Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the childminder's care. They play happily and are incredibly confident as they eagerly explore the wonderful learning opportunities available. The childminder places a huge emphasis on the importance of outdoor learning. She ensures that children are active outdoors every day, benefiting from fresh air and exercise. Children develop a wealth of astounding knowledge, language, and awe and wonder about the natural world around them. For example, they replicate Aboriginal signs using sticks and mud, and hunt for 'eucalyptus' leaves when playing in the park. Children confidently recognise signs in the environment, such as maximum speed limits, and explain what they mean. They communicate with confidence and fluency, using rich vocabulary that has been skilfully modelled by the childminder during routines and activities.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's level of engagement is highly effective. She is an excellent role model, and children feel undoubtedly safe and secure with her. She shows a superb understanding of how children learn and develop and has extremely high expectations of children. Precise information is obtained when children first start at the setting, and the childminder regularly completes home visits. This helps to ensure children settle quickly and develop an extraordinary secure and strong sense of belonging.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans meticulously for children's learning. Exceptional thought is given to the development of rich, innovative and highly challenging experiences for children to enjoy. The childminder implements outstanding planning across all areas of learning, particularly the outdoors. She has a robust knowledge of children which is informed by her stringent observation and assessment of their interests and what they need to learn next. This helps to ensure that children make exceptional progress in all areas of learning. n The childminder skilfully plays alongside young children, modelling play and intervening appropriately to extend their learning at every opportunity. For example, as children 'pan for gold', she encourages them to find objects hidden within the gold nuggets. As children find wooden numerals and excitedly share the numbers they have found, she seeks to challenge them further by asking

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need to do better?

them to solve simple addition and subtraction calculations. n Children have an astute awareness of the world around them and the environment in which they live. For example, when playing in the park, children observe rubbish and immediately highlight this to the childminder. The childminder questions the children, asking where they think this rubbish should be. Instantly, children recall the importance of recycling, and they are disheartened that people have not placed litter in the bin as they should.

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need to do better?

8 January 2020 n Children have a clear love of literacy. They frequently share an abundance of stories, snuggling together to find out what might happen next. The childminder uses props proficiently to enhance children's imagination and language further. Furthermore, she encourages parents to extend their children's learning at home as she provides storybooks and story bags for them to share with their children in the home environment. n Considerable attention is given to the development of children's language and communication skills. The childminder constantly models language effectively. She provides a running commentary as children play, repeats vocabulary and extends sentences with descriptive language. n Children continuously build on their knowledge and skills, and make links in their learning. For example, young children demonstrate high levels of perseverance as they master new skills. They persistently try to dress themselves in readiness

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need to do better?

for outdoor play, pulling on their own wellington boots and fastening zips. Older children recall how they can measure distance. They use wooden spoons to depict how far they have jumped and begin to make comparisons about who has jumped the furthest. n The childminder is extremely hard-working and conscientious. She demonstrates an outstanding dedication to her role and an uncompromising drive to sustain excellence in all areas of her practice. The childminder robustly reflects on her practice and the service she provides for parents and children. Her self- evaluation procedures are embedded in practice, and any improvements ensure that children benefit from the very best care and learning opportunities. She attends a wealth of training opportunities and engages in her own professional research to further develop her excellent knowledge and skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of child protection issues and how to recognise the signs that a child may be at risk of harm. Extensive policies, procedures and information help to underpin her excellent practice. The childminder undertakes regular training to ensure that she remains abreast of changes in legislation. Extremely comprehensive risk assessments are conducted, particularly for the many outdoor experiences that she provides for children. Furthermore, children show an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they contribute to the identification of potential hazards.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 503679 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10109661 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 7 May 2014

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives in the Euxton area of Chorley. 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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Inspection activities

n The inspector took account of the views of parents through written testimonials. n The inspector checked suitability documentation, first-aid certificates and training records. n The inspector asked the childminder questions throughout the inspection to establish her understanding of how to safeguard children and how she assesses and plans for children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder viewed the areas of the home used by children and discussed how the curriculum is organised.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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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Inspection activities

8 January 2020 8 January 2020 regulates and inspects to 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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