Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 March 2015 24 July 2009

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder is knowledgeable about the children in her care. This enables her to plan and provide activities that closely reflect children's individual interests and abilities. As a result, all children make good progress.  The childminder has strong teaching skills, which she uses well to promote children's good progress. For example, she introduces children to multiple linked activities about space flight, enabling children of differing ages and interests to take part and learn in their own ways.  The childminder prepares children well for school. They develop their independence skills well because the childminder enables them to try complex tasks for themselves, such as breaking an egg during baking.  The childminder is well-organised in her business practices. She regularly evaluates her childminding provision to ensure all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage are effectively met.

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This provision is good

 Children are safeguarded well because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe. She attends child protection training and effectively minimises risks to children in her home and on outings.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Children's opportunities to explore their imagination through writing, drawing and art and craft activities are not maximised. There is sometimes an emphasis on the end product, rather than on enjoying the whole creative experience.  The childminder has not thought creatively about how she can communicate even more effectively with some parents, to build on the good progress that children make.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance children's opportunities to express their ideas using media, such as pencils, crayons, paints and craft materials, with positive emphasis on exploration and imagination rather than the end product  strengthen information sharing with parents to enhance their opportunities to be even more involved in their children's learning experiences.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder during the inspection and observed an activity she had planned.  The inspector observed the children at play and spoke to them about their activities.  A range of documentation was checked, including some policies and procedures, children's record forms, suitability checks for the family and the childminder's self- evaluation.  The views of parents were taken into account through discussions and testimonials.  The inspector looked at parts of the home and garden used by the children.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder has a secure understanding of how children learn. She is observant and notices when children need additional support and reassurance. As a result, children thrive. The childminder engages the children in varied activities, such as stacking cups. She praises their efforts as they stack the cups in order and helps them to count out loud. Children find their favourite toys and games independently. They play confidently by themselves, becoming immersed in imaginative play with dolls and dressing-up clothes. The childminder supports children's interest in books by having an interesting selection. They read together often so that children extend their language skills and learn to concentrate. The childminder involves children in arts and crafts to develop their design and making skills. She provides opportunities for older children to practise their writing and develop pencil control. However, there is a tendency for some of these activities to

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who attend. This is good

have too much emphasis on the end product. The childminder shares children's assessments regularly with parents so there is a shared understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. She works closely with parents who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to meet any specific needs.

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good

Children are happy and content in this warm and welcoming environment. They have time to play independently, accessing a broad range of interesting resources, such as books, small figures and stacking toys. Children build secure attachments to the childminder because settling-in procedures are effective. The childminder teaches children about good behaviour. She encourages sharing games and involves the children in cooperative activities, such as a topic on Chinese New Year. Children have daily access to the outdoor areas and enjoy local trips to parks and play areas. This effectively supports their physical development and overall well-being. Children's good health is promoted well as they develop their understanding of good hygiene and learn about healthy eating habits.

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provision is good

The childminder has a thorough understanding of safeguarding procedures and, as a result, children are protected from harm. She teaches children safe practices, such as crossing roads, so they learn to identify risks for themselves. The childminder effectively monitors children's development and carries out regular assessments to ensure all children make good progress. She evaluates the activities and asks the views of parents so she can identify areas for improvement. Good two-way partnerships with schools and pre-school settings help to promote continuity in children's care and learning. The childminder is pro- active in attending training to keep her skills sharp. For example, she has attended a recent workshop about how to prepare children more effectively for their move into school. Relationships with parents are warm and positive. They say she is trustworthy and they feel confident that their children are in safe hands. Not all parents benefit from the

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provision is good

best possible opportunities to share in their children's day-to-day learning experiences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 222123 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 864274 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 24 July 2009

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1986 and lives in Bottisham, Cambridgeshire. She operates each weekday, all year round. The childminder provides funded early education for eligible three- and four-year-old children.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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