Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision requires improvement

Children have built close relationships with the childminder, and they enjoy her company. They are confident to approach her for help and guidance as they play. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources. However, the children's play environment is quite structured. The childminder tends to direct activities, which are very much mathematics and literacy based, regardless of the age of the child. This means children are not always receiving a broad and balanced curriculum. Children also have less opportunity to follow their own interests and, on occasions, children are not given enough time to complete an activity to their own satisfaction.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Children are confident talkers. They have access to books, and they enjoy listening to stories read by the childminder. Children engage well as the childminder uses props to help bring the stories to life. They hear ambitious vocabulary, such as the word crescent, when describing the shape of the moon they see in a book. Children sing familiar songs. These activities help children to develop their communication and language skills. Children demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviour. They are caring towards each other and use good manners. Children are beginning to understand how to share and take turns in activities.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has improved her practice since her last inspection. She now holds a valid first-aid qualification, so she can respond appropriately to children in the event of an accident. She has improved the security of her home and her food hygiene practices, ensuring that children are cared for in a safe and clean indoor environment. n The childminder has undertaken several professional development opportunities since her last inspection to help improve her knowledge of child development and her teaching skills. She can confidently demonstrate some of these new practices. However, although the childminder has a good overview of what children can do, she cannot always precisely identify what they need to learn next to fully maximise their development. Currently, next steps are very focused on mathematics regardless of the age and needs of the child. n During winter months, children have very little access to quality outdoor play.

p.2

need to do better?

This does not help meet the learning needs of children who prefer to be outside. Furthermore, resources in the childminder's garden are tired and dirty and currently do not help to provide a rich and exciting learning environment. n The childminder helps children to understand how they can keep themselves safe. She reads stories about safety in a home environment. Some children know they must not go near fire, or they may get burned and to not go near water, such as rivers, without an adult.

p.2

need to do better?

15 March 2023 n Children are learning to be independent in their self-care. They wash their hands before eating and help themselves to their water bottles as and when they wish. Children are happy to help tidy away the resources when asked. Children see the childminder engaging in good hygiene routines, such as wiping tables and washing her hands after changing nappies. n Children complete puzzles that help to develop their coordination and small muscles in their hands. They confidently recognise shapes. Pre-school children can count to 20 and match numbers to objects. Children who have shown an interest in reading and writing can write their name and read short sentences in a book. n Since the last inspection, the childminder ensures that she keeps and maintains all relevant documentation that supports her childminding practice. Accidents are recorded and the childminder is now keeping a record of children's attendance.

p.2

need to do better?

She shares daily messages and photographs of children in activities with parents, so they have an overview of their child's day.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands how to protect the children in her care. She has refreshed her knowledge through completing safeguarding training since her last inspection. She now has a clear understanding of the different types of safeguarding issues, including female genital mutilation and county lines. The childminder understands how to report her concerns to the appropriate authorities. Risk assessments of the childminder's home have improved, so that children are not exposed to unnecessary risks.

p.3

Due date

improve the quality of teaching and ensure children engage in a broad curriculum both indoors and outdoors that supports their individual needs and interests 23/06/2023

p.3

Due date

ensure outdoor play resources are clean and fit for purpose 14/04/2023

p.3

Due date

provide children with daily outdoor play opportunities, especially for those children who like to learn outdoors. 14/04/2023

p.3

should:

n give children time to explore and complete activities to their satisfaction.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 222161 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10269888 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 29 November 2022

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Isleham, Cambridgeshire. She operates from 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector viewed the childminder's home and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises.

p.5

Inspection activities

15 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

15 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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