Childminder EY550602

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's home is inviting, spacious and well organised. The kitchen, dining area and playroom offer ample space for children to move around freely and explore their own interests. In a large garden, children enjoy a slide, metal bikes and a large wooden patio, all designed to encourage physical activity, imaginative play and discovery. The curriculum is guided by children's interests, ensuring they stay engaged and happy throughout their day. Regular outings, such as trips to the forest school, farms, museums, libraries, playgrounds, gymnastics classes and community events expand children's experiences and spark curiosity about the world around them.

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The provision is good

The childminder creates warm, affectionate interactions that nurture secure attachments and boost children's self-esteem. Children demonstrate confidence and happiness while building positive relationships, both with their peers and the childminder. The childminder incorporates children's home language into daily care routines, which fosters a strong sense of belonging. Children are polite to each other and demonstrate that they feel emotionally secure.

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The provision is good

Children benefit greatly from outdoor play, which actively promotes their physical development and supports their learning about the natural world. Children show curiosity about the natural world as they observe and look for squirrels and explore seasonal changes. For example, children collect, describe and count conkers, building on their prior knowledge of animals and the natural world. These experiences deepen their understanding of the environment and extend their learning through meaningful, hands-on exploration.

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need to do better?

n The childminder delivers a child-led curriculum that responds to children's interests, promoting engagement, exploration of nature and self-directed learning. The childminder gathers detailed information from parents about children's development at the start of their journey. This enables effective planning of activities and trips that extend learning beyond children's current interests. Children experience a broad and stimulating curriculum that builds on what they already know and can do. n The childminder models counting in sequence and introduces different sizes and shapes. Children confidently count to 10 and begin to recite higher numbers spontaneously, demonstrating secure progress in their numeracy skills. However, the childminder does not always extend this learning through skilful questioning that promotes problem-solving and enquiry. For example, when teaching about forest animals, she has not encouraged children to compare characteristics or

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need to do better?

make deeper enquiries, such as grouping, sorting or counting similarities and

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need to do better?

26 September 2025 differences. n The childminder actively supports children's communication and language development by using descriptive language, engaging them in back-and-forth conversations and fostering a love of books. During story sessions, children choose books, follow narratives, discuss events, and relate stories to their own experiences. Through these interactions, they extend their vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures. n Children demonstrate politeness and good manners. The childminder gives meaningful praise, which builds children's confidence and motivates them to keep trying. For example, when children struggle to squeeze the spray and sponges, the childminder acknowledges their effort by saying, 'I know how difficult it is to press that handle, but I can see you are trying hard.' n The childminder promotes children's independence through daily routines, such

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need to do better?

as handwashing, toileting and mealtimes. Meals are freshly prepared and nutritious, and children are supervised and encouraged to sit properly while eating. Children develop healthy habits and learn to manage their personal needs. n Children learn to explore cause-and-effect relationships and practise their manipulative skills. For example, children learn to spray water onto sponges to make them heavier, which helps them balance on a scale. The childminder uses effective teaching methods to help younger children operate the spray handle, while encouraging them to feel in control, promoting independence and confidence. n Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks during their physical play. This helps to build children's independence and confidence. For example, while playing in the garden, children confidently climb, slide and ride bicycles, enhancing their large muscle strength. The childminder ensures that children

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need to do better?

follow her safety rules. However, she does not always explain the importance of doing so, to build upon children's developing understanding of staying safe. n Communication with parents is highly effective. Parents value ongoing updates and the childminder's responsiveness to the individual needs of the children. They appreciate her dedication and passion and recognise the positive impact she has on their children's learning and well-being. n The childminder demonstrates strong leadership and reflective practice. Policies and procedures for safeguarding, accidents, incidents and medication are well established and effectively implemented. She monitors children's development and engagement levels effectively to ensure their overall growth and well-being.

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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 extend use of open-ended questioning to encourage independent thinking and problem-solving n consistently introduce and explain safety rules and expectations so that children develop a secure understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY550602 Local authority Birmingham Inspection number 10399555 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 9 Date of previous inspection 5 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017. She lives in the Walmley area of Sutton Coldfield. She operates Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. The childminder offers goverment funding hours for children aged nine months to five years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. 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 childminder's setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

26 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

26 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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