Childminder in Westmorland and Furness

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistants create a relaxed home-from-home environment. Children are settled in their care and form strong attachments. This has a significant and positive impact on their personal development and confidence. The childminder and her assistants' gentle and positive interactions support children's engagement. They are constantly busy within their play. As children set up a farm, they discuss which animals could live there. One assistant adds new words when children name the animals. This extends their language and communication skills.

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The provision is good

Children are enthusiastic and happy. They squeal in delight as they see the activity tray coming. They know this is another fun activity for them to explore. All children have opportunities to play together as the childminder and assistants plan for the varied age range of children. Babies enjoy exploring and scrunching different textures. They learn about the world around them. Toddlers develop their small muscles as they fill and empty containers with fir cones. Older children enjoy a storybook as they look for the items on the tray within the pictures. They are developing a love of reading. Children play cooperatively and share the resources. The childminder and her assistants have high expectations for behaviour and remind children to share and take turns. Most children respond to these requests as they understand the rules.

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need to do better?

n Since the previous inspection, the childminder has worked hard to address the areas identified for improvement. She has developed her management skills to better support the two assistants that work with her. Regular appraisals have given a good insight into how she can further develop the setting moving forward. Assistants are now supported to develop their practice. This has improved the quality of teaching and learning for children. n The childminder and her assistants offer a range of activities to help children learn. They know children well and build on what they already know and can do. Starting points are gathered from parents when a child starts, and children's progress is reviewed frequently. Any gaps in learning are quickly addressed. Children with additional needs can be identified quickly to ensure that interventions are put in place. This supports children to achieve to their fullest

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need to do better?

potential. n Children are encouraged to make their own choices. They can decide what they would like to play with through picture cards of all the resources available for them. At snack time, they select what they would like to have from the tray of fruit options. They are curious and ask questions about what there is on the tray. They are developing their confidence and learning about their likes and dislikes.

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need to do better?

18 April 2023 n Behaviour is good. Children are reminded to share and take turns. They respond well to these instructions. The childminder and assistants respond quickly to children's behaviour when they are struggling. They remind them of expected behaviours and use distraction to support children. However, sometimes, children who are still learning do not understand the expectations. The childminder does not always ensure children understand what is expected of them. n Children learn about the world around them and celebrate a range of different festivals throughout the year. They have explored some aspects of what makes children unique, such as hair and eye colour. However, this is not extended to encourage children to consider what is special about their own world and why it may be different to their friends. The childminder does not consider ways to help children understand and celebrate diversity at a very basic level.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants promote children's good health. Children learn about the importance of handwashing and are developing the skills to do this independently. They talk about healthy foods as they attempt to slice up their banana. They develop resilience as they practise cutting, and they take pride in their achievements when they succeed. They are developing important skills that prepare them for school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and assistants have worked hard to develop their understanding of safeguarding children following the last inspection. They have accessed training to update their knowledge and skills. As a result, the childminder and her assistants now demonstrate a good understanding of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm and the procedures to follow to raise concerns. They also understand whistle-blowing procedures and the action to take if an allegation is made. The childminder and her assistants all have a first-aid certificate in place to help support the welfare of children in the event of an emergency.

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should:

n further support children to learn about what makes them unique, and extend this knowledge to help them understand what makes them different to others n help children to understand how they are expected to behave, to build their understanding of managing their own emotions.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY493823 Local authority Westmorland and Furness Inspection number 10266096 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 8 November 2022

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015. She lives in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria. The childminder works with two assistants. The childminder and her assistants all hold early years qualifications at level 3. They provide care from 7.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is registered to provide funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistants and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

18 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.

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Inspection activities

18 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

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