Childminder in Lancashire

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 in the childminder's care and they enjoy spending time together. They are safe, secure and extremely comfortable at the provision. Children lead their own play and become absorbed in imaginative activities. They confidently express their ideas, using the phrase, 'I know what to do,' as they add further depth to their play.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides many resources that children access freely. They know what toys they want to use and where to find them. This helps children to gain good independence. The childminder uses play as her main focus of teaching. She offers children suitable challenge, for instance by asking questions to extend their thinking skills. The childminder is aware of some children being less confident than others. However, there are times when the more confident children answer for the others.

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The provision is good

The childminder helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, she talks to them about why they need to clear away toys they have finished playing with. When she takes children on walks in the local community, the childminder has secure procedures in place that children follow. For example, they know where the best places are to cross roads safely. The childminder asks them to tell her when it is safe to cross by using their looking and listening skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans her activities based on children's interests. For example, she provides opportunities for children to practise fine and gross motor skills to develop their muscles ready for writing. Children show their developing skills and concentration as they use nets, spoons and tweezers to collect sea animals from the water. n Children's independence is promoted extremely well with first-hand opportunities to learn to do things for themselves. For example, children show excellent skills in managing personal hygiene and self-care skills. They put on their own coats to play outside. They know that when they come back indoors they must put them away on their coat hook. n Children understand how to use books for pleasure and how to gain information from them. They pretend to be a fish and swim under the sea, hiding behind furniture they say are rocks. They carefully look at the pictures to gain

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need to do better?

knowledge to support their interests, for example how many legs the starfish has. n Children take part in diverse outings. They enjoy plenty of exercise, fresh air and exciting opportunities to explore nature, wildlife and the weather. Children visit and learn about their community. They are very knowledgeable about the world

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need to do better?

22 September 2021 they live in. A recent trip to the beach has sparked an interest to learn about animals that live in the sea. n The childminder supports older children to learn and use more advanced words, and to speak in full sentences. Children incorporate the new vocabulary they learn into their play. For instance, they watch the telegraph poles being replaced outside the childminder's house and discuss the machines the workmen are using, such as the crane. n Children's behaviour is good. They listen to the childminder and respond positively. The childminder models kindness and encourages good manners. Children copy these positive attributes in their interactions with each other. They are kind and caring and respect each other. n Parents are complimentary about the childminder. For example, they state she gives them regular updates and helps them to support their children's learning at home. n Throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the childminder

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need to do better?

communicated very well with parents. She conducted regular telephone calls and exchanged text messages to maintain relationships with them and to check on the welfare of the children and their families. n The childminder reflects on her practice and has looked at ways she can improve. She talks about how she plans to complete the training she has started on behaviour management, to improve her knowledge and teaching skills, in particular how she can deal with children that demand more of her time than others. n The childminder uses good teaching skills to build on children's thoughts and ideas and to extend their learning. However, at times, she allows the more confident children to dominate her time and input, meaning that other children do not equally benefit from the effective interactions and activities. n The childminder has not built strong links with other settings that children attend, to share information and enhance the support for children's needs and

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has strong safeguarding policies and procedures in place. She knows the types and signs of abuse. The childminder is confident about how to manage possible allegations against her and others in the household. She knows of her duty to work with safeguarding services and Ofsted to protect children. She undertakes regular training to help her to keep her knowledge relevant and up to date. The childminder ensures that children are safe in her home and on outings. She follows robust risk assessments.

p.3

should:

22 September 2021 n adapt teaching strategies more effectively to allow the less confident children to be as involved in activities and interactions as the more confident children n develop links with other settings that children attend, to share information and enhance the support given to children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY561013 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10190688 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 7 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Lostock Hall. She operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3.

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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 took that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector participated in a joint observation. The inspector considered the quality of teaching during outdoor activities and the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector talked to the childminder, parents and the children at suitable times throughout the inspection. n During a learning walk the inspector discussed with the childminder how she determines what children know and how she decides what they need to learn next. n Evidence of suitability and qualifications was seen and the inspector assessed the childminder's understanding of how to keep children safe.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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