Atkinson, Susan

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the care of this kind and friendly childminder and her equally warm and engaging assistant. Children enjoy secure attachments with the childminder, providing firm foundations for their confidence to explore and lead their own play and learning. Children become fully engrossed in play with the small-world and role-play resources. They use excellent imagination skills as they create storylines for the characters and use the available resources to extend their ideas. The childminder and assistant interact well with the children. They ask relevant questions that further support children's ability to build on their ideas and challenge their thinking and communication skills. Children remain focused on this activity for a considerable amount of time, demonstrating excellent motivation and positive attitudes towards their learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave very well and are learning to practise good sharing. The assistant helps children to understand how to take turns with resources. She reassures them that everyone will have a turn and uses appropriate explanations to aid their understanding. Children use wonderful manners, for which they receive lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder has high expectations of children and plans well for their progress. She observes and assesses children to help her identify what they already know and can do and where she can support them next.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has made significant improvements since the last inspection. She has taken swift action to address all weaknesses raised, and, as a result, children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. For example, the childminder's assistant has gained her paediatric first-aid qualification, and the childminder carries appropriate insurance on vehicles used to transport the children. The childminder continues to reflect on her practice and ways she can make ongoing improvements. n The childminder works closely with her assistant, and, together, they engage in regular professional discussions. However, the childminder does not currently provide her assistant with robust opportunities for professional development and targeted coaching, to help build on her skills and knowledge and ensure all policies and procedures are fully understood. n Children make good progress in their mathematical development. The

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need to do better?

childminder introduces mathematical language and numbers during children's everyday play. Older children confidently count to 10 and enjoy number puzzles in good support of their space and shape awareness. n The childminder places good focus on supporting children's early literacy skills. She builds in time for reading and enjoying stories every day and ensures children have access to books to choose independently. The range of books is

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need to do better?

27 January 2020 excellent. Books cover a range of topics, such as sharing, those who help us, and local area events such as the floods that occurred in Cumbria. n New children experience smooth settling in. The childminder works closely with parents to gain information about children's care needs and developmental stages. For example, parents contribute to initial assessments of children's learning, helping the childminder to create a challenging curriculum for children from the very beginning. Parents are complimentary of the childminder and the care their children receive. n Partnership working with others is equally as effective. The childminder works particularly well with the school children go on to attend. For example, the childminder utilises opportunities for children to spend time at the school, such as attending the stay-and-play sessions hosted by the school. The childminder seizes these opportunities to talk to teaching staff about the children and their

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need to do better?

development. As a result, children become extremely familiar with the school premises and early years environment, and teachers have a good knowledge and understanding of the children due to attend. n Children's good health is promoted well, overall. Children enjoy frequent trips to the local park and enjoy healthy choices at snack time. However, clear and consistent messages to help children understand how to manage their own good health and hygiene are not always given. n The childminder knows the children very well. She is aware of the importance of ensuring children have access to a broad range of experiences so that all children reach their full potential, including those in receipt of additional funding. Children enjoy trips to a local dance company, where they have opportunities to develop a range of skills and mix with a range of new people.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and assistant are alert to signs of abuse and neglect and know the local referral procedures to follow if they have a concern. The childminder ensures she keeps herself and her assistant up to date with child protection and wider safeguarding issues, for instance through training and use of local authority updates and guidance. The childminder carries out risk assessments on her premises to help identify any hazards and potential risks. She maintains all fire detection equipment and practises her evacuation procedure regularly. The childminder ensures the premises are secure. For example, she always keeps her front door locked.

p.3

should:

n strengthen systems in place for the support, coaching and training for assistants,

p.3

should:

27 January 2020 aimed at building on knowledge and skills and securing a comprehensive understanding of policies and procedures n help children to understand the importance of good hygiene routines to build on their healthy lifestyles.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY298257 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10128046 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 to 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 28 Date of previous inspection 2 October 2019

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Shap. She works together with an assistant on a regular basis. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays and some bank holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector held discussions about the early years provision and meeting children's needs. n The inspector spoke with the childminder, assistant and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents' views were taken into consideration through written feedback provided. n Discussions following a joint observation were held, and the inspector took account of the childminder's evaluations. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.

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Inspection activities

27 January 2020 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

27 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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