Childminder in Westmorland and Furness

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 enjoy their time with the childminder. She has created a warm and caring environment where children feel happy and safe. They have formed attachments with the childminder and also the co-childminder, who works alongside her each day. The childminder has been caring for siblings of the children in her care for a number of years. Therefore, she has good relationships with families. Children have formed lovely friendships and play alongside others, sharing and taking turns. The childminder uses gentle reminders to encourage positive behaviour. As a result, children behave very well.

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The provision is good

Children are confident learners who have positive attitudes towards their learning. For example, children choose a matching game and attempt to connect the correct pieces together. The childminder encourages them to keep trying. Children show delight and clap excitedly when they succeed, and the childminder praises them. They are fascinated with a game the childminder plays with them. She has a variety of balls in a bag and asks, 'What's in the bag?' As they pull one out, the childminder asks, 'What does it feel like?' Children say the balls feel 'soft' and 'bouncy'. She then asks them, 'What do you think the ball can do?' The children roll them and throw them. As a result, children build their confidence and develop a 'can-do' attitude to their learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder's curriculum follows children's interests. The childminder allows children to take the lead in their learning. For example, children choose to explore the magnets. They connect them together and build structures. The childminder asks them if they can build a taller tower. She also explains how the magnets stick together. As a result, children develop their independence and fine motor skills. n The childminder understands the importance of evaluating her practice. Both the childminder and her co-childminder provide each other with feedback in order to help each other reflect on their practice. The childminder has completed some training and the impact of this has been positive in promoting children's communication and language skills. The childminder's professional development programme is still in its infancy. However, she does not always focus her continuous professional development sharply enough to extend her already good

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need to do better?

teaching skills. n Babies enjoy exploring the setting and choosing resources independently. For example, they cuddle the dolls and use containers and spoons and pretend to feed them. The childminder uses information from parents to provide a routine that babies are familiar with. They love snuggling in and communicate with the childminder when they would like their snacks. The childminder is responsive to

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need to do better?

27 January 2023 their cues saying 'milk' and 'fruit'. Therefore, babies social skills are supported well. n The childminder communicates with children very well. She provides a calm environment for them. Children request their favourite nursery rhymes. The childminder sings along with them and encourages them to 'hop' like little bunnies, the children love this. The childminder reads stories chosen by the children. They sit and listen attentively as she engages them in the story. As a result, children's communication and love of books is developing. n Parents say that their children look forward to going to the childminder's. They say that they are kept up to date about their children's development, and they are making progress. The childminder has recently implemented a new electronic system to strengthen parent partnerships and support learning at home. The childminder understands the importance of working with parents

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need to do better?

when providing support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This provides a consistent approach for children. n The childminder's care practices ensure children's personal needs are met. She approaches children sensitively by asking them if she can change their nappy. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating. This supports children in adopting good hygiene practices. Children bring their own packed lunches, and they are offered fresh fruit for snack. They have drinks available throughout the day. Consequently, children are developing healthy lifestyles. n The childminder provides lots of outdoor activities for the children. She has a scrapbook to showcase the many adventures and experiences she and her co- childminder provide for children in the local community. They enjoy playing in the garden, exploring sand, water and the mud kitchen. Therefore, children

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need to do better?

benefit from regular fresh air and exercise.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder ensures her home is safe for children. She holds a paediatric first- aid certificate, enabling her to deal with any accidents should they occur. She understands her responsibility to report any concerns she may have regarding a child's welfare. The childminder knows how to respond in the event of an allegation made against her, her co-childminder or members of her household. She undertakes regular training in order to keep her knowledge up to date.

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should:

n continue to build the professional development programme in order to further enhance the already good teaching skills to the highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY471403 Local authority Cumbria Inspection number 10263217 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 4 Date of previous inspection 24 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2013 and lives in Grange Over Sands. She works with a co-childminder. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm on Monday to Thursday and from 8am to 3.30pm on Fridays, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and the childminder completed a learning walk to understand how the curriculum is organised. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector observed areas used for childcare purposes, care routines and discussed the activities that take place outdoors.

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Inspection activities

27 January 2023 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

27 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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