Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder does not always check the environment to ensure it is entirely fit for purpose. For example, she leaves food fragments from the previous day on tables, the high chair and the floor where children and babies play. The childminder does not always prioritise the organisation of her setting. This means that items, such as trailing wires and possible trip hazards from discarded toys are overlooked.

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The provision requires improvement

The welcoming childminder knows what she wants children to learn and helps children to develop some of the skills needed for school. For example, older children are helped to develop mathematical awareness and recognise numbers. Younger children are encouraged to count in sequence. However, due to the disorganised environment, babies are unable to develop their large muscles. The childminder carries them or places them in a highchair while she completes routine tasks. As babies attempt to move, the childminder puts them back in areas that are safe as older children play with small toys around them. This hinders the youngest children's physical development.

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The provision requires improvement

Despite some weaknesses in the childminders provision, children's smiles on arrival each day show they are happy. Overall, children behave well. They benefit from the childminders kind and caring approach and the high expectations that she has for behaviour. Children use lovely manners. They play cheerfully together with dolls. Relationships are warm and friendly.

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need to do better?

n The childminder notified Ofsted of a significant event. This means she met the requirement as set out in statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Following the incident, the childminder has strengthened her procedures for supervising children on outings. This helps to keep children safe. n The childminder is inconsistent with hygiene practices. Some children are not encouraged to wash their hands. The childminder sometimes fails to clean the mat after changing nappies. She places a soiled nappy and the changing mat next to toys that children explore using their hands and mouths. This increases the likelihood of a spread of infection. n The childminder does not organise her provision well enough. Children play in areas which have not been checked. Children access bottles of juice from the day before. The environment is cluttered and contains potentially hazardous items, such as small plastic pieces, food waste and cutlery from last night's

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need to do better?

meal. The floor is scattered with small bricks which pose a trip hazard. This hinders babies' ability to move freely and strengthen their physical skills. n Children do not always have access to fresh drinking water throughout the session. This does not support their good health.

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need to do better?

9 April 2024 n Parents are complimentary of the homely environment and value children's experiences, such as outings to the farm. They are kept updated with children's progress. However, the childminder does not share what children are learning with parents and other settings that children attend. This means there is a lack of consistency in supporting children to make the progress they are capable of. n Children are starting to learn what is expected of them. The childminder gives a 2-minute prompt to indicate a change in routine. However, due to weaknesses in how the provision is organised, children lack engagement. Children wait as the childminder takes care of other tasks which impacts on their usually positive attitudes to learning. That said, during these times the childminder sensitively explains why children should not climb on chairs as they may fall down. Overall, this helps children to understand why rules are in place.

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need to do better?

n Children have opportunities to develop awareness of why some people are different to themselves. The childminder provides dressing-up clothing and children express themselves freely. They proudly wear the pretend glasses as they play and explore. n The childminder encourages children's confidence during routines. Children develop independence and fine-motor control using knives to chop fruit for snack. The development of these skills supports children's future learning. n The childminder seeks out additional training. For example, she has begun an early years professional development programme. The childminder meets with other local childminders and shares suggestions for best practice. This demonstrates a willingness to continue to enhance her knowledge and skills.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

ensure that fresh drinking water is accessible and available at all times and support children's physical health. 23/04/2024

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should:

n implement procedures consistently and check the environment is fit for purpose

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should:

9 April 2024 before using it n strengthen opportunities for babies to develop large muscles and help to boost their physical development n reinforce positive hygiene practices and help children to understand the importance of healthy lifestyles n share information with parents and other settings about what children are learning to provide even more consistency in supporting their development and progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY389423 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10336770 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 12 Number of children on roll 7 Date of previous inspection 5 November 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2009 and lives in Oswaldtwistle. She operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder also offers overnight care as and when required. She holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder has an occasional assistant. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider 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 provider. n The quality of education was observed and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector and childminder discussed the intent of her curriculum. n The childminder and the inspector evaluated an activity together. n Relevant documentation was checked and discussed, such as training certificates. The inspector reviewed the childminder's self-evaluation and checked evidence of her suitability and the suitability of her assistants and household members. n Children were spoken to when appropriate. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The childminder and the inspector held ongoing discussions throughout the inspection.

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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.

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Inspection activities

9 April 2024 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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