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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are happy, and they learn to socialise with others in the childminder's lively provision. They show that they feel safe and demonstrate strong attachments to the childminder and her assistants. Children behave well and are considerate of their younger friends. For instance, older children make sure babies have equipment so that they can join in during a group activity. Children understand the expectations of them and follow the routines of the day well. They copy the respectful manner of the childminder and her assistants.

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The provision is good

Children understand that rules are in place to keep them safe. They listen carefully and follow instructions well. A key strength of the provision is outdoor learning. Children go on regular outings and spend plenty of time outside. They walk up nearby fells, developing their physical skills and stamina. They enjoy a sense of achievement when they reach the top for the picnic lunch that they have helped to prepare. Children work out how to solve problems, such as how to get the group over a wall using a laddered stile. Children begin to learn to keep themselves safe in a variety of environments.

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The provision is good

Children develop an understanding of early mathematical concepts in interesting ways. For example, they measure trees by linking hands and counting how many children it takes to encircle the tree trunk. They assess which sticks are longer and shorter and learn concepts such as 'one more' and 'one less' as they count ducks at the local pond. This helps children build strong foundations for their future learning.

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need to do better?

n The childminder understands that communication and language are the basis for children's learning in all areas. She helps children learn to enjoy stories and books and uses songs to help children develop their early sounds and speech. Children learn new vocabulary such as 'combine harvester' as part of their topic about machines. Children's communication and language skills are supported well. n The childminder knows children well and incorporates their interests into activity planning, building on what they already know and can do. Consequently, children are engaged and focused on their learning. Monitoring and assessment are ongoing and effective. The childminder identifies gaps in children's learning and supports their individual needs. Children make good progress in their learning. n The childminder helps children develop an appreciation of their local area and a basic understanding of how they are each unique. However, children do not yet

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need to do better?

learn more about their own heritage and that of their friends and staff. This

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need to do better?

21 June 2023 hinders their developing understanding of the wider world. n Partnerships with parents are sound. Parents are full of praise for the provision. They particularly like the outings that children go on and the nutritious meals their children eat. The childminder communicates well with parents, using a variety of methods to suit families' requirements. Parents know what their children are learning and add experiences from home to extend children's understanding. The childminder supports families with parenting and life issues. Parents feel involved in their children's learning. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles, and children develop independence skills and confidence. For example, children enjoy the responsibility of distributing water bottles to their friends. The childminder reminds them to drink plenty because it is hot outside. Children understand the importance of physical activity and healthy food for their bodies. Children learn key life skills that help

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need to do better?

them, in readiness for their move on to nursery or school. n The childminder involves her assistants in the development of the provision. They feel supported by her and enjoy their roles. However, the childminder does not consider her own and assistants' professional development well enough and does not regularly review knowledge and teaching. This hinders her ability to maintain the highest standard of teaching possible.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a sound understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. They understand how to identify children who are at risk of harm and how to refer concerns on appropriately. The childminder receives regular updates from her local authority and shares information about local and current safeguarding issues with her assistants. The childminder completes regular risk assessments for her premises and outings. She involves children in assessing risks in new environments on outings. This helps them to learn to manage risk effectively.

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should:

n develop strategies to improve children's understanding of the wider world even further n review arrangements for continued professional development to strengthen teaching further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY468633 Local authority Westmorland and Furness Inspection number 10295495 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 9 Number of children on roll 20 Date of previous inspection 18 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria. The childminding provision is known as 'Mi-Newt Childcare'. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 3 and works with a number of assistants. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the early years foundation stage curriculum. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder's assistants spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

21 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.

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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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