Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children absolutely thrive in this setting. Their complex medical, physical and emotional needs are exceptionally well supported. Children have built strong attachments with the childminder and her co-childminder. Children place all their trust in the childminder and take much reassurance from her warm and nurturing care. For example, when visitors arrive, they seek physical and emotional support from the childminder and use this as a secure base to develop their confidence to engage and interact.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children are eager to learn in this calm and enabling environment. They make significant progress in their development and often exceed the expectations of medical professionals. This because the childminder goes to great lengths to work with a wide range of other professionals and ensure that she has an in-depth understanding of each child's specific needs.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children significantly benefit from the many adaptations the childminder has made to her home to meet their needs. For example, she has installed ceiling tracking and hoists to be able to lift children both safely and comfortably. A specially designed and adapted room enables all children's personal care routines to be carried out in a way that promotes their independence and dignity at all times.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder works in partnership with her co-childminder to provide a unique and impressive service. They invest so much of themselves to ensure that each child becomes the best version of themselves and fulfils and exceeds their potential. n The childminder has an impressive knowledge of each child she cares for and their families. She understands how each child learns, and she works exceptionally well alongside a wide range of other professionals to help children follow their unique learning pathway. n Children's progress is stringently reviewed by the childminder and other professionals. Children's individual next steps are identified and clearly documented for professionals, the childminder and parents to refer to. This promotes much consistency in children's learning. n The childminder adapts to challenges readily and has high expectations of the service her and her co-childminder provide for children and their families. For

p.2

need to do better?

example, the childminder has recently greatly developed the outdoor learning environment. This development was extremely well targeted and has significantly benefited the children. For example, they can now access all areas and enjoy the inviting resources set up outdoors. n The childminder is highly skilled in her interactions with children. She is very

p.2

need to do better?

14 January 2022 skilled in the use of sign language and uses this to significantly develop children's communication and language skills. The childminder has a thorough understanding of how each child learns, and she promotes this at every opportunity. She is clear about what she wants children to learn during adult-led activities. For example, she provides a bag for both her and a child with a variety of resources inside to care for their toy monkey. She encourages the child to find the appropriate resource and follow simple instructions, such as brushing the monkey's hair and cleaning its face. The childminder is able to describe the new knowledge and skills the child now demonstrates compared to the last time the child participated in a similar activity. n Feedback from parents is fantastic. Parents comment that the childminder and her co-childminder are like an extended family to them. They say they are

p.2

need to do better?

'wonderful, patient, helpful and supportive' as well as 'irreplaceable'. Parents comment that the childminder and her co-childminder offer their child 'brilliant opportunities' to learn life skills and always go 'beyond the expected'. n The childminder's home has been specifically converted to meet the needs of children with complex medical and physical needs. It provides a very safe, homely and familiar environment and is one that promotes children's independence and dignity at every opportunity. n The childminder and her co-childminder also provide overnight care for children. These facilities have been completely risk assessed and considered in terms of ensuring children's safety and meeting their needs during the night. n The childminder goes above and beyond to ensure that she is fully informed of children's specific medical and health needs and, in this way, also provides valuable support and guidance to parents. Since registration, the childminder

p.3

need to do better?

and her co-childminder have very quickly developed a first-rate reputation among families and professionals also working with the children they care for. n The childminder is wholly dedicated towards her own continued professional development. She attends a wealth of specialist training to ensure that she is highly competent in her ability to meet every child's medical, educational and dietary needs. All required documentation is in place to ensure children's safety and welfare.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding and how the increased vulnerability of the children she cares for means that she needs to be extra vigilant about potential signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder has robust policies and procedures in place to underpin children's safety and welfare. The childminder is fully aware of the need to monitor any existing injuries for frequency and/or type and how this information may also be used to inform risk assessments, for example, of pieces of equipment.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY557708 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10175125 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 15 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Eaton Ford, St Neots. She operates during the day and overnight all year round, Monday to Sunday, except for family holidays. The childminder predominantly cares for children with complex needs. She works alongside another childminder. The childminder holds a childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-year-old children.

p.4

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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector had a discussion about how the curriculum and the premises are organised to meet children's needs. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector spoke to children present during the inspection. n The inspector and the childminder jointly evaluated an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living and working in the household. n A large number of parents provided written feedback, and the inspector took

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6