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

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The provision is good

Children play happily and safely in the childminder's home. All children form secure relationships with the childminder, who helps them to understand the rules and boundaries in her setting. This helps children to settle quickly and form positive friendships with others. Children take part in interesting and purposeful play in the new log cabin. They also develop their physical skills as they explore the purpose- built outdoor play area. Children enjoy exploring the local woodlands, where they learn about the seasons, such as autumn. They gain a love of books at an early stage as they select their favourite story. The childminder skilfully helps them to talk about the foods that a very hungry caterpillar has eaten. Children learn about the differences and similarities between themselves and others, through a range of well-planned activities and resources.

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The provision is good

The childminder gains lots of information about children's prior learning from parents. She knows the children well and uses this information to plan activities which support children's learning and development effectively. However, the childminder has not yet established a working relationship with other settings to identify and support children's learning across the two settings. Parents speak highly of the childminder and her co-childminder, who is also her husband. Parents describe how well the childminder has supported them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes made to arrival procedures due to the pandemic include parents dropping children off at the door.

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need to do better?

n The childminder sequences her teaching effectively. She extends more confident children's learning and builds on the interests of younger children. For example, children who know their primary colours are taught how to blend colours together. They gleefully explain that they made the colour orange when they mixed the red and yellow paint together. Younger children practise using small- muscle skills as they immerse themselves in an autumn painting activity. They enjoy making marks with their hands and using a variety of painting implements. This supports prior learning while learning new things. n The childminder accurately evaluates her setting. Since the last inspection, she has been proactive in accessing training. The childminder has completed courses about how children learn and how to promote cultural awareness. She has used this to further develop children's understanding of different faiths, cultures and

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need to do better?

beliefs. Using books and toys, the childminder teaches children about professions such as firefighters, police officers and paramedics being people from any gender and faith. Trips to local woodlands provide children with the opportunity to learn about the world around them. n All children are making good progress. Their development is greatly supported

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need to do better?

26 October 2021 by the childminder, who accurately assesses their progress. The childminder is skilled in extending children's vocabulary and their love of books. She brings the story of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' to life, with props representing the transformation of the caterpillar. The childminder sequences her teaching to support all children. For example, younger children learn about relative size as they point out the small and bigger caterpillar, and older children look for the word 'butterfly' and match it to the picture. n Children are polite and well mannered. They say 'please' and 'thank you', and help each other put on their coats and shoes. The childminder offers lots of praise when the children help to tidy away the toys or are kind to others. This helps them build their self-confidence. n The childminder helps children to learn the importance of keeping clean, healthy and safe. They know to put tissues in the bin to prevent germs spreading.

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need to do better?

Children can explain how brushing their teeth in a circular motion, ensures they are cleaned properly. n The childminder provides opportunities that promote children's growing independence. Younger children find their own coats and place their bibs on independently at mealtimes. Older children are developing independence in managing their self-care needs in preparation for their eventual move to school. However, the childminder does not have a robust system for sharing information with other settings that children also attend, to ensure their learning and progress is being consistently supported. n Partnership with parents is strong. Parents comment that the childminder is professional and well organised. They also appreciate the fact their children are able to experience the purpose-built outdoor space. Parents also welcome the introduction of parent's evenings to enable them to gain more insight regarding

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has taken effective action regarding the weakness identified at the last inspection. Risks are readily recognised and minimised. She understands her role and responsibility to keep children safe. The childminder completes safeguarding training and makes sure that her knowledge is kept up to date. She knows the actions to take should she become concerned about children's welfare and how to report any allegations about her co-childminder. The childminder uses opportunities, such as outings, to teach children about aspects of safety. For example, she teaches children about stranger danger and how to cross the road safely. This helps children gain an awareness of how to stay safe.

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should:

26 October 2021 n develop a consistent approach to the sharing of information on what children are learning and their progress, with other settings that children may also attend.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2498817 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10112451 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 9 Date of previous inspection 24 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

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

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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. The learning outcomes for children were discussed afterwards with the childminder. n A tour of the childminder's home was completed. The childminder explained how she sequences her curriculum and the intended learning opportunities for the children. n The inspector observed an activity between the childminder and the children. The learning outcomes for children were discussed afterwards. 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.

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Inspection activities

n Discussions were held at convenient times, throughout the inspection, with the childminder and the children.

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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

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.

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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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