Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 1 December 2016 14 February 2013

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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

 The childminder and her assistants provide a warm and welcoming, home-from-home environment. Children build strong bonds and close relationships with their carers, who effectively support children's emotional well-being.  Children confidently play, investigate and explore in safe and secure play areas. They are enthusiastic, highly motivated to learn and they develop their skills through a range of well-planned play opportunities and activities.  The childminder and her assistants constantly communicate with the children. They engage children in conversations about their play and challenge and extend children's learning through good questioning. Children are given time to speak and their responses are valued with much enthusiasm.  Children's progress and ongoing development is clearly tracked by the lead childminder and shared with parents. This helps to ensure that any gaps in development are quickly

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This provision is good

identified and children are effectively supported to move on to the next stage in their learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The evaluation process does not fully include the comments and suggestions of all assistants, parents, carers and children. It is not always used effectively enough to identify strengths, weaknesses and plans for future development.  The childminder does not fully utilise the methods in place for sharing information from parents about what children achieve in the home.

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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

 improve ways to evaluate practice and consistently include assistants, parents, carers and children in this process, in order to better identify strengths, weaknesses and plans for future development  build on the methods in place for parents to more effectively share information about their children's learning at home.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector viewed the areas in the home used for childminding.  The inspector completed a joint observation with two assistants.  The inspector held a meeting with the childminder. She looked at relevant documentation, such as the children's records and folders, policies and procedures, and evidence of the suitability of the assistants working with the childminder and family members.  The inspector read the statements provided by the parents and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The experienced childminder and the well-qualified assistants have a good understanding of how children learn and develop. They use their expert knowledge to plan engaging and interesting activities. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder and assistants understand their responsibilities in keeping children safe and know what to do should they have any concerns. Risk assessments are in place and visual checks are completed daily to ensure areas used by children are safe. Supervision and appraisals are completed regularly. The childminder ensures mandatory training for herself and her assistants is up to date and in line with current legislation, and additional training opportunities support their professional development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder and her assistants work well together. They get to know the children well and plan activities based on children's individual interests. Children regularly enjoy going out in the local community where they visit parks and other places of interest. This helps to support their understanding of the world around them and their social, emotional and physical development. Children's communication and language, and art and creative skills, are all very well supported. They are encouraged to talk about colours, numbers and shapes during their play and in planned activities. Christmas themed craft and artwork is creatively displayed throughout the family home. This boosts children's self-esteem and sense of belonging. Younger children's early walking skills are supported well and older children enjoy singing songs and reading books in the comfortable book corner.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Overall, a close bond and secure relationship is formed between the parents, children and the adults looking after them. Children are well behaved. The childminder and her assistants have a consistent approach to behaviour management. They provide simple explanations for children about how to keep themselves safe around the house. The childminder is caring and a good role model for children. She makes nutritious home- cooked meals and snacks, and ensures children learn about the importance of being physically active and safe. She encourages children to be kind, respect and tolerate others and to share and take turns. The childminder makes good use of the local facilities to extend and enhance the range of learning experiences offered to children. Children enjoy opportunities to be physically active, which support their health and well-being.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress in relation to their starting points and are working within the range of expected development for their age. Children are beginning to develop good literacy skills and take part in early phonics and singing sessions. They learn to listen, follow instructions and cooperate during craft activities. Children's independence is well supported through practical routines. As a result, children are gaining the skills needed for their future learning, including school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 316937 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 1064053 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 4 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 16

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 14 February 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1999 and lives in Carlisle, Cumbria. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm on Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has three assistants registered to work with her. Her husband is also a registered childminder. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, 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

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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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