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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in the care of this nurturing and dedicated childminder. From the start of their care, the childminder uses information gathered from parents to plan a curriculum that is tailored to children's developmental needs and interests. She supports children's personal, social and emotional development exceptionally well. She spends time getting to know children when they first start at the setting. Children settle quickly and develop a strong sense of belonging.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations of children. Clear and consistent rules and routines are embedded securely within the setting. Children behave well and show that they know what is expected of them. Before moving to a new activity, children understand that they need to tidy away the toys. The childminder ensures that these transitions are fun and exciting learning experiences. Children happily work together to tidy away the toys before the 'tidy-away song' finishes.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder plans purposeful learning opportunities. Children confidently explore the well-resourced environment, self-selecting from a variety of accessible toys. For example, they immerse themselves in water play. They use pipettes, cups and jugs to transport the water through tubes and funnels. As others join their play, the children show them how to use the equipment effectively, sharing their own knowledge and understanding. The childminder introduces positional language as children investigate what happens to the water. In turn, children then begin to use these newly-learned words as they comment on what they see. Children have a positive attitude to learning and make good progress from their starting points.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder implements a curriculum with an emphasis on children's personal, social and emotional development. She follows the children's lead and joins in with their play to reinforce what they know. As children play, the childminder models effective communication skills and talks to the children about sharing and taking turns. Children are praised and encouraged in their achievements, which leads to good levels of confidence and emotional well- being. n The childminder uses the information gained from her observations of children to plan challenging and stage-appropriate activities. For example, children practise using scissor-grip scoopers to feed the farm animals. The childminder skilfully models how to squeeze and release the handles, and children confidently have a go themselves. Activities like these help children to strengthen their muscles in preparation for early writing. n The childminder plans a wide range of activities out and about in the community,

p.2

need to do better?

where children can build confidence and socialise with others. They regularly

p.2

need to do better?

14 October 2024 attend toddler groups, visit farms and meet up with children who attend other local childminder settings. Children have opportunities to learn about each other's similarities and differences as well as different cultures and faiths. Visitors from the local community come to the setting to share how they celebrate specific festivals. These experiences contribute to children's understanding of the world around them. n Children develop a sense of responsibility and independence from a young age. The childminder involves children in decisions made throughout the day, such as what they would like to play with and when they would like to go outside. Children help to choose the snack options and clear their plates away after they have finished. The childminder is patient and allows children time to get ready by themselves as they put on their own boots ready to explore the garden. Children benefit from good opportunities to develop their independence.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children learn to be confident communicators. The childminder ensures that children have a voice and are listened to. As children play, the childminder narrates their actions, introducing new vocabulary and reinforcing the meaning of words. She asks carefully selected questions to promote children's critical thinking skills. However, occasionally, the childminder does not allow children time to process and respond to questions before providing them with the answer. At these times, children's communication and language skills are not supported as effectively. n The childminder is highly reflective of the service she provides. She continually evaluates her practice and knowledge. Within the community, she networks with other childminders to share ideas and keep her knowledge up to date. Training is focused and has a direct and positive impact on the quality of education. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents feel well informed and comment

p.3

need to do better?

that their children have 'come on leaps and bounds' in their development. The childminder shares daily updates of children's learning and provides ideas about how parents can continue children's learning at home. Parents state that they value the childminder's commitment to helping their children develop good social skills and confidence within the wider community.

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 allow children more time to think and respond to questions to support their communication and language skills more effectively.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2688214 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10363661 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 4 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2022 and lives in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Wednesday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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 inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed how the childminder interacted with children and spoke with the children present. n The inspector and childminder completed a joint evaluation of an activity to assess the quality of teaching. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

p.4

Inspection activities

14 October 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

14 October 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