Childminder EY396664

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

The childminder welcomes children and families into her safe, happy and nurturing home. She is friendly and kind, and creates an inviting atmosphere. Children quickly settle and are ready to learn. They show joy and delight in their play. Children are often heard spontaneously laughing and giggling, indicating their pleasure and contentedness. They clearly have fun and enjoy themselves. Children confidently share their opinions about what they like and dislike. They are self- assured and independent. This assertion and expression help the childminder to shape the programme of play around children's personal preferences and interests. The childminder notices children's interests, and listens to their ideas and comments. She plans a programme of activities specifically tailored to children's needs and likes.

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The provision is good

The childminder is ambitious and has high expectations for children's learning. She often enhances play to incorporate extend children's learning. For example, she encourages children to build a tower with bricks. This task enables children to practise their hand-eye coordination. The childminder encourages children to follow a colour sequence when they build, developing their thinking and problem-solving skills. She incorporates greater complexity by encouraging children to create different structures, such as bridges. The childminder supports children well to make progress in their learning and development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder teaches children to be kind and helpful. Children learn to take turns and share their toys. They are eager to please because they enjoy regular praise and encouragement, which reinforces their good behaviours. Children have good manners. The childminder frequently reminds them to say please and thank you. As such, children are respectful and polite. Their behaviour is good. n The childminder is very clear about what children already know and can do. She uses her daily observations of children to help her to decide what they need to learn next. The curriculum is well sequenced to build on children's existing knowledge and skills. The childminder plans a broad and balanced curriculum. n Exploring nature and learning outdoors are an integral aspect of the childminder's curriculum design. Children enjoy daily activities in the childminder's home, garden and in the local community. The childminder uses

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need to do better?

trips to farms, recreational parks and forests to enrich children's learning experiences. n The childminder is a keen cook and offers children a wonderful array of nutritious home-made meals. Children have good appetites and a positive attitude to trying new foods. This contributes to their good health. n Children develop a love of reading. They handle books and turn pages with

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need to do better?

24 September 2025 confidence. Children look at illustrations and recall familiar stories. This helps to develop their literacy skills from a very early age. n The childminder helps children to learn about the environment and the importance of taking care of nature and the planet. For instance, they learn about the environmental impact of food waste. Children show empathy and respect for the world around them. n The childminder is keen to continually develop her knowledge and skills. She frequently completes training, reads widely and networks with other childminders to discuss best practice ideas. This reflection and professional development impacts positively on the childminder's confidence and service. n The childminder understands the routines and personal care needs for each individual child. She adapts what she does to meet children's differing needs. For instance, the childminder lavishes everyone with affection, but provides those

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need to do better?

children who are nervous with greater support in their play. She offers children who thrive independently scope to make choices and explore with freedom. These subtle adaptations ensure that all children receive the tailored care and learning opportunities to flourish. n Partnerships with parents and carers are a great strength of the childminder's practice. She fosters strong relationships with home right from the start. Parents praise the childminder for the high-quality service they receive. Children benefit from this joined-up approach to their care and learning. n The childminder recognises the value of fostering partnerships with other professionals to benefit children. However, she has not yet established positive relationships with other settings children attend. This does not consistently facilitate complementary care and learning opportunities 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 develop partnerships with other settings children attend to improve information- sharing and facilitate more collaboration to benefit children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY396664 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10407720 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 12 Date of previous inspection 16 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Knutsford, Cheshire. She operates all year round, from 6am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector around her home and explained how she organises her environment and plans the curriculum. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children. The inspector evaluated the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector reviewed written comments from parents and considered their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with documentation on request, including training records and suitability checks for all household members. n The inspector spoke to children and the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

24 September 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

24 September 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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