

Full report text

Met

Previous inspection Requires improvement

p.1

This provision meets requirements

n The childminder has a good understanding of child development and how children learn. She explains that she will gather detailed information from parents when children first start in her care. This information, combined with her own observations and assessments, will help her identify next steps in learning that are unique and carefully tailored to each individual child. The childminder talks confidently about the activities she will provide children in order to help them make good progress. n The childminder is committed to keeping her, and any assistants she works with, skills and knowledge up to date. She will ensure they all complete all mandatory training, including safeguarding and paediatric first aid. In addition, the childminder engages in further professional development to enhance her practice. For example, she explains how recent training has deepened her understanding of how to effectively support children's communication and

p.2

This provision meets requirements

language development. n The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of child protection procedures. She can confidently identify and discuss the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder knows the appropriate channels to report any concerns regarding children's safety and well-being. She keeps her safeguarding training regularly updated and takes steps to ensure the ongoing suitability of other adults in the household. n The childminder understands the importance of promoting children's independence. She explains how she will support children to make choices and manage tasks by themselves, helping them to build confidence. Children will be supported to wash their own hands and tend to their own care needs. n The childminder describes how she has high expectations for children's behaviour. She explains how she uses positive reinforcement and praise to encourage and manage children's behaviour, which effectively supports their

p.2

This provision meets requirements

confidence and self-esteem. The childminder promotes good behaviour by setting clear boundaries and expectations, and by providing children with consistent reminders. n The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents. She explains how she will share information with parents about children's next steps and support them in extending learning at home. For example, parents will receive daily updates, as well as scrapbooks containing photos and observations, about their child's day and development. n The childminder understands the importance of supporting children to lead healthy lifestyles. Children will have daily access to outdoor play, which provides fresh air and helps them develop their gross motor skills. The childminder explains how she will also work closely with parents to ensure that packed lunches are healthy and nutritious. In addition, children are offered water

p.2

This provision meets requirements

throughout the day and a variety of healthy snacks.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

2 July 2025 There were no children in the early years age range present when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no early years children present, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states whether the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

p.2

Setting details

Unique reference number EY303823 Local authority Sheffield Inspection number 10374152 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 6 Number of children on roll 18 Date of previous inspection 1 October 2024

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Sheffield. She works with her husband as an assistant. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.15am to 5.15pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers the government funded places for childcare and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed with the childminder how she meets the safeguarding and welfare requirements and what records she keeps. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of all household members and qualifications of the childminder. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk. The childminder shared with the inspector how she plans to support children's learning and development. n The inspector considered the suitability of the premises for children, indoors and outdoors.

p.4

Inspection activities

2 July 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

2 July 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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

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p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6

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