Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 play happily and feel content in the care of the childminder. They benefit from the homely environment where they can independently choose toys and activities of interest. Young children particularly enjoy taking bricks from a container and then carefully replacing each one. They show good hand-to-eye coordination as they play and are beginning to learn how to manipulate and use different resources. Older children show they can work things out for themselves. They fit railway tracks together and diligently build towers with bricks. They are beginning to use chalks and pens to make meaningful marks and take a pride in their achievements. Children are developing confidence in their speaking skills as they chat to the childminder and their friends. The childminder is attentive to children's efforts to talk. She models words correctly, such as 'banana', and this supports their development further.

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The provision is good

Children take great pleasure in helping to prepare snacks, and beam with delight as they successfully cut their fruit. Equally, they are very proud when drinking from a mug. The childminder offers plenty of praise for children's achievements and this helps to boost their self-confidence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows what children need to learn and how she will teach them the skills and knowledge they need in their early years. She ensures her curriculum is a playful one and children benefit from the range of experiences and activities she provides. The childminder places a high importance on children's independence and knows it gives them a sense of achievement when they have accomplished tasks. For example, children learn to put on their coats and shoes independently. n Children are confident in new situations and socialise with a wide range of friends. The childminder makes good use of toddler groups and other experiences in the local area. The childminder takes every opportunity to promote children's learning as they go out and about. For example, children learn about fruits and vegetables as they visit the shops and count the different things they buy. n Children's behaviour is generally good as they play together. Older children

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need to do better?

know the boundaries and daily routines well and set a positive example for their younger friends. The childminder knows children well. When children become tired and fractious, she recognises that favourite activities, such as colouring, can soothe away children's frustrations. n The childminder understands the importance of continually refreshing her professional development. She has embraced learning opportunities available on the internet and is undertaking further study to improve her knowledge and

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need to do better?

6 October 2022 skills. The childminder knows about other professionals working in her local area and has some contact with other provisions that children also attend. However, information sharing between settings is not yet robust enough to ensure children benefit from consistent support. n The childminder supports children's good health and care well. She teaches children about good hygiene and ensures their snacks are healthy and nutritious. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety as they sleep and closely follows guidance from parents. n Parents are pleased to share positive comments about the childminder. They realise how children feel 'safe and valued' in the childminder's care and how she strives to keep their family routines in place. Parents appreciate the support children receive during changes in their lives, such as during potty training or even when trying new foods. Parents welcome the frequent communications

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need to do better?

they have with the childminder about their children's daily activities and development. n Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise with the childminder. They enjoy walks to the school and spend time visiting the local parks. The childminder supports children's physical skills well. They experience different surfaces and gradients which help them to gain confidence in walking and moving around.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is confident and knowledgeable about safeguarding matters and acknowledges her responsibility to be vigilant to children at risk of harm. She understands the wider issues that may put families under pressure and could affect the safety and care of the children. The childminder knows which agency to contact should she have concerns, and she keeps her child protection training up to date. The childminder supervises children carefully and plans her routes when walking in the local area to ensure children are as safe as possible.

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should:

n build stronger links with other settings that children attend, to promote a more shared approach to supporting children's progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY449295 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10235852 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 16 December 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in March, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round, from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about what she wants children to learn and the skills she helps them to develop. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n A number of parents sent emails to the inspector, who took account of 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

6 October 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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