Childminder in Lancashire

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

p.1

The provision is good

The childminder provides a friendly environment with a strong family feel. She invites parents to stay for settling-in sessions so she can learn about children's unique needs. The childminder is alert to children's care needs and does all she can to follow routines and practices that children have at home. Children seek out the childminder for reassurance if they are a little unsettled and giggle as she plays peekaboo with them. Children demonstrate that they feel happy and secure in her care. The childminder is a positive role model; she encourages children to share and carefully look after resources. Children are beginning to understand their emotions and are forming friendships with each other.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder offers activities to support children in all areas of their development. Children have the opportunity to revisit their learning and build their knowledge and understanding. For example, she encourages children to search for minibeasts in the garden and to carefully turn the pages of a book. Activities like these help children to be mindful of others and to take care of resources. Children make good progress and are prepared for the next stage in their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n Overall, the childminder promotes children's communication and language well. She provides a running commentary and sings songs. When she reads stories, she encourages children to join in. For example, children enthusiastically name different animals and the sounds they make. However, at times, she asks children too many questions and gives them lots of information at once. This is not always stage-appropriate for children and does not fully support early communication skills. n Children's physical development is promoted well. Younger children enjoy tummy time and use a walker to help them build their strength in preparation for walking. Older children are encouraged to use construction blocks and make marks using a crayon. This helps children develop their physical skills in preparation for writing. n Children enjoy outings throughout the week in the local community and visit local playgroups. This gives children the opportunity to mix with a wider group of

p.2

need to do better?

children. These experiences help children to develop their social skills and confidence as they interact with others. n The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles. For example, she plans activities where children can smell and touch real fruit and vegetables. This allows children to be familiar with new foods they may not have tried before. She provides healthy fruit snacks and ensures children are kept well hydrated throughout the day. As a result, children are beginning to try different foods and enjoy a balanced diet.

p.2

need to do better?

10 September 2024 n Partnerships with parents are good. The childminder encourages parents to be part of children's assessments and shares ideas with them so they can extend children's learning at home. Parents say, 'My child is really settled,' and 'My child has become confident and independent.' These partnerships help to build a consistency of care for children. n Partnerships with other professionals are in place. The childminder meets regularly with other childminding professionals to share good practice. She shares information about children's developmental stage with teachers as children start school. These partnerships help children's transition to school as all carers are aware of their individual needs. n The childminder speaks regularly with other professionals to refresh her knowledge. She attends training to update her skills. She has recently attended training on promoting positive behaviour and considering children's emotional

p.2

need to do better?

well-being. This demonstrates that training is targeted to meet the needs of children in her care.

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 strengthen the curriculum for communication and language, so that it is precisely matched to meet the needs of children.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY319738 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10351301 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 2 Date of previous inspection 23 October 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Garstang, Lancashire. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder works alongside a co-childminder.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n Parents spoke to the inspector and shared their views of the setting. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.4

Inspection activities

10 September 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

10 September 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