Ashworth, Darren Thomas

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

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The provision is good

The childminder is a playful teacher. He uses humour continuously during his interactions with children. In turn, children enjoy themselves and have fun during their time spent in the childminder's company. Children can frequently be heard laughing, responding well to the childminder's cheerful approach. The childminder is patient and attentive. He responds quickly to children's needs. For instance, when children show a desire to paint, the childminder immediately retrieves the necessary equipment and resources to respond to this request. Children benefit greatly from this considerate and attentive practice. They are emotionally reassured, happy and eager to learn.

p.2

The provision is good

Learning through exploration is the cornerstone to the childminder's curriculum design. Children are encouraged to be curious, explore and use their imagination. This child-led approach to play helps to inspire children as they develop their ideas and grow into self-assured, independent learners. Coupled with promoting children's independent play, the childminder understands the value of his role as a supportive teacher. He actively participates in games and makes suggestions to extend learning. For instance, children enjoy planting seeds in the allotment area. The childminder steps back and encourages the children to dig a suitable furrow and carefully bury the seeds before watering them. Children show excellent physical coordination and concentration, well promoted by the childminder's supportive teaching.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children make good progress, supported by a varied curriculum. The childminder has high expectations for children and challenges them to try new things. He makes learning fun, helping to enthuse and engage children. n Children flourish in their physical health as they experience daily fresh air and exercise. A large outdoor classroom and allotment offer children space to learn outdoors in nature. n The childminder invests time observing children and getting to know them. Each and every child who attends this setting is treated as a unique individual. Children's individual personalities are recognised and nurtured. This is an inclusive setting where children thrive emotionally and developmentally. n Parents are happy with the service provided by the childminder. They say their children enjoy attending and have made noticeable progress. n Children behave well. The childminder gives children gentle reminders about

p.2

need to do better?

how to play nicely with their friends. Children follow simple instructions and understand right from wrong. n The childminder completes mandatory training, such as safeguarding and first aid. However, he does not currently focus on extending this training to other

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need to do better?

8 May 2024 areas to help to build his good skills even more. n The childminder supports children to make healthy choices. For example, children enjoy growing vegetables, such as broccoli and parsnips. They learn where their food comes from and develop a positive attitude to healthy eating. n Children's safety is given utmost priority. The childminder supervises children closely to ensure they remain safe. To illustrate, the childminder frequently checks that sleeping children are not too hot and that they remain comfortable. Children are safe in the childminder's care.

p.2

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n complete wider training to improve the quality of teaching even more and help children make more rapid progress.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY405387 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10335293 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 11 June 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and is situated in the Lancashire town of Bacup. The childminder operates all year round, from 6.30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. He holds a qualification at level 3 and works alongside a co-childminder. The childminder 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 inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children and evaluated the impact of teaching on children's progress. n The inspector viewed key documentation, including the childminder's relevant and valid paediatric first-aid certificate and insurance documentation. n The childminder and the inspector took a tour of all areas of the setting, indoors and outside. The childminder discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector viewed written comments from parents and took account of their views.

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Inspection activities

8 May 2024 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

8 May 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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