Helm, Elaine

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is outstanding

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are exceptionally well mannered and polite. All children settle extremely well and develop a highly secure sense of belonging. They show that they feel very safe and assured when meeting new people. For example, younger children excitedly wave and smile, while older children approach visitors to introduce themselves. Children show that they are proud of themselves when the childminder praises them for being so welcoming. Children's individual personalities shine and are encouraged by the childminder and her assistant.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children blossom in this safe and nurturing learning environment. Through detailed discussion with parents, the childminder learns about each child. She uses this information to create an inspirational learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. Children are engrossed in the extensive range of stimulating activities. They eagerly participate and show deep levels of engagement and concentration. For example, the childminder ensures an ambitious curriculum for all children. Even young children remember the subtle difference between a zebra and horse when discussing a recent trip to the zoo. They continue to practise and persevere, building their knowledge. All children are making the best possible progress in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has excellent knowledge of how to carefully plan her curriculum. This is personalised to individual children's learning styles and covers all areas of learning. Together with her assistant, she provides activities that encourage children to learn through real experiences. For example, children show an immense interest in the tadpoles. They enthusiastically help to build a safe environment for them. Older children eagerly speak about taking the tadpoles to the big pond in the park so they can turn into frogs. Children are learning about different life cycles and the world around them. n Assessments of children's learning are extremely detailed and insightful. The childminder swiftly identifies when children may need extra support, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). She is highly committed to ensuring that children's unique needs are met and adjustments are

p.2

need to do better?

made to support the needs of every child. The childminder works closely with other professionals and families to carefully provide the most suitable learning environment for all children. n The childminder has an excellent approach that supports children's communication and language development. Children make exceptional progress and have an extensive vocabulary. They use and understand the meaning of words, such as 'stethoscope' and 'thermometer', as they role play. The

p.2

need to do better?

26 April 2023 childminder makes excellent use of signs and pictures to enhance children's understanding. This supports children who are just beginning to develop language skills. In addition, her assistant speaks with clarity, provides commentary and repeats words that children mispronounce to support their speech and build their confidence. n Opportunities for children to explore literacy and numeracy are embedded within many activities. When children choose a story about teeth, the assistant changes her voice and uses humour to make the story come to life. She enhances this time with delightful props, including a set of teeth and a giant toothbrush. Older children excitedly help the younger children to count the teeth and demonstrate how they should be brushed. They eagerly point out teeth should be 'white and shiny'. They remember and recall recent events well, talking with knowledge about getting toothpaste from the chemist.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder focuses very closely on ensuring that children gain the skills they will need for their move on to school. She works with parents and other settings children attend in a collective approach. All children make excellent progress. This includes three-year-old children who are in receipt of funded early education and children with SEND. Additionally, teachers from the local primary school visit the setting. They talk to the children about what school will be like when they start attending. Children are learning about the wider community and are prepared for school. n Children learn to manage their feelings very well. The childminder and her assistant involve children in taking turns and making choices throughout the day. For example, children are encouraged to share scissors and other tools. They are provided with gentle reminders to ask their friends if they have finished with them before taking them. Children demonstrate consistently high levels of

p.3

need to do better?

respect for each other and recognise the impact their behaviour has on others. n The childminder supports very young children to develop their resilience. For example, she provides sympathetic support when they are trying to complete a puzzle independently. As a result, even the younger children show great levels of self-control and perseverance. n Parents strongly recommend the childminder. They consider that she goes 'above and beyond' and has 'high professional standards'. Parents describe how their children come home inspired by the day's learning. The childminder supports parents to continue with their children's learning at home. Children take home sunflower plants and watch them develop with their parents. Children benefit from continuity in their learning. n The childminder participates in a wealth of training initiatives. Both her and her assistant are committed to gaining more knowledge and skills, as well as

p.3

need to do better?

refreshing those they already have. They use what they learn to evaluate their practice and implement lots of ideas for the benefit of the children they care for. For example, they complete training on special educational needs to enhance their already rich and broad curriculum for children with SEND.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

26 April 2023 The childminder and her assistant have an extensive knowledge of how to keep children safe from harm in many different circumstances. They have an excellent understanding of how to identify any potential signs that a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. The childminder knows how to record any concerns and who to report them to, including any allegations against herself or her assistant. She is vigilant as children play and explore, giving them timely prompts to ensure that they have regard for their own and other children's safety. For example, she helps them to consider their use of large resources and reminds them not to walk around with scissors.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY440212 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10263552 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 4 May 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011. She lives in Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston. The provision operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She works with an assistant on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

p.5

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 and childminder completed a learning walk together in all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector talked to the assistant at appropriate times during the inspection and took into account their views. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint observation. n The inspector spoke to parents and viewed parent testimonials online. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation. n The inspector talked to the children at appropriate times during the inspection and took into account their views.

p.5

Inspection activities

26 April 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

26 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

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

p.7