Childminder in Westmorland and Furness

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children settle in very quickly in this caring and nurturing environment. They thoroughly enjoy the childminder's warm and positive interactions and are happy in her care. Children enjoy close bonds and positive attachments with the childminder. This provides strong foundations for children's confidence to learn and explore. Young children show strong curiosity as they navigate the childminder's spacious play area and become engaged in play. They enjoy playful interactions such as singing nursery rhymes and joining in with the associated actions. For example, young children smile in delight as the childminder supports them with moving back and forth as she sings 'Row, row, row your boat'. The childminder's enthusiasm and cheerful manner engage children extremely well. They attempt to copy some of the words and actions, showing wonderful communication skills.

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The provision is good

The childminder knows children very well. She observes and assesses children to help her identify what they already know and can do and where she can support them next. However, some planned activities are not precisely focused on what children need to learn next.

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need to do better?

n The childminder promotes children's communication skills very well. She understands the early skills children need in order to listen, understand and speak. For example, she talks to children at their eye level so they can see the movement of her lips as she talks. This gives babies opportunities to observe the movements required to make the sounds of different words. n The childminder provides plenty of space and equipment for babies to use to walk along, greatly building on their physical development and confidence to take steps independently. n The childminder understands how to ensure that children are provided with opportunities that they may not experience at home. Parents praise the selection of activities and how the childminder keeps them well informed of their children's development. n The childminder establishes close partnership working with parents. She engages in daily discussions creating a good two-way-flow of communication.

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need to do better?

The childminder uses information from parents to help her better understand children's needs and changing interests. n The childminder has a wealth of experience and has a firm understanding of how children learn. She is aware of the skills children need to learn next and her role in supporting their progress. However, some of the childminder's planned activities are less focused on children's next steps to support children's rapid progress. n Children have excellent opportunities to build on their social skills in various

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need to do better?

13 February 2020 situations. They enjoy weekly sessions at a local toddler group and regularly mix with other children of local childminders. Children learn important skills such as sharing, taking turns and being aware of the feelings of others. n Children enjoy daily outdoor play and exercise. They have plenty of space in the childminder's garden to pedal bicycles, climb and run around. Regular visits to local parks and local walks encourage children to walk and explore new environments. n The childminder promotes children's awareness of themselves and what makes them unique. They enjoy play with mirrors that are readily available throughout the play space. The childminder makes resources from children's family photographs that they use during play, further promoting children's awareness of themselves and the families of others. n The childminder is aware of the importance of continually updating her early

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need to do better?

years knowledge. She attends training on a variety of subjects and then reflects on her own practice to decide how she can implement her new skills. For example, recent training on the benefits of repetitive play opportunities to build on children's knowledge has helped the childminder to think about her own teaching and planning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a firm knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. She uses risk assessments to help her identify potential risks around her home and when on outings and takes action where necessary to ensure children's safety. The childminder is alert to signs that might indicate a child is being abused or neglected. She has a detailed policy in place that clearly outlines the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection concern. The childminder maintains her knowledge through regular training and receives updates from her local authority and local safeguarding partnership. The childminder keeps her training notes and other information to refer to. This helps to ensure she remains vigilant.

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should:

n focus planning more precisely on children's known next steps so that all activities successfully build on what they already know and can do.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY268323 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10109694 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 1 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 1 Date of previous inspection 23 April 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003. She lives in Ulverston, Cumbria. The childminder operates her service all year round from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector held discussions about the early years provision and meeting children's needs. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and the impact this has on children's learning indoors and outside. 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 discussed the childminder's knowledge of safeguarding children and procedures for child protection.

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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

13 February 2020 13 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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