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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children flourish in the childminder's care. They are extremely happy and confident. The childminder's calm and patient manner encourages children to settle quickly. Children are well behaved. The childminder praises children in a consistent and meaningful way. This helps to increase their self-esteem and emotional well- being. Children of different ages happily play and learn together. For instance, they share resources as they play in the sand tray. Children learn to do things for themselves, such as taking off their shoes and cardigans. Furthermore, children learn to recognise and respect differences. For example, the childminder takes children to multi-cultural music sessions and talks to children about other cultural or religious festivals. This helps children to learn about diversity.

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The provision is good

Children show that they have high self-esteem as they proudly show visitors pictures they have completed and talk about what they are playing with. They benefit from a curriculum that helps them to build key skills for future learning. The childminder supports children to hear and pronounce words correctly. This successfully builds on their growing understanding of vocabulary and rapidly developing speaking skills. Children show good hand-to-eye coordination as they use tweezers to collect pom-poms and match quantities to numbers during group activities.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has undertaken extensive training and development. She regularly takes part in webinars to improve her knowledge and fill in any gaps, to improve her practice and reflect on her provision. She recently attended training in mathematics, which has supported her to enhance the mathematical opportunities she provides. The childminder skilfully uses all opportunities during outings for children to gather and count an exciting array of natural objects. As a result, children become familiar with early mathematical concepts, which enables them to move securely on to the next stage of learning. n The childminder has developed her curriculum to focus on providing children with the skills they require to start their school life. These include good communication and language, the confidence to ask questions and the ability to listen and concentrate well. For example, children enthusiastically use the 'rhyme

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need to do better?

bag'. They take turns to pick an object. Children join in with the familiar songs. However, at times, the learning needs of younger children are not as fully considered. This means that, on occasion, young children are not as deeply engaged as their older peers. n The childminder promotes children's positive behaviour exceptionally well. She takes highly effective action to help children to manage their feelings. For example, children explore 'The Colour Monster' story and draw pictures to help

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need to do better?

27 July 2022 them to understand what 'happy' and 'sad' look like. The childminder asks children how they are feeling and teaches them the names of different emotions. This supports children's understanding of themselves and promotes their well-being. n The childminder is attentive to young children's needs, conscientiously following their individual care routines. Children enjoy healthy meals and drink water throughout the day. They learn to keep clean, regularly washing their hands. Children enjoy being active in the fresh air. They use the small slide and other equipment in the childminder's garden and regularly go on nature walks with her. n The childminder provides extensive opportunities for children to immerse themselves in the local community. This helps to widen their understanding of the world around them. Children learn about the life cycle of a tree and how to look after plants as they water them and watch them grow.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides a range of activities for children to develop their literacy skills. She has a wide variety of books and uses these effectively to support children's early literacy skills. Children freely choose books to read and show an interest in stories. Regular visits to the library build on children's love of books and future reading skills. n The childminder forms positive partnerships with parents. She gathers information about what children can already do to build on their learning from the start. The childminder gets to know children well. Parents speak highly of the childminder. They comment on the warm and loving environment that she provides for their children. The childminder keeps parents fully up to date with their children's progress, providing regular progress reports.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of her role in keeping children safe. She regularly updates training that provides her with a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder maintains a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she need to respond to concerns about the welfare of a child. She is alert to any signs that a child could be at risk of being exposed to extreme ideas or behaviours. The childminder identifies and minimises potential risks in her home. She helps children to learn how to manage age-appropriate risks outdoors. For instance, children learn to be careful when they climb or use steps.

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should:

n strengthen the already good planning of activities to help younger children remain fully focused and engaged, in order that they make progress at the

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2579723 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10239546 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Cottam, Preston. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant childcare 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 The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk to understand how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n A joint evaluation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the childminder. 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 held discussions with the childminder and spoke to children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documents, including evidence of the childminder's suitability and training. n The inspector spoke to parents and read written feedback and took their views

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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

27 July 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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