Childminder in Lancashire

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

Children flourish in the care of this extremely knowledgeable and caring childminder. They are exceptionally happy and settled in the warm and nurturing environment. They show great excitement and anticipation in the opportunities the childminder provides. Indoors and out they are curious and love to explore.

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The provision is outstanding

There is an embedded, carefully planned curriculum. The childminder observes, assesses and supports each child's progress. Children achieve their next steps by following their own interests. For example, a child's keenness to fill containers is linked to several activities. This allows access to an ever widening range of learning experiences. Children have a sense of belonging and are highly engaged in their chosen activities. They obviously enjoy spending time together. For example, children happily invite each other to share in a wooden shape finding activity. They learn from each other. Patience, turn taking, sharing and respect are all instilled from a very young age.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder knows the children very well, and they are making excellent progress. Children learn to meet their own needs, and next steps are shared with parents. The childminder understands the importance of repeating activities to embed skills. She values a solid foundation upon which to build future learning. Children are also challenged to reach new goals. For example, they match and compare when looking at decorations. This helps broaden their knowledge of colour and shape.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is extremely knowledgeable about each child's interests. She knows how each one learns. She has very high expectations and this helps them make rapid progress. She places a strong emphasis on communication. She is very skilled at listening and interacting with the children as they play. Young children in her care are becoming confident with their language skills. New vocabulary is cleverly woven into play. For example, when the children are playing with wooden blocks one says 'roll'. She extends their language by responding with 'Yes, the cylinder rolls'. n Assessment procedures are highly effective. The childminder is accomplished at connecting children's previous learning and taking it further. Routine parts of the day, such as meal and nap times, become learning experiences. For example, children are supported to count on one more piece of fruit at snack time. When outdoors, the children further their physical abilities. They are encouraged to be

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need to do better?

independent on the ramp when entering and exiting the outdoor space. n The childminder makes full use of training opportunities. This furthers her already outstanding knowledge and skills. She is near completion of her Honours

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need to do better?

7 December 2022 Degree in Early Childhood. She is also a member of the 'Language Lead' group within her local authority, representing childminders. This helps prove an excellent commitment to her own professional development. The impact of her studies is clearly used to benefit the children in her care. For example, she considers theories on attachment. This is reflected in how well children settle and form strong bonds. n The childminder takes the children each week to local playgroups. This helps broaden their experiences and social interaction skills. Children learn about their own community and beyond, seeing awe in the world around them. They have trips to the zoo, beach, parks and woodland areas. This allows them to explore and delight in the natural world. They also visit the library and share in celebratory assemblies at a local school. n Children's behaviour is exceptional. They play in harmony together and it is

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need to do better?

obvious how they learn from each other. They are encouraged to be independent. Children successfully feed themselves, and locate their own bags and outdoor items. They calmly settle themselves at nap time. This shows how comfortable they feel in the homely surroundings. n Parents highly recommend the childminder. They value the excellent communication and support they receive. The childminder uses information technology well. She updates families on their child's day, and keeps them informed of more general issues. For example, she has recently forwarded guidance on oral health and childhood illnesses. Responses to a parent questionnaire support how children are making excellent progress. Parents praise the care the childminder gives and her approach to learning. They value the very informative parents' evening meetings to discuss their child's progress.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of child protection procedures. She is clear about her duty of care and has completed training around many associated safeguarding subjects. She has an awareness of the possible signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. She is vigilant and confident to seek advice if needed. She understands the reporting process. The environment is secure for children. She assesses risk in her home and for outings. She shares safeguarding information with parents. For example, she forwards guidance regarding online safety and screen time. The childminder ensures her first-aid training is up to date.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY490473 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10236676 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 3 Date of previous inspection 18 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. In some circumstances she may offer overnight care. The childminder is able to provide funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children. At present she has no funded children on roll.

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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 childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how safety is ensured. n The childminder discussed with the inspector how she assesses the children and what the intentions for learning are. n The childminder spoke about the routine and what the children enjoy doing, indoors and out. n The inspector observed the quality of education provided by the childminder, and assessed the impact this has on children's development. n The inspector spoke to a parent and read parents' written comments about the care and education provided. n The inspector viewed relevant key documentation.

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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

7 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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