Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The childminder puts children at the heart of everything she does. Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), settle quickly. They have a fantastic time with this childminder, and they arrive excited to start their day. Children develop strong bonds with the childminder, who knows them exceptionally well. Children understand the childminder's very high expectations of them. Their behaviour is noteworthy. They display kindness and empathy and use excellent manners to each other. For example, during breakfast time, older children wait patiently for their turn. They offer to help younger children pour their milk and remind them to say 'please' and 'thank you' to each other.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The environment reflects children's interests and engages children in high-quality interactions. Children access a variety of exciting and inspiring activities that build on what they already know and can do. Children display high levels of focus and attention, and they are engrossed and involved in their play. This supports a deep level of learning. For example, younger children work independently by using a range of resources, such as clear acrylic sheets and crayons, to complete portraits of their friends. They have a vision and make meticulous changes to achieve the desired result. Children are competent and creative. This is celebrated by the childminder, who urges them to be proud of their creations.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder uses her excellent knowledge of how children learn to design her responsive curriculum. She gives children extensive opportunities to practise appropriately challenging skills. Children enjoy exploring ice by using tweezers to pick up frozen objects. Because the objects are wet, younger children display some difficulty and become frustrated. With support from the childminder, they spend time practising, persist and successfully achieve their goal. Their friends excitedly congratulate and celebrate their achievement with 'high fives'. Children are developing their physical skills and resilience, and they are confident learners. n The childminder successfully uses assessment to evidence what children need to learn next and to identify swiftly areas that require further support. She skilfully adopts effective strategies to support children to extend their learning. For example, the childminder identifies that some children have a delay in their

p.2

need to do better?

physical development, however, they enjoy dancing. Consequently, she plans opportunities for them to attend dance classes for children to develop their physical skills. n The childminder supports communication and language skills in an inspirational way. She is a superb role model for the children, speaking clearly and frequently introducing them to new vocabulary. The childminder creates a culture of

p.2

need to do better?

15 June 2023 conversation in her home. There is a constant chatter, and children are relaxed to talk to her and visitors throughout the day. Children are very articulate. n The childminder embeds learning opportunities into every part of the children's day. Outings are planned around children's interests and needs. For example, children visit the water fountains on the promenade. They recall how the water comes up from under the ground to spray them, helping them to keep cool in the warm weather. Consequently, children, including those with SEND, flourish with opportunities to extend their learning in the local community. n The childminder meticulously cares for and nurtures children's emotional well- being. Children thrive in her care and develop extremely high levels of independence. They develop fantastic self-care skills and are eager to do things for themselves. They carry out personal needs such as toileting independently.

p.2

need to do better?

They wash their hands on their own, and younger children can put their shoes on the correct foot without support. Therefore, children are developing skills in preparation for school. n The childminder has exemplary hygiene practices. Children immediately cover their mouths when they cough. They confidently tell the visitor that 'it is to stop nasty germs spreading'. Younger children recognise the need for a hat when playing outside in the warm sunshine. Moreover, older children encourage younger children to drink water while playing in the warm weather, and children always have access to fresh water. Children have excellent awareness of how to keep themselves healthy n The childminder strives to continually enhance her own teaching skills and knowledge to continuously improve her practice. She is extremely reflective in her practice. The childminder has recently studied sign language and teaches children basic sign to extend their learning. Moreover, she has enrolled in further

p.3

need to do better?

learning that will have a positive impact on children's learning and development. n Parents are overwhelmingly happy with their children's experience at the childminder's home. Parents say that the detailed daily handovers are insightful and their children come home full of stories about their day. They comment that her passion and care is second to none and their children feel safe and secure. Therefore, children benefit from a positive and respectful culture.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has an exceptional knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child was at risk of abuse. She knows what to do if she has a concern about a child's welfare. Furthermore, she knows the reporting procedures in the event of an allegation made against a household member. All children display exceptional awareness on keeping themselves and their friends safe. They are developing skills to identify possible risks. For example, before playing on the slide, children identify that the slide is wet and ask for a cloth to dry it before continuing to play. The areas used for childminding are safe and secure.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY466106 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10289048 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 9 November 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2013 and lives in Morecambe, Lancashire. She operates during term time, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

p.4

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 her evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder on an activity. n The inspector joined the childminder on a learning walk and discussed with her the curriculum. n The inspector spoke to parents about the childminder. n The inspector viewed a sample of relevant documentation.

p.4

Inspection activities

15 June 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.4

Inspection activities

15 June 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.5

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.6

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.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6

Inspection activities

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

p.6