Childminder, Out-of school day care in Cambridgeshire

This provision meets requirements

The childminder creates a warm and nurturing environment, where children's needs and interests are carefully considered. She knows the children extremely well and plans activities and opportunities that ignite children's excitement and builds on their learning from school. For example, children discuss the life cycle of a butterfly, naming the different stages that happen. This prompts discussions about the children's time at school and their transitions into older year groups. Children's communication and language skills are supported well as a result of the childminder's meaningful interactions and open-ended discussions.

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This provision meets requirements

The childminder acts as a good role model and children understand the behaviour expectations of the setting. Children recall the setting's 'Golden Rules' and share the reasons why they are in place. From the start of their time in her care, children build positive bonds with the childminder, which supports their emotional well- being. The childminder focuses on ensuring children develop their personal, social and emotional skills needed for future learning. Children enjoy spending time with the childminder's own children and talk fondly of their experiences with other children who attend the setting. Children are respectful and polite, and their behaviour is good.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a good understanding of the early years foundation stage and uses this knowledge to support children in their learning. From the start of their care, the childminder works closely with parents to gather information about the children, enabling her to provide experiences that build on their individual learning needs. Children who are learning to speak English as an additional language are supported well. Parents comment that the childminder supports children's home language as well as developing their skills in the understanding and use of the English language. n Children benefit from a wide range of exciting opportunities outside the setting. For example, they visit farms, libraries, zoos and swimming pools. Outings to the local park provide opportunities for children to climb and explore. Children recall visiting a crocodile farm and share their knowledge of the similarities and

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need to do better?

differences between male and female lions. Opportunities like these, help children gain new skills and learn about the world around them. n Children's voices are heard and valued. The childminder takes children's interests and ideas into consideration and allows them to lead their play. The childminder provides an environment where children can access resources independently. They take ownership of their learning and, subsequently, remain engaged and motivated in their play. During a mathematical weighing game, the childminder

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need to do better?

8 August 2024 introduces new vocabulary, which further builds on children's understanding. For example, as they recognise that two groups of objects have the same amount, the childminder highlights what this means when using the weighing scales. She introduces words such as 'balance' and 'equal weight' to develop children's mathematical awareness. n The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves healthy and manage risks. Children follow good hygiene practices. They wash their hands before mealtimes and help to tidy away toys after they have finished. The childminder provides children with healthy and well-balanced meals and carefully considers all children's dietary needs. Children enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as cutting their own fruit at snack time. They build on their fine motor skills as they learn how to successfully use the cutting equipment. The childminder encourages children to be physically active. Children enjoy riding their scooters

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need to do better?

and bikes at the park. Children's healthy lifestyles are promoted well. n Partnerships with parents are effective. The childminder shares photos and videos of children's time at the setting and parents highly value her communication, both written and verbal. They speak positively about their children's time at the setting and comment that the childminder is a good source of support. Parents feel she goes above and beyond to facilitate strong relationships and state that their children 'adore her'.

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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 EY539327 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10351724 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 3 Date of previous inspection 10 October 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Eynesbury, St Neots. She operates during school holidays only, from 8am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their provision. n The inspector viewed the setting and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children during activities. n The inspector took account of the views of parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

8 August 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 August 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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