Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder has an in-depth understanding of each child and the progress that they make. She has high expectations for what children can achieve. The childminder uses children's individual interests to provide a wide range of stimulating and exciting learning experiences, to support their next steps in learning. She challenges and extends children's learning during their play. For instance, the childminder uses the children's love of animals to teach them about the differences between African and Indian elephants. In addition, she extends children's vocabulary while introducing new words such as 'tusk' and 'trunk'. She broadens their learning while introducing mathematical concepts such as 'big' and 'small' related to the size of the elephants' ears.

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The provision is good

Children are exceptionally kind and caring individuals. They develop a keen awareness of their own emotions and thoughtfully recognise what others are feeling. Consequently, they can implement a range of strategies to help resolve minor disagreements and conflicts with their friends. For instance, children show high levels of concern and sensitivity for each other. They share and take turns with toys to avoid upsetting one another. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. They turn confidently to her for cuddles and reassurance when they need help to manage their own emotions. Children behave remarkably well and show positive attitudes towards their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is passionate about helping children to achieve their best. She has exceptional relationships with parents and continually shares ideas and suggestions to support their children's learning at home. The childminder takes time to get to know the children and their families through a carefully planned settling-in process. She skilfully uses initial information from parents to plan interesting activities, which keep children motivated to learn. Children make good progress and develop the necessary skills in readiness for school. n Children are provided with incomparable first-hand experiences to learn about the community they belong to. They relish opportunities to be active members of their community and are fascinated to visit the local library. The childminder takes children on outings to interesting venues. They enjoy trips to the local farm and zoo. Children are very caring. They help to look after pet animals and

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need to do better?

learn about the wildlife that visits the childminder's garden. The childminder understands how these enriching opportunities contribute to deepening children's experiences of the wider world. Children develop a positive awareness of others and are well prepared for life in modern Britain. n Children build excellent relationships with the childminder. She sensitively gives children important messages that reinforce and encourage positive behaviour.

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need to do better?

4 February 2020 She continually provides children with meaningful praise and encouragement. This helps to raise children's confidence even further. Children show affection towards the childminder. For example, when they are going home with their parents, children tell her how much they care for her. n The childminder provides children with an extensive selection of nutritious home-made meals. She encourages children to make decisions about what foods they would like to have. This supports children to learn about making healthy food choices. Children eat together in a relaxed and social atmosphere. n Children flourish in the exciting and empowering learning environment. They are highly motivated to investigate and learn through their play. Children concentrate and persevere to achieve their goals. They are eager to explore different materials and engage in exciting craft experiences. For instance, they

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need to do better?

confidently use their hand-eye coordination skills to fill containers with sawdust and handle glue sticks with care. The childminder engages children in meaningful conversations. She is skilled at introducing new words and questions children to foster their curiosity and extend their learning. n Children enjoy looking at books with the childminder. They learn to handle them with care and confidently predict what will happen next. Children enjoy singing songs. They are confident with technology and push buttons on toys to make them transform into something else. In addition, they show a good understanding of how musical instruments work n The childminder completes mandatory training. She is also taking steps to further develop her setting, such as networking with other childminders to share good practice. However, she has not established a highly successful programme of professional development, to raise the quality of her practice to a higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in identifying child protection concerns and wider safeguarding issues. She knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare or if an allegation is made against her or a member of her family. The childminder has effective strategies in place to keep children safe. For example, she ensures that her premises are secure, and she checks the identification of visitors. The childminder regularly risk assesses the areas used by children and minimises any potential hazards. She teaches children about being safe in her home and while on outings.

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should:

n refine the programme of professional development, to raise the quality of practice to a higher level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 309156 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10128972 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 3 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 5 May 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001 and lives in Warton, Lancashire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk of the setting to understand how the childminder organises the curriculum. The inspector talked to the childminder and discussed the quality of education and how she keeps children safe. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and evaluated the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as the childminder's qualifications, children's records and evidence of the suitability of adults living at the home. n The inspector spoke to, and interacted with, children during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to parents and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

4 February 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

4 February 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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