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 Good

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a very happy and relaxed environment for children to explore and to investigate. Children respond extremely well to the very kind and caring approach of the childminder. They are highly motivated in their chosen activities and display a positive attitude to learning. For example, children excitedly share their ideas of how to build a house for the zoo animals. The childminder encourages children to identify what animals they would like to use in their play and how they are going to construct a building large enough for them. Children concentrate intensely as they develop good imaginative skills, hand-to-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.

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The provision is good

Children behave well and show kindness and concern for each other as they play collaboratively. The childminder offers effective support to help children to understand what is expected of them. For example, she gently reminds children of the importance of sharing and taking turns. Furthermore, children respond quickly to the instructions given by the childminder. They tidy up resources in readiness for the next activity and demonstrates an understanding of where things belong and how to look after their learning environment.

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The provision is good

The childminder does not currently allow parents to enter the setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that parents are kept well informed about their child's progress and development.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through play and repetition. She ensures there are plenty of opportunities for children to follow their interests and to lead their own learning to support their ongoing progress. For example, children are able to independently select what they wish to play with from a wealth of good-quality resources. The childminder carefully listens to children as they share items that are special to them. For example, children share their football boots and shin pads. The childminder asks them questions which, in turn, help children to become skilful communicators and to develop a strong sense of belonging. n Children develop a good mathematical understanding. For example, the childminder provides several opportunities for children to count and to explore quantities. Furthermore, as children lay a toy snake along the floor, the childminder encourages them to measure the length of the snake and to make

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need to do better?

comparisons. Children begin to problem solve as they calculate how many blocks they will need in order to match the length of the snake. They use language, such as 'longer' and 'shorter' and 'more' and 'less'. n Overall, the childminder supports children's emerging communication and

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need to do better?

14 January 2022 language skills well. As children play, she provides a narration which helps to give meaning to what children are doing. This also helps to ensure that children hear a wide variety of vocabulary. Furthermore, she asks thought-provoking questions and gives children sufficient time to think, to respond and to share their ideas. However, very occasionally, the childminder does not model the correct pronunciation of words. She does not always correct children's misconceptions; for example, when they say they would like a 'nana' at snack time or notice a 'doggy' in a storybook. n The childminder supports children's understanding of how to lead healthy lifestyles. For instance, she provides nutritious snacks and meals and teaches children to wash and to sanitise their hands at appropriate times. Children develop their independence as they peel their own fruit at snack time and help to clear their plates away. Furthermore, children learn about the importance of

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need to do better?

good oral hygiene as they brush their teeth at the childminder's home. Children have daily opportunities to engage in outdoor physical play. They go for frequent walks in the local community and learn about the world around them. n The childminder is a reflective practitioner who has a wealth of experience and knowledge. She reviews her provision regularly to ensure that she meets the needs of all children effectively. The childminder carefully evaluates her practice and takes into account the views of parents and children. She ensures that her mandatory training is up to date. However, her professional development plans are not yet fully embedded to help improve her practice to a higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder fully understands her responsibility to protect children from harm. She has completed child protection training and knows how to report any concerns that she may have about the child's welfare. She also has an accurate understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of different types of abuse. The childminder maintains meticulous records to support her safeguarding practice, including accident, medication and risk assessment information. She continually reviews the environment to ensure children are able to play safely. Furthermore, she teaches children how to recognise and to manage their own risk by gently reminding them to pick up toys so that children do not fall.

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should:

n develop the curriculum for communication and language and ensure that children hear the correct pronunciation of words and any misconceptions in their understanding are addressed n build on professional development plans to raise the quality of practice further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 308007 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10214172 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 2 Date of previous inspection 4 February 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 1981 and lives in Fleetwood. She operates all year round from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant 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 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n Discussions were held with the childminder and the children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A learning walk was completed with the childminder to discuss the curriculum intent and how the provision is organised. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector reviewed a variety of documents, including evidence of the suitability of those living in the household, qualifications, first-aid certificates and policies and procedures. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

14 January 2022 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

14 January 2022 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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