Childminder in Cumbria

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 have warm and trusting relationships with the childminder. They are extremely happy and enjoy their time spent with her. The childminder is passionate about the care and learning she provides, and parents value the home-from-home experience. The childminder knows the children well and she has a very caring and positive relationship with them. For example, during quiet times, children spontaneously move cushions beside the childminder. They sit close to her and tenderly snuggle up to her while reading a favourite story together. Children behave well and thrive in the nurturing environment that helps them to feel safe and secure.

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The provision is good

Children make choices and decisions about what they do. The childminder follows their lead while weaving in a curriculum that is ambitious and sequenced to meet the individual needs of children. As a result, she succeeds on focusing on their next steps. Children confidently explore their environment, and they play happily together. Children access a range of toys which meets their interests. They experience numerous outdoor activities, both in the garden and within the local rural area. They regularly visit a local farm and go on walks in the countryside where they enjoy the wonders of the natural world around them.

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The provision is good

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, when children did not attend, the childminder maintained close links to help support the families via online platforms. She shared craft and baking ideas and provided parents with ideas of how to continue to support their children's learning at home. Parents speak highly of the support the childminder gave them throughout this time.

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need to do better?

n Children are very settled and make themselves at home. The childminder plans effective transitions to support children's return into her care. This has helped to alleviate children's and parents' worries and anxieties. Parents praise the support the childminder has continued to provide them. They acknowledge the key part she has played in supporting children's speech and language since returning. n The childminder is a positive role model for children. She instils positive values and behaviours. Therefore, children show kindness and consideration for others. The childminder continually fosters children's confidence and self-esteem through her kind and gentle manner and positive interaction as they play. For example, when minor disputes occur, she swiftly intervenes to support children to share and take turns. n Children enthusiastically join in with activities and confidently add their own thoughts and ideas. The childminder skilfully weaves in early mathematics and

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need to do better?

introduces new vocabulary while allowing children to take the lead. For instance,

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need to do better?

24 September 2021 children follow instructions well to find, name and count coloured pom-poms. They use their imagination and tell the childminder that they have coloured ice creams and role play being an ice-cream seller. n The childminder confidently talks about children's individual capabilities and their enjoyment of different activities. Children revisit experiences to practise skills and consolidate what they are learning. The childminder engages children in meaningful conversations and models good conversational skills. She speaks clearly and uses the repetition of language to help children to embed new words. For example, while children play with tractors, she introduces words such as 'scoop' and 'bucket'. n Children follow good hygiene routines. They are beginning to recognise when they need to go to the toilet and learn to wash their hands afterwards. However, opportunities to teach children to become even more independent in managing

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need to do better?

other personal needs, such as drying their hands, putting on aprons or wiping their hands after mealtimes, are not used with the greatest effect. n Although the childminder is reflective about her practice and is keen to further develop her skills and knowledge, her paediatric first-aid certificate has recently expired. This is a breach of the safeguarding and welfare requirements. However, the childminder has a suitable knowledge of procedures to follow in an emergency and she is booked to attend a course within the next month. Therefore, the impact to children is low and this does not compromise their safety.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection and knows how to keep children safe. She has a clear understanding of who to contact if she has concerns about their welfare. The childminder completes regular safeguarding training and stays up to date with legislation through the local authority briefings. She has robust risk assessments in place and completes daily checks of the environment to ensure that it is suitable for children to use. The childminder teaches children about the importance of keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn about road and train safety, not to touch dogs or talk to strangers.

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Due date

ensure that a current paediatric first-aid certificate is maintained at all times. 16/10/2021

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should:

n ensure that opportunities are used effectively to help to teach children to become even more independent in their self-care and personal needs.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2508709 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10191639 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 11 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Low Row, Brampton, Cumbria. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 childminder and the inspector had a learning walk of the areas used by the children and discussed the setting's aims. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children and reviewed the impact on the children's learning. n The childminder discussed children's progress and next steps with the inspector. n The inspector viewed required documentation and read feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

24 September 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.

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Inspection activities

24 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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