Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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

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The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the care of the childminder and his wife, who also works alongside him as a childminder. Children show that they are very comfortable as they snuggle up to the childminder to share a much loved story, and approach him for reassurance when they hurt themselves.

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The provision is good

The childminder happily joins in children's play. The children are quick to explain their ideas and to involve him. For example, they tell the childminder and other children that they must pay 'one pound' for the goods they have purchased from their pretend shop.

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The provision is good

Children's communication, language and literacy development is promoted very well. They take time to talk about their ideas, listen to others and are confident to link sounds and letters. Children behave well and are kind and considerate. They frequently use good manners. Children develop good physical skills and strength. They run confidently, negotiate obstacles and show great dexterity in their small muscles when they create working models. All of these skills provide a firm foundation to support children's future learning in school when the time comes.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works closely with his wife to provide all children with a caring and nurturing environment. There is a good range of resources freely accessible to children. These include a good range of outdoor learning opportunities in the garden and local community. n The childminder has a clear understanding of each child's starting points, current stage of development and what he wants them to learn next. He plans activities to reflect children's individual needs and interests. For example, the childminder demonstrates the different things to do in the simple obstacle course he has prepared. Children watch and are eager to have a go. The childminder encourages them to persevere and praises and supports them as they balance an egg on a spoon, throw beanbags into hoops and jump in a sack. n Feedback from parents is very positive. They comment on the regular, honest and open communication between themselves, the childminder and his wife.

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need to do better?

Parents appreciate the trips into the local community that their children get to enjoy, such as the local parks, woodland walks, the farm shop and zoo. n Children show competence in their mathematical development. However, the childminder misses opportunities to build on some of these skills, especially with regard to numbers. This includes extending their counting or supporting them to count in the correct sequence. n Children are inquisitive and show a positive attitude towards learning. They are able to solve problems and give valid explanations. For example, the childminder

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need to do better?

2 September 2021 asks a child how it is that sand goes through the sieve but a shell does not. The child explains that 'it needs bigger holes'. n Children enjoy a balanced range of snacks and meals. Any dietary requirements are catered for to ensure that all children feel included. Children like to play with resources that help them to learn about caring for their teeth. n The childminder has sensitively managed children's anxieties during the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic, for example when they have been wary about going back outside. Parents are currently not permitted inside the childminder's home due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, children leave their parents confidently at the door and run through to where others are eagerly waiting for them. n The provision is managed well. The childminder completes regular training initiatives and makes plans for the future with his wife. For example, they are

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need to do better?

currently creating a wildlife garden for the children. The childminder regularly evaluates the provision with his wife to ensure it continuously meets the needs of children and parents who use the service.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands his responsibility to protect children from harm. He recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows where to report his concerns. He has a good understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as extremism, and how he might recognise that children are being exposed to extreme views. Risk assessments are effective and continuously consider the safety of individual children attending and their different ages.

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should:

n extend the programme for mathematics to maximise every opportunity for children to build on their knowledge of numbers and counting.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2520420 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10205299 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 13 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019. He lives near St.Neots, Cambridgeshire. The childminder operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, all year round except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder also offers overnight care any weekday or at the weekend. The childminder works with his wife, who is also a registered childminder. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n Children spoke to the inspector about the activities they were doing. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n A number of parents shared written feedback with the inspector and the inspector took account of their views.

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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

2 September 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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