Childminder in Lincolnshire

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children thrive in the care of the attentive and nurturing childminder. Young children are incredibly happy, confident and independent. They receive exceptional levels of emotional care during their time with the childminder. Children receive genuine and warm spontaneous hugs from the childminder. They develop a strong sense of self as the childminder celebrates what makes them unique. For example, when older children speak English as an additional language, the childminder arranges for stories to be read in the language that children speak at home. Children who speak English as their first language also listen to these stories. This helps them to learn that they are part of a wider world.

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The provision is good

From a young age, children show high levels of independence. After washing their hands, they put their flannel into the washing machine, and they put their rubbish into the bin after eating their snack. Children flourish due to the childminder's high expectations of what they are capable of. They show a super sense of responsibility. Children conscientiously help to tidy away toys before snack time. They are highly motivated to learn in the well-designed and well-organised play space. Children are fully engaged and focus intently on their self-chosen play. For example, toddlers thoroughly enjoy showing their excellent balancing skills on a balance bicycle. Equally, babies become enthralled with the sensory experience of exploring different cereals alongside small, wheeled toys.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an in-depth knowledge of early years education. She places a strong focus on her professional development. For example, since her registration, the childminder has completed an early years degree to extend her knowledge of how to help children to make progress in their learning. During her degree, the childminder explored whether babies born during the summer are at a disadvantage through starting school so young. As a result, she understands that there is a need to focus on developing younger children's emotional security for times when they move on to new settings. n Children thoroughly enjoy being creative and singing. They keenly participate in action songs. Babies anticipate the movements and clap or make 'stars' with their hands. Toddlers choose the song they want to sing, and the childminder introduces instruments, such as drums, so that children can interact with the songs.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has an ambitious curriculum which supports children to be ready for starting school. Children of all ages make very good progress in their learning and development. The childminder skilfully adapts learning opportunities to the age and needs of each child. For example, when developing a love of books, babies explore different resources associated with the story.

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need to do better?

30 June 2022 The childminder encourages toddlers to explore and match colours. n The childminder has excellent, calm strategies to help children to play harmoniously together. When toddlers want something the babies have, she suggests, 'Shall we see if we can swap our toys?' This helps children to learn how to manage situations patiently. Consequently, toddlers are highly tolerant of babies. n The childminder forms superb partnerships with parents. She shares information with them about children's achievements, what children need to learn next and how parents can contribute to this at home. This helps to promote a united approach to supporting children's good progress. Parents have the highest praise for the childminder. They say that she has a natural affinity for working with children and that her focus on learning through play is brilliant. n The childminder demonstrates extremely strong teaching practice. She

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need to do better?

understands that, at times, children need time to play alone and explore activities. She observes and interacts when it is appropriate, so that she does not interrupt children's creativity. This in turn leads to children who have an exceptionally strong exploratory impulse. However, at times, the childminder's questioning of more eloquent children does not provide sufficient opportunities to further challenge and extend their language. For example, when children say, 'I don't know', she immediately gives them a response. n The childminder supports a healthy lifestyle exceptionally well. She provides superb educational opportunities that link to what children need to learn and their interests. When they visit places beyond the home, whether that be walking into the local town or going further afield to farm parks, the childminder has a purpose linked to children's needs and interests in mind. For instance, the

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need to do better?

childminder treats children who show a fascination in things that rotate to a visit to a farm to see and play with a waterwheel.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of local safeguarding partnership procedures. She demonstrates a clear knowledge of the signs and symptoms of potential abuse and the action to take should she have a concern about a child's welfare. The childminder ensures that she keeps abreast of any changes to identifying safeguarding concerns and refreshes her knowledge regularly through training. Children are supported to understand the importance of keeping themselves safe and managing risks. The childminder explains to children that they need to put some toys away so that their friends do not fall over them. The childminder ensures that she has the correct car seats when she takes the children on outings.

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should:

30 June 2022 n develop questioning techniques even further so that the more eloquent children are supported to extend their communication and language.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2557652 Local authority Lincolnshire Inspection number 10238395 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 12 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in January 2020 and lives in Stamford, Lincolnshire. She operates during term time from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Holiday care may be available on request. The childminder has an early years qualification at level 6.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and spoke to the children throughout the inspection. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint evaluation of activities. 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 took account of written references provided from parents. n Relevant documentation was available for inspection, including qualifications, policies and procedures. n The inspector looked around the areas of the setting available to children.

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Inspection activities

30 June 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 June 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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