Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Children develop close bonds with this friendly childminder and show that they feel safe and happy in this warm and welcoming setting. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, children are greeted at the front door. However, the childminder promotes a sense of belonging through self-registration, and children enjoy finding their wooden 'name spoon' to put in the bucket as they arrive.

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The provision requires improvement

Children are confident to explore the resources and activities that the childminder provides. They choose toys that interest them and that they enjoy playing with, which increases their motivation for learning. However, the quality of education is not good enough. This is because the childminder does not plan a curriculum which is suitably ambitious and challenging for children. Consequently, the childminder does not support children's learning as effectively as she could. Nonetheless, children are able to follow rules and boundaries and they are beginning to show good levels of independence. For example, they attend to some of their own personal care needs, such as using the potty and washing their hands.

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need to do better?

n Children benefit from a range of activities and experiences at this setting. However, the childminder does not evaluate the quality of her teaching and the learning outcomes for children or identify what needs improving. She has limited knowledge of the early years foundation stage. As a result, the childminder does not plan a broad and balanced curriculum which precisely targets children's next steps in learning. n The childminder completes training that she feels might be of benefit. For example, she has completed training on teaching children about recycling. This supports children's knowledge of the world around them. However, the childminder has not identified that she requires further support in how to assess children's learning and development. n Children's communication and language skills are well supported. The childminder interacts with children through consistent eye contact, talking calmly

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need to do better?

and often being at their level. Children are introduced to a rich and varied vocabulary through general conversation and during adult-led activities. For example, they learn that a 'sow' is a mother pig. n Children develop a love of books. They have regular opportunities to listen to stories throughout the day and take books home to share with parents. Children demonstrate high levels of interest as the childminder reads 'Whoosh Around the Mulberry Bush' animatedly to them. She tests their recollections of familiar stories as she misses out key words and children confidently fill in the gaps. n Children benefit from regular exercise and fresh air as they go on outings with the childminder. For example, they walk along the canal bank to feed the ducks

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need to do better?

19 January 2023 or visit the beach. Children learn about road safety and understand what the traffic lights mean. They learn to look and listen for cars and watch to see the green man light up, before crossing the road. This develops children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe. n Children learn about healthy lifestyles. They help to grow vegetables, such as carrots, in the childminder's garden and they enjoy eating nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder encourages children to try new foods and works with parents to expand the range of food their children eat at home. This increases children's understanding of healthy choices. n The childminder provides role modelling and hand-over-hand support when teaching children new skills. For example, during a play dough activity, children practise the skill of using shape cutters and rolling out dough. This develops their finger muscles in preparation for early writing.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works closely with parents to settle new children into her care. Parents report that they appreciate all the 'first experiences' their children receive while in this setting, and say the childminder is 'like a family member'. Parents feel well informed of the day-to-day activities and events. However, the childminder does not consistently share information about children's learning or their next steps, and how parents can support children's learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder completes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She knows the signs and symptoms of abuse and what action to take if she becomes concerned for a child's welfare. The childminder carries out effective risk assessments so that her home environment is safe and secure. She also teaches children about the dangers of the wider world, such as stranger danger, and how they can keep themselves safe from these risks. The childminder has attended first-aid training and understands how to deal with accidents and injuries.

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should:

n strengthen self-evaluation to reflect on the quality of teaching in order to improve learning outcomes for children n target professional development opportunities to improve knowledge of how to assess children's development and support their future learning n build on existing partnerships with parents to ensure that they know and understand what their children are learning and what they need to do next.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 309029 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10263110 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 7 Date of previous inspection 20 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2000. She lives in Slyne, Lancaster. The childminder operates on weekdays between 7am to 5.30pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She 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 the provider 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 inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation during a planned activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

19 January 2023 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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