Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 interested in the world around them and are keen to try new things and take part in activities that the childminder suggests. Children understand the need to keep dry when it starts to rain. They shelter in the playhouse and ask for their coats. Children discuss with the childminder the difference between heavy rain and drizzle, and decide that it is ok to remain in the garden. They enjoy being physical, burning off energy and regularly raising their heart rates and getting out of breath. Children kick balls, balance along beams and competently ride balance bicycles. The childminder talks to the children about using cycle helmets and reminds them why it is important to protect their brain inside their head.

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The provision is good

Children develop their imagination as they play with dolls, taking them to the role- play café or for walks around the garden. They share ideas with their peers and negotiate about what should happen next in their game. The childminder supports children to learn to take turns and share. She responds quickly and calmly to any minor disputes, reminding children that feet are for walking, and to use 'kind hands'. Children make used of a sand timer to help them to wait for their turn with popular resources.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides a curriculum that supports children's development across the seven areas of learning. She joins in with children's games and recognises when they need her input or support. However, at times, the childminder misses the true interests of the child or is too formal in her learning intent. As a result, children sometimes lose interest and move on to something new. n The childminder is keen for children to understand about the natural world. They regularly visit a local farm to see sheep, ducks and horses. Children spend time in the village orchard, observing the development of fruit on the trees and gaining an understanding of the seasons. Children help to grow courgettes, tomatoes and a range of herbs in the childminder's garden. n The childminder provides lots of opportunities to develop children's early mathematical understanding. She regularly encourages children to count and

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need to do better?

helps them to recognise written numerals. The childminder helps children to see when pots are full, half full or empty, as they play with sand. Children start to recognise squares and triangles and gain an understanding of size as they build towers with magnetic shapes. n The childminder regularly observes children's learning and undertakes formal assessment of their progress between the ages of two and three years. She regularly shares reports of children's progress with their parents and provides them with information around areas such as potty training. However, the

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need to do better?

19 July 2023 childminder has not yet developed robust links with other settings children attend. n The childminder understands the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on some children's development. She is supportive of children as they learn to become confident around larger groups, or taking part in messy activities. n Children understand the importance of handwashing and regularly undertake this task after playing in the garden or before eating their lunch. The childminder has a clear healthy-eating policy and encourages children to eat their savoury food before moving on to sweeter things, such as fruit, in their lunch boxes. n The childminder naturally talks with children as they play, extending their vocabulary and sensitively supporting the correct pronunciation of words. She regularly rotates books, which are freely accessible to children. Children attend a local music group and can confidently recite songs and rhymes.

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need to do better?

n Parents are complimentary about the 'home-from-home' service the childminder provides. They value the range of activities their children take part in, and feel involved in their children's development. n The childminder shows a drive to continue to improve and develop her service. She has undertaken a number of short courses since she registered, and talks clearly about how she adapts the provision to meet the ages of the children she is caring for. The childminder wishes to develop further her understanding of natural learning environments and has identified further courses to attend.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a robust understanding of her role in protecting children who may be at risk of harm or abuse. She is aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is suffering harm, including wider issues such as online bullying. The childminder knows the importance of keeping accurate records and referring concerns to her local authority social care team promptly. She knows the action to take should an allegation be made against herself or a household member.

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should:

n strengthen interactions with children to fully support their interests and stages of development, consistently enabling them to become deeply immersed in their learning n enhance partnerships with other settings that children attend, so that there is regular sharing of information that enables children's development to be supported to the very highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2635993 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10295673 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 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021. She lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The childminder opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, from 8am until 5.30pm. She is closed for family holidays and bank holidays.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable. The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. She spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The inspector took account of parents' views through annual surveys. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation.

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Inspection activities

19 July 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

19 July 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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