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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's welcoming home. New children settle quickly into well-established routines. All children have formed positive and secure relationships with the childminder. They enjoy exploring the highly engaging outdoor play area that has been designed and created by him. Children develop their physical skills as they eagerly play on a wide range of equipment, such as the climbing frame, large tunnel and giant rubber tyre. Children also love the log cabin that has been designed as a play area in the childminder's garden. This helps children to develop their physical skills.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder gathers lots of information about children's interests. He uses this knowledge well to plan varied and enjoyable learning activities. Children convincingly pretend to be a shopkeeper, as they expertly scan the bread and milk as requested by the childminder and place them into a recycled shopping bag. Children respond eagerly to the childminder's request to tidy away the toys. He praises them for their good listening and tidying up skills. This helps children to feel confident as their self-esteem grows. Parents speak highly of the childminder, complimenting him on how well their children have adapted to the new routines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents recognise that they no longer enter the childminder's home. They are able to communicate with the childminder on the doorstep or via electronic messages.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder sequences his teaching well. This helps more confident children to extend their mathematical skills. He introduces adding and subtracting. For example, when he offers five pounds for his shopping that cost six pounds, children quickly realise that he needs to pay another pound. Children are successfully developing good skills in mathematics and communication. n The childminder works alongside his wife, who is his co-childminder. Together, they take advantage of his great appetite in creating lots of exciting outdoor learning opportunities. Children learn to be creative and imaginative as they absorb his teaching about the seasons. For example, during an autumn craft activity, he skilfully questions children about the colours of autumn. Children eagerly blend paints and reflect on the colours they see in the garden. They talk about how the trees have no leaves, as they all fall to the ground in the autumn.

p.2

need to do better?

During walks to the local park, children collect conkers and pine cones as they learn about nature and the world around them. n Children are kind and considerate towards each other. They happily share the craft materials. Older children help the younger children to find and put on their shoes when they go outdoors. They learn about healthy lifestyles and explain how they have to take care of their teeth by brushing them twice a day and not

p.2

need to do better?

26 October 2021 eating sugary foods. n The childminder helps children to gain independence and encourages them to put on their own coats and wash their hands independently. This helps to promote their confidence and readiness for school. However, some children are not able to access drinking water independently as it is not within easy reach. This sometimes results in less confident children not always freely getting a drink when they need one. n All children are making good progress. Their development is greatly supported by the childminder, who accurately assesses their progress and development. Older children practise mark making and writing the letters of their name. Younger children practise picking up small items with pincers. This helps to develop their small-muscle skills. Children have lots of outdoor opportunities. They learn to climb, jump and bounce on the equipment. Younger children negotiate space as they wheel the push-along toys around. This also helps to

p.2

need to do better?

develop their large-muscle skills. n The childminder has been proactive in evaluating his setting. He has identified and accessed training to strengthen his understanding in how to promote cultural awareness effectively. He has used this training well and provides a curriculum that has high expectations for children's future learning and development. Using a range of books and toys, he teaches children that everyone is unique. This helps children to understand about different cultures and beliefs. n Parents fondly call the childminder's setting 'Splats'. They appreciate the way that the childminder has fostered a love of the outdoors in their children. They also welcome how their children learn about healthy lifestyles and try new foods. They comment that the childminder has been mindful to ensure their children's learning and development continued during the pandemic. They also appreciate the activities provided by the childminder to enable their children to continue

p.3

need to do better?

learning when they have not been able to attend.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has addressed all the weaknesses identified at the last inspection. For example, he now has robust risk assessments in place to ensure children are not exposed to hazards. Children are supervised well in all areas of the childminder's home, including the outdoor play area. The childminder completes safeguarding training and makes sure that his knowledge is kept up to date. He knows the actions to take should he become concerned about children's welfare or how to report any allegations about his co-childminder. The childminder regularly practises fire drills with children, so they know what to do in a fire emergency.

p.3

should:

26 October 2021 n consider how to enable all children to freely access water independently throughout the day.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2502288 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10112447 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 24 May 2019

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Grimsargh, Preston. He operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, except for family holidays. The childminder works with a co-childminder.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children, and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n A tour of the childminder's home was completed. The intended learning opportunities available for children were also discussed. n The inspector and the childminder evaluated a planned activity and discussed the impact on children's learning. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector, including evidence of the childminder's training and suitability. n Parent's written statements were taken into consideration by the inspector. n The inspector held discussions at convenient times with the childminder and the children throughout the inspection.

p.5

Inspection activities

26 October 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.5

Inspection activities

26 October 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7