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 Met

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The provision is good

Children are cared for in a very warm and welcoming environment. They settle quickly and develop secure attachments with the childminder, who is kind, nurturing and patient in her approach. This helps young children to feel safe and secure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been supported to develop their confidence around others and become self-assured in social situations. With the childminder's gentle reassurance, children interact with the inspector, sharing toys and smiling broadly. Children demonstrate resilience and a strong sense of emotional well-being. They are happy, engaged and show positive attitudes to learning. Children behave well and show a good awareness of routine and what is expected of them. For example, they help to tidy away toys before mealtimes. They respond promptly to the childminder's instructions and gentle reminders. As a result, children are learning to share and take turns.

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The provision is good

Young children make independent choices in their play and select what they want to do from a good range of equipment and resources. Children enjoy developing their early mathematical skills as they build a tower of blocks. They use shape sorters and concentrate intently as they explore the different shapes. They persevere and are determined to succeed. The childminder praises children for their efforts, which helps to raise their self-esteem and motivates them to learn and try new things.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a detailed understanding of what children need to learn. She draws on her many years of experience to assess and plan for children's continued progress. The childminder shares a wealth of information about what children have enjoyed participating in during the day. However, the childminder does not always update parents on their children's next steps in learning. n Children thoroughly enjoy listening to stories and rhymes. The childminder understands the importance of supporting children's communication and early literacy skills and uses props to enhance children's experiences further. For example, as children sing a rhyme about frogs, they count out frog puppets that the childminder has crocheted. When listening to a story about a zoo, children find the corresponding toy animal and talk about its characteristics. This helps to strengthen children's concentration and supports their emerging language skills

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need to do better?

well. Furthermore, children thoroughly enjoy attending weekly story sessions at the local library. n Children have many opportunities to be creative. The childminder has proudly displayed several examples of children's artwork around her home. This helps children to develop a strong sense of belonging. Children experiment with different materials. For example, they make model daffodils, using egg boxes,

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need to do better?

8 March 2022 paint and glue. The childminder talks to children about what they are doing and is very careful to ensure that children enjoy the process of being creative. This encourages children to develop their imaginative skills and test out their own ideas. Children are able to explore independently and develop their fine motor skills and confidence when using different tools, such as paintbrushes. n There are good arrangements in place to maintain children's good health and well-being. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children have a healthy diet and regular exercise. Children have daily opportunities to play outdoors, regardless of the weather. The childminder implements good hygiene procedures with regards to cleanliness and infection control. She encourages young children to wash their hands before eating. n When children first start at her setting, the childminder offers flexible sessions to

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need to do better?

help them to settle in. She gathers important information from parents about children's likes, dislikes and routines. Furthermore, she gathers precise information about what children already know and can do. This helps her to plan effectively for children's progress from the outset. n The childminder is a dedicated and passionate practitioner. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and children are clearly at the heart of everything that she does. The childminder engages in regular reflection of her practice and completes all mandatory training. Furthermore, she seeks the views and opinions of parents and older children to help inform any necessary improvements.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and well-being. She has an accurate understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse, including the wider issues of safeguarding, such as child exploitation. The childminder has completed mandatory training to ensure that her knowledge and skills remain up to date. The childminder confidently explains the action she would take if she had concerns about a child's welfare or if an allegation is made against her. The childminder carries out continuous checks of her home to ensure that children are able to play in a safe and secure environment.

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should:

n share more information with parents regarding their children's next steps in learning, in order to support their development further at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 308331 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10144545 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 3 Date of previous inspection 15 December 2015

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Coppull, Chorley. She operates all year round from 8.15am to 5.15pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n Discussions were held with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector had a learning walk with the childminder to discuss the curriculum intent and how the provision is organised. n The childminder and the inspector carried out 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 children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

8 March 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

8 March 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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