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

Children have developed warm and trusting bonds with the childminder, who is very kind and caring in her approach. Children continuously demonstrate that they feel happy, safe and secure. The childminder praises children for their efforts and celebrates their achievements. Children's artwork is proudly displayed around the childminder's home, which helps to develop children's self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children respond well to the childminder's high expectations. They are learning to share and to take turns with gentle encouragement and clear and consistent reminders. Children are motivated to explore independently and make choices about what they wish to play with. They engage well in their chosen activities and play harmoniously together.

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The provision is good

The childminder is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the opportunities available for children to help develop their social skills. Therefore, she regularly takes children to local parks, toddler groups and events at the local library. This helps to ensure that children have frequent opportunities to mix with others and develop their confidence in larger groups. The childminder uses these experiences to teach children about the wider world around them and the community in which they live.

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need to do better?

n The childminder monitors children's progress diligently to ensure that any emerging gaps in their development are addressed. Her curriculum reflects children's interests and what children need to learn next. This helps to ensure that children develop the skills needed for the next stage in their learning. Older children enjoy counting and use number names as they play. However, the childminder does not always correct any misconceptions in children's learning to deepen their understanding and further support their good progress. n The childminder supports children's communication and language skills effectively. She provides a running commentary for younger children, which helps to give meaning to what children are doing and ensures they hear a rich variety of vocabulary. The childminder asks older children thought-provoking questions. For example, when children have created artwork, she asks them to

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need to do better?

tell her about their picture. Furthermore, when sharing stories, the childminder continually introduces new language. For example, children learn the word 'reflect' as they listen to a story about rainbows. n Children enjoy being creative. They are supported to use a variety of materials, such as clay and paint. Children enjoy the process of choosing the colours they wish to use and developing their ideas. The childminder encourages children to be independent as they select paper and scissors. Children skilfully use tools to cut a piece of clay and are encouraged to problem-solve. For example, when

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need to do better?

30 May 2022 their clay model breaks, the childminder asks them what they could do to fix it. The childminder is nurturing in her approach and is careful not to over-direct. This helps children to test their ideas and theories and develop confidence and independence as they play. n Children have plentiful opportunities to develop their physical skills and their awareness of being healthy. The childminder creates opportunities in her home for children to crawl, balance and climb on special equipment, in addition to visits to local parks and play centres. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. They develop their self-care skills as they chop up bananas and strawberries and feed themselves independently. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents' comments are extremely complimentary. They describe how they are 'fortunate to have the childminder' and how she always 'puts children's welfare first'. Parents say how much their

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need to do better?

children enjoy attending. They comment on the progress their children have made, particularly in the development of their speech. Parents feel very well informed about their children's progress and how they can support learning at home. n The childminder reflects on her practice and continues to build on her knowledge and skills. She attends regular training events and completes her own professional research to help develop her practice further. She liaises with other local childminders and shares ideas and examples of good practice. However, the childminder does not consistently make effective use of self- evaluation to identify how she can continually improve her provision.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in protecting children from harm. She is aware of the potential signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk. The childminder understands the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made against her. She is aware of a wide range of safeguarding issues, such as child exploitation and children being drawn into extremism. The childminder uses risk assessment effectively to help ensure that her home is a safe and secure place for children to learn.

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should:

n strengthen teaching so that any misconceptions in children's understanding are consistently addressed in order to support children's continued good progress n refine the process of self-evaluation to highlight more clearly the strengths and areas for development, to continually drive forward improvement and raise quality to an even higher level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY476691 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10075884 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 1 March 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Helmshore, Rossendale. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate 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 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 children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

30 May 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

30 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

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