Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 exploring in this welcoming and nurturing environment. They are eager to participate in interesting activities that the childminder carefully plans. Children display a positive attitude to learning and engage in activities for extended periods. They show perseverance when attempting more-challenging activities and are supported by the childminder to keep trying. For example, when children try to thread string through small holes, the childminder encourages them to try different ways of holding the string until they are successful. This helps to develop children's fine motor skills, raises their self-esteem, and promotes a 'can-do' attitude.

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The provision is good

Children behave very well and follow the childminder's consistent expectations of good behaviour. They are thoughtful and kind to both their peers and the childminder. Children help each other to sit down at the table, share equipment and readily say 'please' and 'thank you'. The childminder promotes a respectful environment where every individual is recognised.

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The provision is good

All children have developed close attachments to the childminder, who is sensitive and caring in her approach. They enjoy cuddles and are provided with reassurance when needed. Children confidently voice their needs and wants, knowing that what they say is valued. This demonstrates how children feel emotionally secure within the setting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is extremely passionate about her role and has a clear and ambitious curriculum. She gets to know children and their families very well from the start. The childminder ensures she finds out about children's routines, likes, dislikes and background prior to starting. This ensures children's needs are fully met. n The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and uses observation and assessment to identify children's next steps effectively. She quickly recognises any gaps in learning and swiftly puts support in place. Children make good progress in all areas of learning and development. n Activities are carefully planned and focus on what children know and need to learn next. The childminder carefully considers each individual child and provides exciting resources based on their interests and learning style. Children display high levels of motivation, going back to activities again and again to practise

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need to do better?

new skills. n The childminder embeds mathematics into the curriculum. When on walks in the community, children look out for numbers in the environment. Within the setting, children identify numbers on pictures of tractors and count blocks as they build towers. Occasionally, when counting objects, the childminder is quick

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need to do better?

2 March 2023 to provide the answer rather than allowing children time to fully demonstrate what they know and can do first. n The childminder acts as a positive role model. She reminds children about good hygiene and gives clear explanations about why it is important. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating. As a result, children are learning the importance of good hygiene and are developing their self-care skills. n Children are shown respect, particularly when being helped with intimate care routines. For example, the childminder asks permission to change children's nappies and wipe their noses. This supports children's personal, social and emotional development. n The childminder understands the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's development. She has identified that children need support with their social skills. As a result, she plans many outings, giving children

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need to do better?

opportunities to explore different social situations. These include visits to the park, the local woodland and the library and journeys on the bus. This helps children develop their social skills and prepares them for the next stage in their learning. n The childminder keeps her mandatory training up to date. She attends regular training sessions, such as online training from professional childminding organisations, which helps to support her professional development. However, she does not always focus her training sharply enough on extending her already good teaching skills. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are aware of their children's development and next steps in learning. Parents comment on the setting being an extension of their own family. They say that their children have wonderful relationships with the childminder and are 'cared for at the highest standard'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding. She understands the importance of recording and reporting any concerns she may have and knows what procedures to follow should a child be at risk of harm. The childminder understands the local safeguarding partnerships procedures for reporting any allegations made against her. She has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk. The childminder supports children and families in understanding the importance of internet safety. The setting is clean and hygienic. The childminder takes appropriate steps to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses.

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should:

2 March 2023 n focus professional development and training opportunities to raise the already good teaching skills to the highest level n give children sufficient time to test their own ideas and find solutions, in order to build their confidence and independence further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489503 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10264873 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 28 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Alconbury Weald. She operates all year round from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her curriculum. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of the children's learning with the childminder. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

2 March 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

2 March 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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