Childminder in Cumberland

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 care of this incredibly caring, nurturing and attentive childminder. They show particularly strong emotional attachments to her, which provides children with the security and confidence to learn and thrive. For example, children snuggle into the childminder and enjoy the close interaction after waking and then buoyantly go off to play. Children are extremely inquisitive and show an exceptionally strong exploratory impulse. They are highly motivated and deeply inspired by the outstanding learning environment. Stimulating and thought- provoking displays and resources fill the interesting spaces of the childminder's home. The childminder creates an atmosphere of awe and whimsy with interesting trinkets hiding in brick crevices and items for children to collect and explore.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder creates a culture of respect which is firmly embedded through her consistent approach. She gently reminds children of the rules, such as sitting down when having a drink in order to minimise the risk of children being bumped into. Even very young children develop excellent listening skills and respond to the childminder's instructions. She uses visual aids and a cheerful song to encourage children to participate in different parts of the routine. This provides excellent support for children in their understanding of the expectations of their behaviour.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has high expectations of children and devises a rich and inspired curriculum. She has clear intentions for children's learning that are precisely informed from her in-depth knowledge of the skills children need to learn next. Children make rapid progress from their starting points due to the childminder's first-rate teaching. n The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of the skills that underpin children's communication development. She frequently sings and creates rhymes as children play, laying superb foundations for children's listening skills and awareness of how language is constructed. This is particularly beneficial for children attending who are learning English as an additional language. n The childminder understands the importance of providing children with uninterrupted times to explore independently. She tunes into children's play and sensitively joins in, following children's own ideas and skilfully creating further

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need to do better?

opportunities for learning. For example, as children find a pair of binoculars, the childminder gasps and asks what they can see out of the window, providing context for children's explorations and stimulating their curiosity. She introduces a wealth of new vocabulary and introduces some photographs of birds to broaden the experience even further. n Children learn important healthy habits from a young age as the childminder consistently embeds these into the everyday routine. Children become

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need to do better?

28 January 2020 independent from a very early age. They take part in teatime preparations as they fetch their own food items from the fridge. The childminder helps children to recall the food they chose at the supermarket the previous day, helping children to revisit prior learning and experiences. n The childminder's knowledge and passion is astounding. She maintains her skills and in-depth understanding of early years through ongoing research and training. She has covered a wide array of subjects, including forest schools, self- directed play and storytelling. Recent training on supporting children who speak English as an additional language has enhanced the childminder's understanding of this area of teaching. Furthermore, the childminder has shared her new-found knowledge with parents for consistency. n Partnership working with parents is highly effective. The childminder places high priority on engaging with parents and ensuring they are continually kept up to

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need to do better?

date on their children's development. Information on topics, individual planning and next steps is readily available for parents to view and is discussed frequently. Parents are highly complimentary of the childminder and speak very highly of the childminding service she has created. n The childminder continually seeks to improve her practice. For example, she reflects on all activities and interactions with the children to determine the impact they have and if learning outcomes are achieved. This allows the childminder to make any necessary adjustments and maintain children's excellent rate of progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The safety and well-being of the children are of paramount importance to the childminder. She has a firm knowledge and understanding of potential signs of abuse and the correct reporting procedures to follow. The childminder keeps her knowledge of safeguarding issues up to date through required training, updates from her local authority and by carrying out her own research. The childminder's home is safe and secure. The childminder works with parents to ensure all potential risks in her home are minimised. For example, she installs safety gates when babies begin to show an interest in the stairs.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY330655 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10109734 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 1 to 2 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 2 September 2014

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Cockermouth, Cumbria. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has nursing and midwifery qualifications and a teaching qualification at level 6.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector held discussions about the early years provision and meeting children's needs. n The inspector spoke with the children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents' views were taken account of 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

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

28 January 2020 28 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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