Samways, Ruth Sarah

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the care of the kind and nurturing childminder. Detailed information about children's prior learning and care routines is gathered from parents when their child begins to attend. The childminder uses this information to assist her in helping children to settle. For example, the childminder takes time to learn children's routines, and she knows how they sleep and what food they enjoy. Children's individual needs are immediately met by the childminder. It is clear that the children and their families are firmly at the heart of everything the childminder does.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy a curriculum that is based on their emerging interests and the childminder's knowledge of what they need to learn next. For example, the childminder engages babies with interesting objects, placing them just out of reach to help encourage very young children to reach, and develop their physical skills. A wealth of songs and rhymes are used to soothe young children and support their early communication and language development. The childminder is mindful of the pandemic's impact on children's confidence in social situations. She provides a range of opportunities for children to meet members of the local community and socialise with other children at local groups. The childminder has high expectations of all children, in particular their behaviour. Children are taught to respect the boundaries in place and the importance of behaving well.

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need to do better?

n The childminder regularly observes and assesses the progress that children make. She is clear about the next steps children need to take in their learning, for them to make continued good progress. The childminder has a good understanding of child development, and she uses her knowledge effectively to help ensure that children build sequentially on their prior learning. n Children have plentiful opportunities to immerse themselves in stories and nursery rhymes. The childminder talks to children as she plays with them, describing what she can see them doing and introducing new words in a meaningful context. For example, the childminder introduces words such as 'wriggle' when describing the movements babies make as ribbons gently touch their skin. This helps to support children's growing understanding of language. n The childminder places high importance on outdoor opportunities for children. She is mindful of providing opportunities that children may not experience

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need to do better?

elsewhere. For example, children are supported to plant, grow, harvest and cook their own food. Children are encouraged to be physically active. They are taught the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. This contributes towards children's overall good health and well-being. n The childminder recognises the importance of working with external

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need to do better?

4 May 2023 professionals involved in supporting the children she cares for. However, she recognises that she has not been as proactive as possible in developing relationships with staff at other settings the children attend and the schools that children eventually move on to. For example, after initial unsuccessful attempts to make contact, she has not pursued this, to help ensure high levels of continuity for children's care and learning. n Parents praise the childminder's dedication and support to their families. The childminder keeps parents up to date on their child's experiences and the progress they make. She regularly suggests ways in which parents can contribute towards extending their child's learning at home. Furthermore, the childminder provides information on important child development topics, such as safer sleeping and first aid. Parents feel well informed at every step of their child's journey.

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need to do better?

n Children develop an awareness of diversity beyond their immediate family. They are taught to value the similarities and differences between themselves and others. For example, children learn about a range of festivals from a variety of cultures. When children are learning English as an additional language, the childminder learns key words and phrases in the child's first language. This helps children to settle and provides them a sense of belonging. n The childminder reflects on the quality of service she provides. She considers the views of parents and children when making changes to her provision. The childminder targets professional development opportunities to help keep her knowledge and skills up to date. The childminder is dedicated to providing children with high-quality early years experiences.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard the children in her care. She can identify the potential signs of abuse and neglect, including possible radicalisation. The childminder knows how to refer any concerns she may have to the relevant agencies to ensure that children are protected. She regularly attends safeguarding training to ensure that her knowledge remains up to date. The childminder undertakes regular risk assessment checks to help ensure that both the indoor and outdoor environments remain safe places in which children can play.

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should:

n foster links with other settings that children may attend or transition to, in order to share valuable information and provide greater consistency in children's care and learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2615991 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10285880 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Lytham St. Annes. She operates all year round, Monday and Thursday from 10am until 6pm, Friday from 1pm until 6pm, Saturday from 9am until 2pm and also offers overnight care. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 5.

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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 and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the early years curriculum provided. n The inspector observed the quality of care and education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n Discussions were held with the childminder to help establish her understanding of how to safeguard the children in her care. n The inspector looked at a sample of the childminder's documentation, including evidence of qualifications and suitability. n The inspector considered the written views of parents during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

4 May 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

4 May 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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