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 Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children settle well at the setting and confidently say goodbye to their parents in the morning. The childminder provides all families with settling-in visits prior to their start date to support children's relationships and transitions into the setting.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are kind to each other. The childminder has clear boundaries within the setting and children understand her expectations. Therefore, children's behaviour is good and they listen carefully to instructions. Children demonstrate their independence when washing hands and getting ready to go outdoors. They confidently put on their own shoes and coats and choose an activity.

p.2

The provision is good

Children listen to stories as the childminder reads with passion and enthusiasm. She engages them in their learning by using props and talking about what might happen next. She asks questions to keep them focused and they talk together about the pictures they see, developing children's love of reading. Children learn new words and the childminder explains what they mean. For example, she tells them that Kansas is in America and that a cellar is underground, giving children a wider vocabulary and supporting their understanding. The childminder supports children's language development by initiating conversations and repeating words to children clearly.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has a strong focus on developing children's communication and language skills throughout the setting. She uses this to support children's social development as well as teaching them about how to be safe. For example, children learn about 'stranger danger' and how to cross a road safely. In preparation for school, the childminder introduces early mathematical skills and phonics knowledge. n The childminder knows children extremely well. She talks confidently about what children have learned at the setting and what they can already do. The childminder plans clear next steps for all children, which supports their learning and development and helps them to make quick progress. n The childminder teaches children mathematical skills throughout each day and weaves these skills into many activities. For example, when looking at the advent calendar, she teaches children to recognise numbers. Each day, children

p.2

need to do better?

use what they have previously learned to help them find the correct number. When using crafts, the childminder encourages children to count the materials they are using, and when reading books, children recognise a group of two or three objects the same, without counting. Therefore, children's mathematical progress is good. n Children are excited to join in creative activities. The childminder shares her

p.2

need to do better?

15 December 2023 ideas with children and shows them how to make different things. However, the childminder does not always give children enough opportunities to further develop their own creative ideas. n Outdoors, children explore a range of activities, including physical activities to support their large motor skills. Children confidently ride the push-along cars and negotiate the space around them. The childminder also provides many trips out in the local community, including parks and woodland areas where children can climb, kick balls and further develop their physical skills. n Children who speak English as an additional language are well supported. The childminder gathers information regarding children's home lives during settling-in visits and this helps her to support children's development. For example, she asks parents what children can say and understand in their home language. The childminder plans meaningful activities to support children's communication and

p.2

need to do better?

language development. For example, she reads to children and provides props to support children's understanding. She repeats words clearly to children so that they hear and say the correct pronunciation of English. However, she does not always consider the impact of background noise within the environment. n The childminder is a dedicated practitioner. She works hard to develop good working relationships with parents, and they comment on her kind and patient nature. Parents enjoy seeing their children happy and excited to attend the setting. The childminder shares with parents what children are learning and supports families with any challenges they face at home, offering advice where possible. Children benefit from these good relationships and sharing of information.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures at the setting. She recognises the signs that a child may be at risk of harm and knows how to refer her concerns to the relevant agency. She attends regular safeguarding training, along with her assistant, to keep their knowledge up to date. The childminder carries out risk assessments for the setting and for outings to ensure children are kept safe. She encourages children to recognise dangers within the environment and learn how to keep themselves safe too.

p.3

should:

n strengthen opportunities for children to be able to explore and develop their own creative ideas n consider the impact of background noise on children's speech and language development.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY495612 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10300990 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 8 Date of previous inspection 9 January 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5pm Monday and Thursday and to 6pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder's husband is registered as an assistant.

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 joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. 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 inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children.

p.4

Inspection activities

15 December 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

15 December 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