Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has high expectations for all children. Her curriculum is carefully thought out so that every child achieves to their full potential. The childminder and her assistants have a wealth of experience and are highly qualified. They work seamlessly together to promote the safety, well-being and learning of every child. Their extensive knowledge enables them to promptly identify any child who is at risk of falling behind in their development. Concerns are shared with parents and targeted support strategies implemented to help children to catch up with their peers. Where concerns remain, the childminder proactively works with other professionals so that children get the support they need as quickly as possible. This ensures each child thrives in their care. Children behave well. They are encouraged to use their words and ask for help as they navigate through their emotions when learning to share and take turns.

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The provision is outstanding

The learning environment is carefully planned to create enticing indoor and outdoor spaces, where children freely explore and investigate. An extensive range of fiction and non-fiction books are accessible in all play areas. They are used exceptionally well by the childminder and her assistants to promote children's language development and knowledge. The childminder creates exciting first-hand experiences to promote children's natural curiosity as learners. For example, when learning about life cycles, children observe how a real caterpillar changes into a butterfly. During discussions, children recall that the caterpillar goes into a 'cocoon'. The assistant extends children's language by introducing unfamiliar words and explains that another word for a cocoon is a 'chrysalis'. They also explain that when the caterpillar changes into a butterfly, it is called 'metamorphosis'.

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need to do better?

n The childminder and her assistants understand the value of working in partnership with parents. Comprehensive information is continually exchanged with parents to ensure the individuality of each child is respected. Home learning packs enable parents to become fully involved in their children's ongoing learning and development. n Parents express that they are extremely happy with the childminder's service. They confirm that the support and guidance they receive are invaluable. After parents expressed their concerns about their children choking, the childminder organised a first-aid course for them to attend. Parents acknowledged how this has helped to reduce their fears and they feel more equipped to deal with emergency situations. n Children's awareness of safety is actively promoted. Following a planned trip to the fire station, the childminder identified that children's awareness of fire safety was limited. Through the skilful introduction of songs, discussions and activities,

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need to do better?

25 July 2024 children's learning increased. Children can now explain how you ring 999 for the fire service and must leave the building if the fire alarm goes off. n Although children are young, the childminder recognises the importance of supporting their awareness of how to use technology safely. She shares informative information with parents on this topic to ensure children remain protected when they use technology and access the internet. n Daily routines are used exceptionally well so that children learn clear boundaries and expectations. When young children get frustrated and test boundaries, the childminder and her assistants sensitively help them to learn how to manage these emotions in a more positive way. For example, the childminder encourages children to think about what they can do when they begin to squabble over a book. Children are praised when they decide it would be better if they looked at

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need to do better?

the book together. n The childminder's and her assistants' experience shines through as they naturally utilise every opportunity that arises to extend children's knowledge and skills. Their enthusiasm for supporting learning through play and their quality interactions significantly enhance children's attention, awe and wonder. Throughout the day, the childminder provides opportunities for children to repeat their play. This enables them to practise the skills they are learning in many ways. n The extensive use of words, songs, books and questions creates a language-rich environment, which supports all children's communication skills effectively. The skilful introduction of unfamiliar words helps to extend children's vocabulary. The purposeful placement of some things on higher shelves encourages children to develop confidence to use their words when requesting these. The childminder also places a strong emphasis on supporting children's listening, attention and

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need to do better?

understanding skills. n The childminder creates special occasion memory books depicting events from children's home lives, including children's christenings or family holidays. Simple words are added, including in other languages, so that children can see a range of words in print. The childminder utilises these books to create purposeful learning opportunities where children's awareness of similarities and differences is sensitively explored. n Mathematical language is skilfully interwoven into children's general play and everyday routines. When observing the butterflies, children correctly count there are three in the enclosure. Children learn to count when singing fire engine number rhymes. When playing in the water, the assistants talk to younger children about containers being 'full' and 'empty'. They also ask them to identify the difference between big and small.

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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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Setting details

Unique reference number 2674075 Local authority North Lincolnshire Inspection number 10354488 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 6 Number of children on roll 20 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in the Isle of Axholme area of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, except bank holidays and family holidays. She works with two assistants, both of whom hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The childminder holds early years professional status in childcare.

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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 provider. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for the children's learning. n The assistants and children spoke to the inspector throughout the inspection. n The childminder and the inspector carried out a joint observation during a planned activity. 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 with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

25 July 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

25 July 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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