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 Requires improvement

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder demonstrates a genuine enjoyment in her work and spending time with children. She is kind, nurturing and responsive to the children's needs. Occasionally, younger children need more time to settle into their day. The childminder offers support and reassurance. Children demonstrate secure attachments when they snuggle up to the childminder for comfort and settle quickly. The childminder knows children well. She plans activities with children's current interests in mind. She uses information from parents and her own observations to plan for children's learning and build on what children already know and can do. Children make good progress from their starting points. Children develop a love of books and reading. The childminder understands how to inspire them to enjoy stories. Children share pop-up and board books with the childminder. She asks children questions, stimulates their interest and brings the story to life.

p.2

The provision is good

Children are learning to share and take turns. Their behaviour is appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder is a good role model and promotes children's positive behaviour. She gives children clear explanations about why certain behaviour is unacceptable. For example, the childminder reminds them that they may hurt themselves if they jump from the garden furniture.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder works on a part-time basis in partnership with a co-childminder and an assistant. Since the last inspection, the childminder has ensured that all checks for her assistant are in place. She has reflected on her own professional development and has considered other training opportunities to enrich her knowledge and develop her teaching even further. n Children have good physical skills and explore the garden with ease. They go up and down small ramps to the slide, strengthening their leg muscles. Children run around the garden, pretending to be firefighters putting out the fire in the playhouse. Younger children open and shut the playhouse windows, playing a game of peekaboo with the childminder. They move between obstacles in the garden and improve their spatial awareness. Children love to be outside and enjoy the daily fresh air. n Children develop good communication and language skills, and overall, the

p.2

need to do better?

childminder supports them well. For instance, she clearly emphasises key words in her interactions and provides a clear narrative to help children's understanding and to follow instructions. However, on some occasions, the childminder moves on too fast, not allowing the children the time to think and respond. For example, the childminder and children draw pictures on opposite sides of the easel. She asks questions, puts suggestions forward to extend their learning and invites children to contribute their own ideas. However, at times, she does not

p.2

need to do better?

4 June 2024 give children enough time to answer the questions or to put their own ideas forward. As a result, children's ability to think critically and develop their own ideas is not maximised. n The childminder provides children with opportunities to develop their fine motor skills. When using play dough, children use a range of cutting tools. The childminder encourages children to roll the play dough with their hands to strengthen muscles and move their fingers, laying the foundations for early writing skills. They are proud to show the childminder the tasks they complete by themselves. For example, they say, 'I did it' when they create animals using the play dough cutters. n Children are learning about healthy lifestyles. They enjoy using the safe and well-resourced garden throughout the day for fresh air and exercise. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder talks

p.2

need to do better?

to parents and children about healthy food options and regular visits to the dentist. n Children receive lots of praise for their efforts, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence. n The childminder fosters strong relationships with parents. She provides advice and support to help them meet their children's needs. Parents state that the childminder provides a home-from-home environment for their children. They value the regular feedback they receive.

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

should:

n enhance support for children to develop their critical thinking and communication and language skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY491746 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10300532 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 17 Date of previous inspection 8 June 2023

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015. She works from the home of another childminder in Needingworth, Cambridgeshire. The childminder operates all year round, from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Monday, 7.30am to 6pm on Tuesday and 7.30am to 5.30pm on Thursday. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about their intentions for children's learning. n The inspector and the childminder evaluated a teaching activity together to review the quality of education. n Parents shared their views of the childminder's setting with the inspector in writing. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children and the childminder's assistant and children.

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Inspection activities

4 June 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

4 June 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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