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 appear comfortable and relaxed in the friendly childminder's home. They are eager to share experiences with her as they play. Children gleefully show her different animals in a tray and talk to her about what they are doing. They have access to a large and spacious playroom where they can self-select the toys they like to play with. Children's well-being is prioritised. The childminder gives them cuddles and reassurance when they become upset, and they enjoy being close to her when they are unsure. Children demonstrate their sense of security as they gain confidence in the presence of visitors and continue to play during activities with the childminder.

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The provision is good

Children have access to activities that are planned by the childminder to reflect their interests. They show excitement as they kick a ball into a goalpost, and the childminder praises them for their efforts. Children welcome praise and are content in her home. Children behave well. The childminder is a positive role model to children and reminds them when they should be using their manners. Children are eager to help to tidy away after playing with an activity and listen carefully to instructions that are being given to them.

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need to do better?

n Children develop language as they play. They point at resources and tell the childminder what they want to play with. The childminder plays alongside children, introducing language and naming objects. At times, she directs their play, and children do not have opportunities to choose their own way of doing things. For example, the childminder hands children train tracks and shows them where to place them. n The childminder creates lots of opportunities for children to be able to explore the outdoors. Children play 'tag' in the garden with each other and exercise their large muscles. They visit the 'pits', parks and other outdoor spaces where they can explore the world around them. n Children enjoy playing with each other and are very sociable. The childminder meets up with another childminder so that children get opportunities to socialise in larger groups. The childminder talks about how this has boosted the

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need to do better?

confidence of children in her care. n The childminder works with families and children to ensure that children eat healthy and nutritious foods. Children plant their own fruit and vegetables in her garden and then eat them at snack time. Children learn to care for living things. They watch sunflowers grow from seeds and learn about what they need in order to grow. The childminder has cats in her home, and children show great care and consideration when petting them. The childminder tells children that when cats have wet noses, it means they are healthy.

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need to do better?

6 April 2023 n Children enjoy playing with the childminder and want her to participate in what they are doing. For example, the childminder encourages children to identify different shapes. However, when they attempt to select the named shape, she intervenes too quickly to remove it before children have tried for themselves. This means that children do not have opportunities to keep on trying or complete activities to their satisfaction. n The childminder has completed various courses to further her knowledge in early years development. She talks passionately about what she has learned and how she implements this in practice. For example, she explains about early intervention strategies that she would use to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The childminder communicates with other settings that children attend. She ensures that relevant information is shared about their development and what

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need to do better?

children are learning in her home. n Parents praise the childminder for the care and support she provides to children. They remark that 'children have always felt safe and at home' with her and that she is 'very approachable and caring'. The childminder has strong partnerships with children's families and regularly gathers feedback about the service she provides.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe. She can explain signs that may show a child is at risk of harm, and she knows what she should do if any concerns arise. She knows what to do if an allegation is made against anyone living in the home and the correct reporting process for this. The childminder ensures she has an up-to-date knowledge about safeguarding matters and has completed safeguarding training. Risk assessments are carried out daily to ensure the indoor and outdoor environments are safe. She confidently talks about how she plans and arranges outings and ensures all children are accounted for and safe.

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should:

n strengthen teaching skills to improve opportunities for children to explore, persevere and test out their ideas for themselves.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY445257 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10280244 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 12 Date of previous inspection 11 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round, from 7am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except 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 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 childminder. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity completed by the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of household members.

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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

6 April 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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