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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children are happy, curious and confident learners. They are eager to explore the variety of well-planned activities on offer in this predominantly outdoor environment. The childminder and her assistants know the children well. Children are valued as individuals and staff use children's interests and next steps to plan engaging opportunities. For example, children learn about colours and practise counting as they independently choose to explore their favourite cars. This helps to keep children highly engaged and motivated in their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistants implement a rich curriculum where children immerse themselves in good-quality learning opportunities. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn by providing resources that encourage children's curiosity. For example, as children explore the play dough, they use the herbs and spices to change the smell and consistency of the dough. The children use their senses to explore the way the resources smell and feel, and the childminder extends their learning through open-ended questioning.

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The provision is good

Children settle quickly and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They form strong attachments with all adults, who are warm, caring and responsive to their needs. The childminder and her assistants are quick to respond to children's emotional cues, which significantly supports their confidence and well-being.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a strong emphasis on providing children with an outdoor learning environment. Children spend much of their time in the outdoor area where they can access both covered and uncovered spaces. During the colder months, children wrap up in appropriate clothing to keep warm and can access little 'snugs' should they want to be indoors. n Observations and assessments of children's learning are accurate. There are good procedures in place to monitor children's progress. Staff meet regularly to identify what children know and can do and to highlight where children's learning needs to go next. The childminder and her assistants quickly identify any gaps in children's development and put plans in place to ensure the best outcomes for all children. However, occasionally, the assistants do not always use their knowledge of children's individual needs to support and extend their learning during spontaneous play.

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need to do better?

n Children's communication and language development is supported well. Books, stories and pictures are used as prompts for conversations and children comment on what they can see. The childminder values the importance of children having access to a wide variety of printed material and text to explore. Children laugh and smile in delight as they snuggle on the sofa to listen to

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need to do better?

14 September 2023 stories. Staff enthusiastically read books and children make links in their learning as they discuss the different animals in the text. n Children demonstrate a positive attitude to learning, eagerly exploring the activities and resources on offer for extended periods of time. Children are given packets of tea bags to open during a water play activity. This helps to develop the skills they need to independently open packets at lunchtimes. Children learn the skills necessary to be independent learners who are ready for the next stage in their developmental journey. However, at times, the childminder and her assistants do not always encourage quieter and less-confident children to join in and engage with activities. This results in those children sometimes missing out on learning opportunities. n The childminder is reflective of her practice. She plans opportunities to support her assistants to develop their teaching skills over time. The childminder has

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need to do better?

undertaken training about the 'curiosity approach' and introduces a range of resources and activities to support children's natural curiosity and imagination. n Parents speak highly of the childminder and her assistants. They receive regular communication about their children's development, and comment that staff plan a wide variety of activities and opportunities to continuously 'help move learning forward'. They praise the setting's 'amazing' settling-in procedures, and comment that there is focus on each child's individual needs.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have a secure understanding of their roles to safeguard children from harm. They are aware of the potential signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse. The childminder and her assistants supervise children well. They are aware of safe sleep routines and carry out daily risk assessments to reduce hazards and minimise accidents. The childminder and her assistants understand the procedures to follow if there are any allegations raised against them or people within the household. The childminder follows robust recruitment procedures, including meeting her responsibilities for checking the suitability of her assistants to work with children.

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should:

n strengthen teaching strategies to extend learning opportunities for children to help them to make even more progress in their learning n support all children to fully engage with the opportunities on offer, to further promote their learning and development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY416142 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10280762 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 18 Number of children on roll 22 Date of previous inspection 21 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Chatteris. She offers care all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with two assistants.

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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 their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the early years provision is organised, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder, her assistants and children. n The inspector and childminder conducted a joint observation of an activity and discussed the emerging strengths and areas for development. n The inspector took account of the views of parents. n The inspector reviewed a sample of documentation.

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Inspection activities

14 September 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

14 September 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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