Childminder in Westmorland and Furness

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

Children show that they are happy and secure in this calm and nurturing setting. They cuddle with the childminder and her assistant childminders and ask them to read books. Children enjoy talking about their own library books. The childminder and her assistant childminders read enthusiastically and children follow along with their fingers or join in with actions. The childminder and her assistant childminders have high expectations for the children's behaviour. They encourage them to help to tidy up. Children follow the routines well. At snack time, they take turns to serve themselves with tongs and scoops. At times, the self-service is temporarily removed to keep children safe when a member of the setting tests positive for COVID-19.

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The provision is good

Children eagerly get ready to go outside. They show that they can put their own coats on and persist with trying to zip them up. Outside, children investigate what they can do. The childminder and her assistant childminders join in with their play and encourage them to think. For example, they ask children what they will need when they pretend to make an omelette. They provide scissors for them to cut the fresh herbs and help them to collect water. As a result, children are highly engaged in learning through play.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear vision for everything she provides at her setting. She plans activities in all areas of the curriculum. The childminder and her assistant childminders keep track of what children already know and can do. They bring in resources that will support the children's next steps in learning. For example, they add a range of shapes inside and out. Children learn to identify them consistently as the childminder and her assistant childminders name them during play. n The childminder ensures that children have a range of experiences. Children learn about the world as they buy vegetables at the greengrocers. They meet new people and find out about types of transport when they travel by train to a nature reserve. The childminder links these experiences with the termly topic. For example, she helps children to identify which vegetables a rabbit might like as they slice carrots for lunch. As a result, children's learning builds into larger

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need to do better?

concepts over time. n Children develop a positive sense of self. The childminder and her assistant childminders celebrate acts of kindness and help children to identify their peers' strengths. They present children with certificates for these 'superpowers'. Children show that they are confident in their own abilities. If they are tired or become upset, they know what helps them to feel better. Older children talk about what helps their peers to feel calm and happy. They learn to take care of

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need to do better?

5 May 2022 each other. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are well informed about their child's learning and development. They appreciate having photos from home on display in the playroom. When they have concerns about their child's development, parents feel supported by the childminder. They say that she offers advice on how to help their child at home. The childminder plans interventions to further help children to progress. Consequently, all children are well prepared for their next stage of learning. n The childminder uses her knowledge, training and experience to mentor her assistant childminders. She embeds the ethos of the setting in meetings with them. The assistant childminders reflect on what is working well and suggest ideas as the childminder leads them in planning the curriculum. The assistant childminders feel well supported and have access to a range of courses. Their knowledge of learning and development in the early years increases as they

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need to do better?

work and train with the childminder. n Regular trips to the park and woods support children's physical development. They strengthen their large muscles as they walk and climb. Children use the large outdoor space at the setting often. They stretch and balance as they paint the playhouse. They use their small-muscle skills to investigate pulleys and pumps. However, children cannot move as freely indoors because of the amount of furniture in a small space.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is confident in her role of safeguarding children. She keeps accurate logs of pre-existing injuries. The childminder ensures that mandatory training is up to date. The childminder and her assistant childminders have completed safeguarding training, and the childminder refreshes this at team meetings. They have a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They know how to document concerns and who to contact if they are concerned about a child's welfare. The childminder ensures that all her assistant childminders are suitable to work with children and know the procedure for reporting any allegations. The childminder and her assistant childminders have paediatric first-aid qualifications. They complete additional courses, such as courses on how to use a defibrillator or how to recognise and begin treatment for anaphylactic shock.

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should:

n consider the organisation of indoor space to consistently support children's physical development in all areas of the provision.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY481348 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10219867 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 10 Date of previous inspection 17 August 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Allithwaite, Cumbria. She operates from Monday to Thursday all year round. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate early years qualification. The childminder employs three assistant childminders, who work on different days.

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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 The inspector had a learning walk of setting and discussed how the childminder organises and implements her curriculum. n A joint observation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the childminder. n Parents sent their views to the inspector via letters. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and interacted with children at appropriate times during the inspection. n A sample of documents was viewed by the inspector, including evidence of training, policies and the record of complaints and incidents. n The quality of teaching during activities was assessed to consider the impact this has on children's learning. n Assistant childminders talked to the inspector about their work during the

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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

5 May 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

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

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