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 arrive happy and are eager to start their day at the setting. They have lovely attachments with the childminder and their peers. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming setting for children to play, learn and be safe. Children's independence is supported extremely well. They have access to a wide range of resources to independently choose from. The childminder provides options throughout the day to allow children to have choices. For example, at mealtimes, children choose their own plates and select which food they would like to eat. Children confidently feed themselves.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children. She supports children's curiosity by providing an inviting and exciting environment for them to explore. For example, they have ample opportunity to develop their mathematical skills with various-sized objects, shapes and counting activities. Children are developing their physical skills by using tweezers and scoops to pick up pom-poms, which they match to pictures of coloured monsters. Children have access to outdoor spaces. They enjoy walks in the local area, visiting parks, toddler groups and more recently, feeding reindeer. These experiences help children to make good progress in their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder has effective strategies in place to promote good behaviour. Children understand the expectations of them. They respond positively when the childminder gives them gentle reminders to share and take turns. Children have a strong sense of self-care. For example, they wash their hands, wipe their noses and communicate their personal needs. This helps to develop their independence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's curriculum focuses on children's interests. She also introduces topics to enhance children's learning. For example, some children are starting to count beyond 10. They do this throughout their play. The childminder enhances the sensory tray with festive items to encourage children to develop their counting skills. Children do this successfully while also learning about Santa's reindeer. n The childminder understands the importance of professional development. She accesses webinars and embraces support from the local authority. Furthermore, the childminder reflects on her practice and uses her knowledge and skills to adapt her teaching. However, she does not yet focus professional development precisely enough to provide teaching and learning at the highest level. n The childminder encourages children to communicate effectively. For example, she engages in conversations with the children and models language to them.

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need to do better?

The childminder reads to children, and books are available for them to enjoy

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need to do better?

1 December 2022 independently. Children confidently name objects throughout their play, and they are able to communicate their personal needs to the childminder. Consequently, children are developing a love of books, and their speech and language skills are positively encouraged. n The childminder encourages children to talk about their feelings. She does this by reading one of their favourite stories. The children are asked to choose different monsters and describe how the monsters feel. The children say the monsters look sad. This prompts lots of lively discussions. For example, the childminder asks children how they are feeling and what makes them happy. Consequently, children develop confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings. n Parents say that their children are settled and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. The childminder keeps parents up to date with information about their children's development and next stages in learning. The childminder

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need to do better?

also gauges parents' input in order to make changes and celebrate what she is doing well. n The childminder teaches children about keeping themselves safe. For example, children learn about road safety during outings. They carefully use knives when cutting fruit and understand the importance of using this equipment. The childminder promotes healthy eating by offering a variety of food. This helps children learn about the importance of being healthy. n The childminder is aware of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She knows who to contact should she need to seek additional support for children who may require it. Consequently, children make good progress in their learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder attends regular training to keep her knowledge up to date. As a result, she is aware of her responsibility for safeguarding children and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. The childminder gathers information about children's allergies and dietary requirements as part of their settling-in process. Consequently, children's dietary needs are met. The childminder ensures her home is safe and secure for children. She holds a paediatric first-aid qualification. This enables her to provide the care children require in the event of an accident occurring.

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should:

n strengthen the professional development programme more precisely to provide teaching and learning at the highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY455491 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10236009 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 5 Date of previous inspection 25 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Penwortham. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, 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 childminder 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 their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk for the childminder to show how she organises the areas used by children and to discuss her aims for the early years curriculum. n Discussions were held with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity. n Parents shared their views during the inspection, and the inspector took account of written feedback.

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Inspection activities

1 December 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

1 December 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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