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

The childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment for children. Effective settling-in sessions provide opportunities for children to transition into the setting at their own pace. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, these sessions were extended for those children who needed them. Children enjoy their time at the setting and have lovely relationships with the childminder. They seek her out for reassurance and help if they need it. Children have formed friendships with one another. They are confident when navigating around the environment, selecting resources to play with.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy listening to stories. The childminder and the children snuggle up on the sofa and read together. The childminder maintains the children's attention and involves them throughout the story. For example, she asks children about the colours of the monsters in the story. They are also asked to act out the feelings of the monsters. The children roar when they see the angry monster. Consequently, they are developing a love of books.

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The provision is good

The childminder uses effective strategies to manage children's behaviour. She uses gentle reminders to tackle unwanted behaviour and praises children for being kind and sharing. Children are familiar with the routine. For example, they know to wash their hands before they have their snack. This also helps children learn the importance of good hygiene practices.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of what the children know and need to learn next. Her curriculum supports children well. There is a focus on communication and language, which is promoted successfully. The childminder models language to children, and she encourages them to engage in conversations. For example, when children are playing with the wooden blocks, she asks them what they are building. Children respond by saying 'tower'. The childminder uses the names of dinosaurs when children are playing with them. As a result, children are exposed to new vocabulary that helps to develop their speech and language. n Children's mathematical development is supported well by the childminder. She asks questions to encourage children to think critically. For example, children attempt to open various-shaped locks matching the correct key. The childminder encourages children to persevere with this activity. She also uses mathematical

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need to do better?

language, such as 'tall' and 'short', when children are building structures. Children use numbers within their play and name shapes independently. As a result, children are making good progress in this area of learning. n Although children are supported well in most areas of their development, they

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need to do better?

5 December 2022 are not always provided with opportunities to express themselves creatively. For example, opportunities to be creative using various media and materials are limited. This means children are unable to practise making marks or to develop their fine motor skills in preparation for their early literacy development. n Parents give the childminder thank-you cards to express their appreciation for the care and education their children receive. The childminder communicates daily with parents about their children's day. Regular newsletters are shared with parents to inform them about their children's learning and next steps. The childminder also encourages parents to be involved with their children's learning at home. For example, she asked them to collect autumn treasures and bring them into the setting. This partnership working helps to provide continuity in children's learning. n In the main, children have positive attitudes to learning and engage in activities

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need to do better?

that are planned for them by the childminder. However, opportunities for children to engage in group activities are not promoted effectively. As a result, children are not supported to develop their social skills in order for them to move on to their next stage of learning. n The childminder ensures children have opportunities to access fresh air and exercise. This contributes to their good health. She takes children for walks in the community, including outings to toddler groups and the local park. Children enjoy these outings and also learn about keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn about road safety and know to hold the childminder's hand when they cross the road.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder attends safeguarding training regularly to ensure that her knowledge and skills are up to date. She is aware of her responsibility to safeguard children should she have any concerns, and she knows how to report these concerns. In addition, the childminder understands how to report any allegations that may be made against herself or members of the household. The childminder continually checks for hazards within the home and when taking children on outings. She has up-to-date paediatric first-aid training. As a result, she is able to deal with any accidents that may occur.

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should:

n continue to plan an effective curriculum, specifically by providing various media and materials in order for children to be creative and practise making marks in preparation for their early writing skills n maximise opportunities for children to engage in group activities and play

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should:

5 December 2022 alongside each other in order for them to develop their social skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY491719 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10236699 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 6 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 19 January 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Heysham, Lancashire. She operates from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. The childminder is registered to provide funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an early years 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 carried out a joint evaluation of an activity. 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 inspector had a tour of the childminder's home to gain an understanding of how the early years provision and the curriculum are organised. n The inspector interacted with the children. She took account of parents' written views about the setting.

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Inspection activities

5 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

5 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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