Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 25 April 2018 10 July 2014

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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 has very good links with other childminders and early years settings in her area. She regularly networks with these practitioners to hold professional discussions, share ideas and undertake training. This helps the childminder to continually reflect on and evaluate her already good practice.  The childminder expertly helps children deal with their emotions and anxieties, such as dealing with changes in their life. For example, she provides a tent so that children have space to be on their own to rest or to have time for quiet reflection.  The childminder forges very strong partnerships with parents. They are well informed about children's progress and fully involved in planning for their ongoing needs.  The childminder teaches children how to use tools safely and for a purpose. For example, they skilfully use knives to chop fruit and are learning how to use peelers to whittle sticks in the forest garden.

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This provision is good

 All children make good progress with the childminder. Children who speak English as an additional language are learning English well. The childminder is proactive in using internet sites to help her to interpret words, which she then speaks and writes to further support children's learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder often answers questions for children and does not give them adequate time to think of the correct words to use and how to find solutions to problems they encounter.

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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

 increase the opportunities for children to develop their language and critical-thinking skills further.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder joining in activities with children and discussed the learning that was taking place with her.  The inspector looked at the areas of the premises used for childminding and accompanied the childminder and children on a visit to a woodland garden.  The inspector took into account the written views of parents and the childminder's reflections on her practice.  The inspector looked at children's development and assessment records, evidence of the suitability of household members and a range of other documents, including the safeguarding policy.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The childminder places high priority on protecting children's safety and welfare. For example, she knows how to swiftly meet children's needs in the event of a child protection concern. The childminder reflects on her practice and looks for ways to make effective improvements. She seeks appropriate professional development opportunities to help her to improve her knowledge and skills. For example, she has undertaken training to help her to develop her assessments of children's learning and is looking at the best ways to implement her new knowledge into her good practice. The childminder regularly tracks children's progress and identifies any emerging gaps in their development. She shares this information with parents and with key staff at other settings children attend. This helps to promote continuity in children's learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder observes children's development as they play and this helps her to identify their individual interests and next steps in learning. She uses this knowledge to plan further activities that build on children's skills and to support children's overall good progress. The childminder uses spontaneous opportunities to teach children. For example, when the local church clock chimes she encourages children to count with her and then explains what time it is. The childminder teaches children about the world, such as how flowers and food grow. Children have many opportunities to experience growth, such as from planting seeds, caring for plants and eating fruit and vegetables they grow on the childminder's allotment.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children flourish in the care of the dedicated, caring childminder and are happy and content. The childminder successfully teaches children how to keep themselves safe. For example, she clearly explains to them how to cross roads and to be aware of plants that pose a risk to them. Children talk about the need to stay on the pavements and know when it is safe for them to leave the childminder's side. The childminder plans the day exceedingly well to ensure that children have time in the home to play, get fresh air and exercise, and sleep undisturbed and comfortably. Outdoor learning experiences are strong. The childminder has access to a woodland garden where children have great adventures, physical exercise and learn about the natural world. When they arrive at the garden they immediately engage in calm, purposeful play as they explore sand and mud. At other times, they play actively, such as swinging on tyres and balancing on see-saws.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children develop effective skills that they need to aid their future learning and the eventual move to school. Children enjoy imaginative play, such as making cakes in the mud kitchen and making dinosaurs with sand. Children immerse themselves in play by themselves and at other times play very cooperatively with their peers. This prepares them well for learning in a variety of ways in their later education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY474018 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 1105724 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 10 July 2014

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. She operates from 7am until 6.30pm Monday to Friday all year round except for family holidays and bank holidays.

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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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