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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

The childminder builds positive relationships with all children. She gathers key information from parents before children start and uses this information to plan for a range of activities that follow children's interests. The childminder knows children well and is attuned to their needs. For example, she recognises when babies are hungry or tired and responds sensitively with cuddles and reassurance. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They know the routines of the day and settle well when they first arrive. For example, after returning from an outing, children choose their favourite toys and quickly engage in their play.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children's independence skills effectively. She teaches children the importance of good hygiene practices, such as handwashing, and encourages them to take off their own coats and shoes. The childminder praises children for their efforts and is on hand for support when needed. This builds children's confidence and self-esteem. Children are curious learners and show a positive attitude to their learning. For example, older children are excited to complete jigsaws and count how many more pieces they need to finish the puzzle. The childminder supports children to keep trying when at first they do not succeed. For example, she supports younger children to correctly place wooden balls at the top of a ramp so that they can roll without stopping. Children develop the skills they need for the next steps in their learning and in preparation for school.

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need to do better?

n Overall, the childminder knows what she wants children to learn. She plans activities that follow children's interests. For example, children enjoy drawing pictures and singing their favourite songs. However, the childminder does not fully consider how to adapt her interactions during planned activities to help all children to make the best possible progress. n The childminder is a positive role model. She is calm and nurturing in her approach. The childminder encourages children to use their manners and take turns during activities and daily routines. Overall, children behave well. Children play happily together and show enthusiasm during activities. For example, they giggle with delight as they play hide and seek. However, when children become overexcited, this sometimes leads to unwanted behaviour. At these times, the childminder does not consistently implement effective strategies to gain children's attention to stop their inappropriate play. This does not help children

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need to do better?

to learn and fully understand what is expected of them. n The childminder understands the importance of children's early reading skills. She encourages children to develop a love of books from an early age. For example, the childminder provides many books for children to access independently. Children of all ages enjoy snuggling into the childminder as she

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need to do better?

27 November 2024 animatedly reads their favourite stories. The childminder asks open questions, such as 'Where do you think the bear is going?', to engage children in the story even further. This supports children's critical thinking skills. n The childminder reflects on her practice and updates her knowledge regularly. She has attended speech and language training and puts into practice what she has learned. For example, the childminder engages in meaningful two-way conversations and provides a narrative on what children are doing. She repeats the words children say so that they can hear the correct pronunciation and introduces new words as they play. This supports children's developing communication and language skills. n The childminder understands the importance of promoting children's good health. She caters for children's individual dietary requirements and ensures that children have a variety of healthy snacks, meals and fresh drinking water. In

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need to do better?

addition, the childminder encourages children to be physically active and ensures that they benefit daily from fresh air and exercise. For example, children access the childminder's well-resourced garden and enjoy visiting soft-play areas. This supports children's large muscle development, balance and coordination. n The childminder engages parents in their children's learning and development. She provides regular updates on children's individual progress and suggests ideas that parents can try at home to further their children's learning. Parents are happy with the care and service provided. They comment that they feel fully informed about their child's day through the daily communication and photos that the childminder provides. This supports positive parent partnerships and promotes continuity of learning for children.

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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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should:

n strengthen the intent of planned activities so that they precisely meet the development needs of all children n share more consistent messages with children around their behaviour so that they gain an understanding of the expectations for their behaviour.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 308363 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10359807 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 12 December 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Lytham St. Annes. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder shared a range of documentation with the inspector, such as evidence of the childminder's continued professional development and paediatric first-aid qualification. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for the curriculum. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector. n The childminder and inspector had discussions at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder showed the inspector around the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are safe and suitable.

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Inspection activities

27 November 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

27 November 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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