Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 20 April 2015 Not applicable

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Not applicable 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 uses effective observations and makes accurate assessments of children to identify their individual learning needs. She uses this information to plan exciting and meaningful activities that are linked to children's individual interests. Consequently, children are motivated and eager to learn.  The childminder is well qualified and has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She monitors children's development across all areas of the curriculum. As a result, children make consistently good progress.  Children are developing the skills to be ready for future learning, such as the move to school. Children make independent choices about their play, explore the learning environment and are developing good social skills.  Children are supported to lead a healthy lifestyle. The childminder provides them with home-cooked meals and snacks and encourages children to be physically active.

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This provision is good

 Children are effectively safeguarded. The childminder has attended training and understands her roles and responsibilities. She carries out risk assessments of her home and for outings and has a first-aid certificate.  Children enjoy warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder. She knows them very well and is attentive to their individual needs. Therefore, children display high levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not consistently use a wide variety of communication techniques, to extend children's vocabulary and critical thinking.  The childminder does not always consider what children are learning at home and include this in her planning.

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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

 Use a wide variety of communication techniques, to extend children's vocabulary and critical thinking skills even further, for example, by naming objects that interest babies and asking older children questions that require more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer  increase opportunities for parents to contribute information about what children do and are learning at home and use this when planning activities, in order to extend children's learning even further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed premises, toys and equipment.  The inspector observed the childminder playing and interacting with the children.  The inspector talked to the childminder and the children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's qualifications and the suitability of adult-household members.  The inspector took account of the information provided in the childminder's portfolio and parents' comments provided for the inspection on feedback sheets.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder plays and interacts with the children well, to focus and engage their attention. She talks to children and provides them with lots of praise and encouragement, which supports their personal, social and emotional development. However, sometimes the childminder only asks older children questions that require a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Additionally, she sometimes misses opportunities to extend babies attempts at non-verbal communication. For example, when they pass her items that interest them, the childminder does not always encourage them to say the word and repeat it. This does not maximise opportunities to extend their vocabulary and critical thinking even further. Babies use their developing physical skills, as they are encouraged to pull themselves up to stand and use push-along toys. Babies enjoy exploring the malleable tray and using their fingers and hands to feel and shape the mixture. Older children enjoy experimenting

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who attend. This is good

outside and use their physical skills, to collect water and pour it through various tubes and funnels at the outdoor water feature.

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good

Settling-in sessions are used well by the childminder, to gain a good understanding of children's likes, dislikes and routines when they first attend. However, the childminder does not consistently ask parents what children continue to enjoy and are learning at home, and use this in her activity planning to ensure they make maximum progress. Children have formed close bonds with the childminder. She uses age-appropriate strategies to manage unwanted behaviours. Therefore, children understand what is expected of them and play harmoniously. Resources are plentiful, well maintained and stored effectively. This supports children to make independent choices in their play. Children are active learners and explore the learning environment with ease. They are supported to develop their self-help skills. Older children help the childminder with domestic tasks, such as preparing food and pouring drinks. Babies are encouraged to feed

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good

themselves and have easy access to their own drinking cups.

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provision is good

The childminder is committed to further professional development, to continue to improve outcomes for children. She has worked with her local authority development worker to complete her childminding portfolio. This highlights her provision and the activities and experiences provided for children. The childminder has in place comprehensive policies and procedures, which she implements effectively, to help ensure children are safe in her care. The childminder is effective in evaluating her practice and takes into account the views of children and their parents. Parents build good relationships with the childminder. They are very appreciative of her and speak highly about the quality of care that their children receive. The childminder provides parents and other professionals with regular information about children's progress. Therefore, there is a joined-up approach to children's continued development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY450765 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 954267 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2012 and lives in Haslingden, Lancashire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has an early years qualification at level 3.

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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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