Thomas, Lindsay

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 16 May 2016 15 March 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Teaching is consistently good with some outstanding elements. The childminder offers a varied range of purposeful learning experiences that challenges and motivates children. She interacts warmly, helping children to gain new skills and enjoy their learning.  The qualified childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn. She follows an astute programme of professional development, in order to deepen her knowledge and enhance her teaching skills further.  The patient childminder engages children in discussion to help them identify solutions to problems. She provides clear direction and guidance which enables them to solve problems independently.  Children's communication and language skills are developing well. The childminder asks a wide range of questions that helps children to talk about their ideas and intentions.  The childminder has developed exceptional links with local schools and other providers.

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This provision is good

She shares detailed information about children's progress, and finds out about what they are learning elsewhere to inform her planning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally, the childminder does not provide the best possible opportunities for children to learn about diversity, differences or life outside their own community.  The childminder does not gather in-depth information from parents about what children can already do and what children already know when they first start.

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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

 provide even more opportunities for children to learn about the diversity of the wider world in which they live  gather more comprehensive information about what children can do and already know when they first join the setting.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector looked at evidence of the suitability of the childminder and other adults in the household, children's assessment records and a sample of policies.  The inspector discussed the childminder's self-evaluation form and plans for improvement.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector considered the views of parents, provided through written feedback.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The accomplished childminder is committed to providing a high-quality service for children and their families. She uses ongoing reflection to review and evaluate her practice, in order to sustain continual improvement. The views of parents and children are actively sought to ensure that planned developments meet the needs of those who attend. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder maintains a safe environment and supervises children closely to ensure that they are protected from harm. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and knows how to refer concerns to the appropriate authorities.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder monitors children's progress well and uses observation and assessment to accurately plan for their future learning. She provides a wide range of challenging activities that is well matched to children's needs. Parents are supported to provide ongoing information about children's learning at home, which the childminder uses to complement her teaching. Children move freely between the indoor and outdoor environments and develop new interests. For example, children excitedly look for frogs in the shrubbery outside. They listen carefully to see whether they can hear the frogs moving and talk coherently about how tadpoles develop into frogs. The childminder skilfully interacts and asks a wide range of questions that helps children to use their thinking skills. Children become absorbed in activities and explore colour, pattern and shape as they investigate interesting resources.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder helps children to develop positive relationships with her from the start, through robust settling-in arrangements. Children are very self-assured and clearly enjoy the childminder's company. They are very independent and are developing good self-care skills. The childminder helps children to take turns and share resources amicably. She offers extensive praise to boost children's self-esteem. Children behave very well and show care and concern for others. They pretend to make food and drinks for each other and thoroughly enjoy emptying and filling containers. The childminder provides healthy snacks and helps children to follow good hygiene practices. Children play outdoors regularly and have ample opportunities to be physically active. This helps to promote their good health.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning and development. They play harmoniously together in a relaxed and friendly environment. Children count and talk about shape to help support their emerging mathematical skills. They persevere and overcome challenges with the childminder's help and guidance. Children are strong communicators and use a variety of methods to express their needs and desires. They are motivated learners, who are developing the key skills needed, in preparation for their move on to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 320304 Local authority Leeds Inspection number 847812 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 15 March 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1998 and lives in Otley. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare 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

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Telephone number

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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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