Childminder in Lancashire

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children are extremely settled in this friendly and family orientated setting. The childminder fosters warm and secure relationships. Children demonstrate that they are happy and feel a sense of security. For example, they independently go to the childminder for a cuddle if they need reassurance. Children self-select from resources and instigate their own play. They invite adults into their play and are confident in making their needs known. The childminder has high expectations for children. They listen carefully to instructions and willingly help to tidy up and set the table for lunch.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder plans an interesting curriculum with a clear intent for children. This supports children's interests and next steps in learning. Planned activities include topics which children show an interest in and allow time for children to recap on prior learning. For example, children enjoy acting out familiar stories which then develops into using story bags, painting pictures of characters and using cards to retell a story. The childminder skilfully introduces different areas of learning within activities. For example, children count characters as they read books, which helps to build their mathematical skills. All children make good progress and are well prepared for their future move as they start school.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder offers a broad curriculum and skilfully engages all children in learning. For example, during a painting activity she supports younger children to hold a brush and name paint colours. With older children she talks about different tones of light and dark. Children are curious as they mix the paint and build their knowledge of colours and textures. Children are enthusiastic about learning. n Children's early literacy skills are promoted well. They enjoy bringing books from home and sharing the contents with adults and their friends. For example, children bring books about the weather and talk about lightning being a bit like electricity. The childminder reads to children with enthusiasm, encourages them to join in and make predictions. Children are enthralled and demonstrate very good listening skills. n Children are confident communicators. The childminder promotes language well. For example, she reads stories to children, plans singing sessions and

p.2

need to do better?

encourages children to retell familiar tales using props. She talks with children and asks them questions. However, there are times when children do not have the opportunity to use the widest range of vocabulary they are capable of. n Children are encouraged to be independent and develop a 'have a go' attitude. For example, children excitedly use construction blocks to build different paths on the floor. They identify different ways they can use the blocks as stepping

p.2

need to do better?

27 July 2023 stones. They carefully balance on their toes until they reach the end of the path. On multiple occasions children fall off. However, with encouragement, they keep trying until they master this balancing skill. Children show that they are resilient and confident. n The childminder is a very good role model and promotes positive behaviour extremely well. If children become a little unsettled she talks to them patiently and encourages them to consider how others are feeling. This helps children to understand their own feelings and the needs of others. n Partnerships with other professionals are good. As children prepare to start school their teachers are invited into the setting. This allows teachers to talk with the childminder about children's needs and observe children at play in a familiar environment. This means that partnerships with other professionals are meaningful and have a positive impact on children's well-being as they start

p.2

need to do better?

school. n The childminder attends a range of training opportunities. She meets every week with another childminder and together they discuss activities, examples of good practice and how they can develop their practice further. This allows the childminder to constantly reflect and adapt her practice for the benefit of children's overall development. In addition, it allows children to build a wider circle of friends and develop their social skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder attends regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She understands the procedures she must follow if she believes a child may be at risk. She constantly conducts risk assessments of her home which helps to make the environment safe for children. For example, she ensures that the front door is always locked after children have entered, so that unwanted visitors cannot enter the premises. She encourages children to think about their own safety. For example, she reminds children to look carefully when they use a knife, under supervision, to cut vegetables for lunch.

p.3

should:

n strengthen strategies for communication and language in order to give children consistent opportunities to extend their language skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY470373 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10288957 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 7 November 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure that those are safe and suitable. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's 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. n Parents shared their views through written comments. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

27 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

27 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.

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