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

The childminder helps children settle in and feel at home in her care. Babies who are new to the childminder quickly form strong attachments to her. Older children demonstrate their sense of security as they happily include visitors in their play. They confidently share their imaginary popcorn and discuss which film they are going to watch at their pretend cinema. The childminder supports children's positive attitudes towards their play and learning as she follows their lead and facilitates interesting activities to extend their thinking.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder displays patience and sensitivity when children are, for example, toilet training. She offers enthusiastic praise for children's efforts and achievements. This boosts their self-esteem and helps them understand her expectations. The childminder teaches children how their behaviour affects others. Consequently, children behave well and are polite. For example, they ask to 'please leave the table'.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are excited by the interesting activities and resources the childminder provides and are curious in their play and learning. For instance, they are keen to make 'real porridge'. Children are delighted when they mix the oats and water, and the porridge flows out of the pot just like in the story they read. The childminder supports children to make good progress in all areas of their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's developing communication and language skills well. The text-rich environment helps children include early reading in their play. For instance, children use menus and recipes while they role play in the kitchen area. They make marks that are meaningful to them as they practise early writing skills. Children are confident communicators. n The childminder weaves number and mathematical language throughout her teaching. This helps children gain a sound early understanding of mathematical concepts. They count with confidence from a young age and build solid foundations for future learning. n The childminder supports children's physical skills and understands how to sequence children's developing skills. She helps babies practise sitting unaided, building their core strength. Older children learn to control their arm movements and build strength in their small hand muscles before attempting to control a

p.2

need to do better?

pencil. This helps children embed knowledge and master their learning. n The childminder plans for older children's learning effectively, linking their knowledge through interesting activities. Positive interactions with babies help them make good progress. However, planning for younger children is not always targeted precisely for their needs. As a result, learning is more incidental,

p.2

need to do better?

12 October 2023 particularly within activities for children of mixed ages. n The childminder uses outings effectively to support children's learning and to help develop their social skills. For instance, children learn about religious celebrations, such as Diwali, while they attend playgroups. They say 'hola' and 'gracias' as they greet the school crossing patrol staff in their own language. This helps children learn about the diverse world they live in. n The childminder helps children develop independence and teaches them key life skills, such as dressing themselves and eating as a group at the table. However, the messages she conveys to children about hygiene routines are inconsistent. This can, on occasion, hinder their understanding of cross-contamination of germs. n The childminder works hard to build strong relationships with parents. She keeps parents informed about their children's learning and works closely with them to

p.2

need to do better?

monitor and assess children's development from the outset. This helps to maintain consistency of children's care and learning. n The childminder is proactive in sourcing training that is targeted to benefit the children attending. For instance, she completes training on 'school readiness' as children approach school age. This helps her prepare children for their move on to school.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures, including how to manage allegations appropriately. She frequently refreshes her knowledge by completing additional online learning. The childminder understands how to identify when a child is at risk of harm and how to refer concerns on to appropriate authorities. She completes risk assessments of her premises and while on outings to help keep children safe in her care. The childminder has completed training on managing allergies to help keep children with specific dietary requirements safe.

p.3

should:

n plan for babies' learning with more focus to bring it up to the high standard of planning already in place for older children's learning n strengthen teaching around hygiene routines to ensure that children receive consistent messages.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY448181 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10308379 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 9 Date of previous inspection 14 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Fulwood, Preston. She operates all year round, from 7.45am to 5.45pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant qualification at level 4. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 their evaluation of the childminder. 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 spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. 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 The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has had 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

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

12 October 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