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

Children are confident in the care of the childminder and her assistants, who are very supportive and nurturing in their approach. Children show that they feel safe as they approach the adults when they need reassurance or help. Children are happy at this welcoming setting. When playing independently, older children select what they would like to play with and concentrate for long periods on their chosen tasks. For example, children enjoy playing with dolls. They recreate their experiences from home as they feed and dress the dolls. Adults extend children's imaginative play as they introduce new resources. Children receive an abundance of support and encouragement from the childminder and her assistant. This helps children to feel valued and secure.

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The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. This is because they understand what the childminder and her assistants expect of them. There are clear rules in place that help children learn right from wrong. Children use their manners and show kindness and respect for one another. They happily share and take turns. Following the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the childminder has identified that children have had limited opportunities to socialise. As a result, she prioritises helping children to visit the local community. This helps children to feel confident and happy in social situations.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants are enthusiastic in their approach and provide children with a curriculum which follows their interests and builds on what they already know and can do. Assessment is used to accurately identify what children need to learn next. As a result, children are extremely motivated and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. n The childminder is committed to helping children develop their communication and language skills. Adults use correct language as they talk to children and ask questions to start interesting conversations. Adults excite children with their enthusiasm. For example, children become immersed in an enjoyable singing session. They eagerly act out a range of songs and nursery rhymes. These interactions help children to become confident communicators. n Children develop their physical skills and strength. They safely climb on equipment in the garden and are delighted as they whizz down the slide.

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need to do better?

Children wave scarves as they dance and move to music. They use tools to dig in sand and strengthen their hands as they play. This helps children to develop their dexterity and hand-to-eye coordination. These skills will benefit children for their future learning. n The childminder regularly networks with other local childminders to share ideas. She accesses regular training and shares learning points with her assistants. This

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need to do better?

2 March 2023 helps to keep their knowledge up to date. The childminder supports the assistants to fulfil their role. However, the arrangements to monitor practice are not yet precise enough to further raise the good quality of teaching to an even higher level. n Children feel valued in the childminder's home. They point at their photos displayed on the wall and chat about their recent adventures. Children explain how they celebrate their birthdays with their favourite cake and party games. The childminder helps children to explore their emotions through stories and songs. These experiences help children to develop a sense of what makes them unique. n The childminder provides children with a social lunchtime. Children sit at a table and chat while they enjoy the food from their lunch boxes. They discuss healthy foods and the importance of oral health with the childminder. Children show independence as they help to clear the table and wash the dishes. Children learn

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need to do better?

how to contribute to keeping themselves healthy. n Children visit the local community every day and learn to be respectful to people who help them. They enjoy forest school classes, where they learn to build dens and develop their knowledge about wildlife. They have fun and make new friends when they attend playgroups. These activities help children to develop their resilience and confidence. n Parents are happy with the service provided. They are kept up to date with their children's learning. The childminder provides parents with lots of photos of their children's experiences. She also gives parents ideas of how to support children's learning at home. As a result, children benefit from a consistent approach to their development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They fully understand the procedures to follow, and the appropriate agencies to contact, should there be any concerns about a child's safety or well-being. Children learn about road safety, the dangers of stroking dogs that they come into contact with and about risks associated with strangers. This helps to keep children safe when out in the community.

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should:

n enhance arrangements further to monitor practice and ensure that all teaching is consistently of the highest standard.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY492698 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10236718 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 12 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 20 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Morecambe, Lancashire. She operates during term time from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The childminder holds qualified teacher status. She works with assistants. The childminder 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 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 inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors. n Parents, children and an assistant shared their views of the setting. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable.

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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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