Hilton, Karen Elizabeth Ann

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

p.1

The provision is outstanding

The exceptional childminder creates an enticing and stimulating learning environment in which all children thrive. Children constantly use their imagination to explore and are highly motivated learners. They join in enthusiastically during a music and movement session, giggling as they wave coloured scarves high and low. Children then start to play with construction blocks and apply that learning as they build high towers and low towers. There is a wealth of opportunities for children to revisit learning to deepen their understanding. The environment is consistently awash with discussion. The atmosphere is vibrant, and children are extremely motivated and eager to learn.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

All children have built strong attachments with the childminder and thoroughly enjoy being in her care. They exhibit wonderful listening and attention skills as she reads stories and giggle with delight as they anticipate what will happen next. Children show that they feel secure and happy. They make their needs known, walk about contentedly singing to themselves and talk about 'our resources'. This demonstrates that children have a sense of belonging. The childminder is an excellent role model, and children's behaviour is superb.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

The childminder supports all children to try new things and build their independence. She reassures children if things do not go to plan and helps them find new ways to success. Children show great determination as they build their own balancing beam and keep trying to cross the beam safely without falling off. The childminder offers constant praise and encouragement, which helps children to build their resilience and independence.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has developed a highly effective curriculum that is uniquely targeted to help children practice and master new skills. Children who are not yet three years of age act out being a ships captain. They pick up a long wooden plank and place it on a tyre to make steps up to their imaginary ship. Children pretend to find an island full of treasure, leap from sharks in an imaginary sea and keep watch for pirates. The childminder allows children to develop their unique interests and fosters children's imagination and thinking skills to an extremely high level. n The curriculum 'sparks the imagination' of children. They discuss the animals they saw on a recent outing to the zoo. Children who are not yet three years of age delight in sharing the names, diet, eating habits and environments of animals, such as ant eaters and sloths. The childminder skilfully asks children questions to build their understanding and consolidate their learning. Children

p.2

need to do better?

have excellent levels of communication and language.

p.2

need to do better?

13 May 2024 n The childminder truly values the uniqueness of every child. She sequences children's learning so that it is tailored to meet their individual needs. Children are deeply engaged in play and consistently show high levels of concentration. The childminder prompts children's curiosity through engaging and imaginative activities. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make significant progress from their starting points. n Meaningful partnerships are in place with parents. The childminder gathers a wealth of information as children start. She shares developmental information and consistently promotes home learning. Parents are very complimentary about the care given to children. They make particular reference to how children develop confidence, make rapid progress and are excited to start school. These partnerships promote a consistency of care for children between the setting and

p.2

need to do better?

home. n The childminder is proactive in forging partnerships with other professionals. She regularly shares information about children's development when they attend other settings and meets with teachers when children prepare to start school. These partnerships allow adults to work together to support children's preparation for future learning and success. n Children have opportunities to learn about their local area and the world. They enjoy going on regular outings, meeting new people and explore special days that are important. They learn about windy weather through observing clouds that are reflected in a mirror, appreciate the concept of speed by watching boats on the river and help to plant and tend for vegetables at their allotment. Children are gathering the knowledge they need to understand people, families and communities other than their own. n The childminder constantly evaluates the activities and opportunities she offers

p.3

need to do better?

to children, which provides her with a clear insight into areas she can develop. She greatly values continued professional development and ensures that training is targeted to support the children in her care. She has recently completed training on supporting children to regulate their emotions, as they are going through transitions and change. She consistently builds her knowledge to improve her teaching and outcomes for children.

p.3

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

Setting details

Unique reference number EY431848 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10335417 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 3 Date of previous inspection 14 June 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Ashton-On-Ribble. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Wednesday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. 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 The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a communication and language activity with the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting through written comments. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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

13 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.

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