Gatherar, Kirsty

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are confident and demonstrate they feel secure in the childminder's care. They cuddle her and ask for help when they need it. Children behave well. They are kind and caring towards each other. For example, they all watch and clap as one child chooses to spontaneously perform a dance.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder provides resources that interest children. They become absorbed in their play, which helps them to build their concentration. The childminder supports children's learning as they play. For example, when a tall tower collapses, children create another. They decide they want to measure it and the childminder helps them to use a tape measure. She encourages children to look carefully at the numerals, helping them to learn mathematical skills in a practical way.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder is sensitive to the possible impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic on children and families. For example, she has focused on children's independence and personal care skills during the lockdown months. Children enjoy moving their bodies in a range of ways to practise their coordination skills. Young children spin hoops around their bodies and babies push buggies. Children smile as they sing and dance to music.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She captures information about what they already know and can do and uses this to provide interesting opportunities for children. While the childminder supports and builds on children's spontaneous play, she does not always use these opportunities to extend and challenge children's learning to the highest level. n The childminder ensures her premises are safe and hygienic to use. She encourages children to wash their hands thoroughly at regular times throughout the day. They have discussions about healthy food when eating. This helps children gain awareness of what contributes to healthy lifestyles. n Parents are happy with the service the childminder provides for them and their children. They receive regular updates about their child's day and development. The childminder communicates frequently with parents so that she can consider how to support their children further.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children learn about nature and the world around them. The childminder takes them to visit the local nature reserve in all weathers. They have also enjoyed following the incubation and hatching of chicken eggs. This broadens children's range of experiences. n The childminder's good knowledge of child development means she considers when children's learning may not be meeting age-related expectations. She works with parents and other professionals to help monitor children's learning.

p.2

need to do better?

4 August 2021 However, when children attend other settings, such as nursery, the childminder does not always communicate information about children's development. This means children do not always receive a consistent approach to learning. n Completing online courses helps the childminder to improve her knowledge and practice. She is keen to find new ideas that support the children and help them learn. The childminder evaluates her practice by listening to the children and seeking feedback from the parents. When more sensory play was suggested, the childminder found recipes for edible sand and slimy paint. n The childminder places high priority on developing children's communication skills. She listens to children's questions and stories. She encourages children to do the same for each other. She responds warmly to young babies' vocalisations. As a result, children are gaining the skills to be ready for learning

p.2

need to do better?

and to socialise with other people. n Children are immersed in opportunities to learn early reading skills. There is a range of books which they choose to look at. The childminder displays words and children's names in her home for children to see. n Children use their imaginations and grow in self confidence. For example, younger children pretend to cook in the play kitchen. Older children eagerly tell the inspector their favourite things to do when at the childminder's is arts and craft and they are keen to take their creations home.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has good safeguarding knowledge. She keeps her training up to date. She knows the signs and symptoms which indicate that a child might be at risk of abuse and the relevant agencies to refer any concerns to. The childminder has detailed knowledge of wider safeguarding issues, such as if a child is at risk of radicalisation. The childminder understands her responsibilities to educate children and their families about how to use the internet safely.

p.3

should:

n improve understanding of how to build on what children already know and can do to help them make the best possible progress in their learning n share information with other settings children attend so that children receive a consistent approach to learning.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY556422 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10190272 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Little Paxton. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector toured the childminder's setting and the areas used by the children. The inspector and the childminder discussed how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. The inspector observed activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. n The inspector observed a planned activity and then evaluated this together with the childminder. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures and evidence of the suitability of household members. n The inspector took account of parents' written views. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and the children at

p.4

Inspection activities

appropriate times during the inspection.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 August 2021 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

4 August 2021 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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