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 Met

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The provision is good

Children in this setting are happy and safe. They confidently express their needs and chat happily to the childminder, who engages warmly with them. She demonstrates she knows each child incredibly well. The curriculum is balanced and well thought through. Children are developing good book skills. They enjoy familiar stories and read them sitting cosily with the childminder on the floor. Their enthusiasm for their favourite stories is infectious. Children have good creative expression. They make models with junk materials using glue and tissue paper.

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The provision is good

Children make strong progress in their physical development. Children who are only two years old climb up and down steps competently. They go down slides and climb up ladders in the garden. Children gain good small-muscle control by using paintbrushes as they paint glue on their models, for example. Generally, children behave in positive ways. The childminder uses a gentle and calm approach to remind them to have 'kind hands' if they invade each other's personal space. Children learn about difference. For instance, the childminder discusses and helps children to learn about special festivals, such as Eid, to help them support their friends who are celebrating Ramadan. Children gain a broad variety of valuable skills in preparation for school.

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need to do better?

n Since previous inspections, the childminder has worked hard to improve her practice. She has evaluated all aspects of her work. She is aware of areas that work well and those that need improvement. The childminder has an accurate understanding of the quality of her activities in terms of how long the children can stay engaged and interested for. n The childminder tracks children's development so she knows where they are on their learning journey. This tells her what they need to learn next. She ensures that activities cover all areas of learning. n Overall, children are making good progress. The childminder raises concerns about those whose progress is not where she would expect it to be. She uses her effective relationships with parents to explore using outside help to support their children's development. n Children gain good communication, language and literacy skills. The childminder makes the most of daily care activities to talk with children, such as during

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need to do better?

mealtimes. She reads stories enthusiastically to teach children new words. n The childminder has very effective links with parents. She gives parents regular updates on their children's activities and progress. Parents speak very highly about the care and support the childminder provides for their children. The childminder works together with parents to support their children's progress, such as with potty training.

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need to do better?

19 April 2023 n Children learn to do things for themselves. Older children put on their own shoes and fasten them. The childminder supports those children who are younger to gain these skills. She understands this is a vital part of preparing pre-school children so they are ready for school. n Children act in safe ways. They use the outdoor steps with care and caution. The childminder has taught them to use the wall to guide themselves up and down. The childminder is mindful that the family pets do not access the garden when the children are outside. This ensures the outdoor environment is clean and safe from harm. n The childminder gives children healthy snacks, fresh milk and drinking water. They are free to choose from a nutritious selection of fruits, which caters for different appetites. As a result, they are learning how to keep their bodies healthy. n The childminder ensures that children have regular opportunities for physical

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need to do better?

exercise. As well as playing outside, they regularly walk the dogs and care for horses. They are being taught to stay safe around animals and to respect what animals need. n The childminder is keen to improve her skills and understanding. She has attended courses, including safeguarding and equality and diversity. She is part of a childminding network that helps keep her knowledge up to date. n Children's behaviour is generally good. The childminder responds swiftly if there are any unwanted incidents, teaching children to be respectful of each other and their own space. n The childminder plans meaningful activities. However, these do not always meet the needs of the individual children's abilities.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder keeps children safe. She checks her home and garden each day to reduce the risk of hazards. Although children are exposed to pets, they are not left unsupervised with them. The childminder is clear about signs to look out for and procedures to follow if she suspects that a child is at risk of abuse. She is aware of a range of safeguarding issues, such as if a child is at risk of extreme ideas or behaviour. The childminder knows what to look out for and how to report her concerns to keep children safe. She attends regular safeguarding training to maintain an up-to-date knowledge.

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should:

n focus more explicitly on children's different abilities when organising activities, to keep each child engaged in their learning at an appropriate level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY333524 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10263241 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 6 Date of previous inspection 25 April 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2006 and lives in Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She operates all year, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what she wants the children to learn. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n Parents provided written feedback to the inspector. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting.

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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

19 April 2023 19 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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