Childminder in Cumberland

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

The dedicated childminder and her team of assistants cherish every child. They form an admirable bond with all children from the very minute that they start attending. The calm and comforting phased returns have hugely supported children to continue to separate easily from parents, following any closure periods. The childminder is alert to any changes that children experience at home, such as the arrival of a new baby. She offers an abundance of comfort and a very reassuring cuddle, to swiftly nurture children's emotional well-being. Children are extremely happy, settled and safe. They flourish with confidence and enjoy every minute with the childminder. Children behave perfectly. They kindly hand the cups out equally to their friends at snack time and use their excellent manners without prompt.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has extremely high hopes for every child. She strongly encourages children 'to believe in themselves, to pursue their aspirations and to achieve their goals'. Children are highly motivated individuals, who immerse themselves in their play and learning. Younger children actively join in with repeated phrases to stories that they enjoy. They recall more complex language, such as 'pomegranate', when talking about their favourite foods at snack time. Older children demonstrate their increasing awareness of different occupations when playing with a farm and animals. They actively solve problems that they encounter during play, for instance, they quickly fix the fencing, to keep the animals enclosed in the field. Children who receive funded early education make purposeful marks, when creating their very own shopping list. They use language associated with numbers and communicate freely, when recalling their own home life experiences.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works together with her assistants and co-childminder effortlessly. She acts swiftly to provide bespoke support and training to each of her assistants, to advance their expert practice. Through heightened teaching, children have shown a great interest in world events, such as Remembrance Day. They have a newfound knowledge of where the poppy flower grows and a greater understanding of the links that this has with historical events. n The creative childminder continually inspires and challenges children's learning. Younger children develop greater strength in their hands and fingers when moulding, patting and pressing dough. Older children rise to every challenge. They come up with ideas to solve problems, such as when there is not enough dough for everyone. Older children use research as a means of finding out information. They count with numbers in order when measuring ingredients, and

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need to do better?

make predictions about what will happen next. Children remain deeply engrossed in their learning. They continually enjoy and achieve. n Partnerships with parents are superb. The childminder uses innovative methods,

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need to do better?

24 November 2022 including open days, to engage parents in every aspect of their children's learning. She shares excellent ideas with parents to extend children's learning at home. For example, bedtime reading is positively encouraged, to successfully broaden children's vocabulary and further inspire their love for reading. Parents express that 'the childminder goes above and beyond for every child'. n The enthusiastic childminder works hard to ensure that every day routines, such as brushing teeth, are extremely exciting, fun and interactive. She implements innovative experiences that support children to be physically active. Children develop increasing balance, flexibility and core strength when attempting to create various yoga poses. They recognise the effects that physical activity has on their bodies, when explaining that this makes their 'heart beat faster'. n Children's communication and language skills are expertly supported by the

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need to do better?

childminder. Younger children hear and say new words, such as 'squash' and 'squeeze', when moulding malleable materials. They show understanding of more complex words, such as 'massive', and use these in the correct contexts. Older children respond well to the challenging questions from the childminder. They speak fluently and in full sentences. Children are articulate communicators. n The childminder teaches children to adopt highly respectful attitudes. She encourages children to observe the role of a refuse collector and then invites them to take part in more responsible tasks, such as recycling. This supports children to actively contribute towards a more sustainable future. Children are extremely thoughtful individuals. At snacktime, they actively engage in songs, to show appreciation for the food that they are about to receive. n The childminder forms excellent links with local schools. She liaises closely with

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need to do better?

teachers to gather information about the expectations for school, and uses this to inform her superior teaching. Additionally, the childminder embraces some of the same teaching methods as those used in school, such as when supporting children to gain awareness of letters and sounds. This promotes continuity and prepares children exceptionally well for their eventual move on to school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's health, safety and welfare is highly prioritised. The childminder and her team of assistants are highly trained. They have an expert knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection concern. Information gathered from regular safeguarding briefings is used to inform the childminder's superior safeguarding practice. Children's safety is acutely considered by the childminder. For instance, children are directly supervised when researching different dough recipes on the internet. The childminder shares information with parents about important aspects, such as managing screen time, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and having access to fresh air each day. This is helping to further foster children's health, safety and well-being at home. Children demonstrate a splendid awareness of how to stay safe. During walks, they remember to 'stop, look and listen' before crossing the road with the childminder.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY487741 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10236638 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 17 Date of previous inspection 7 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2015 and lives in Carlisle. She operates Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, all year round, with the exception of bank holidays and family holidays, including two weeks over the Christmas period. The childminder works together with up to two assistants, and alongside a co- childminder each day. One of the four assistants holds a relevant level 2 qualification. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection that 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 childminder led the inspector on a learning walk to show how her home is organised and to share information about the intent for the early years curriculum. n A planned activity was jointly evaluated by the inspector and the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder, one of the assistants, the co-childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n A sample of documents were viewed by the inspector. These included, a record of qualifications and training for the childminder and her assistants, insurance documents and some of the policies and procedures. n The inspector took account of the written reviews from parents.

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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

24 November 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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