Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are extremely happy with this awe-inspiring childminder. The rich and well-sequenced curriculum provides children with great opportunities and experiences. For example, they learn about road safety when out on trips and enjoy public transport rides to zoos, the library and local parks. The nurturing childminder creates a captivating environment and prompts children to think deeply during activities and make choices about what they would like to access next. Children are confident, and they explore their learning environment with enthusiasm. They quickly develop highly positive attitudes to learning.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has very high expectations for all children and supports them to develop a wealth of knowledge, language and skills. Children show awe and wonder as they make coloured potions with wool, glitter and other wonderful resources from the garden, such as herbs and sticks. They experiment with various resources, using spoons, pipettes and jugs to fill and empty containers. The childminder encourages resilience and deeper thinking about how to make their desired creations. As a result, children demonstrate high levels of engagement and work together well as they test out their predictions.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder cultivates an environment of trust and respect. Even the newest children quickly form close bonds with her and thrive in her nurturing care. The childminder establishes clear expectations from the beginning, so children understand about the boundaries for their behaviour. These expectations include helping to tidy up, collaborating with friends and learning about the rules related to mealtimes. As a result, children are well-rounded, polite individuals who value their relationships with peers and adults.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is an excellent role model for the children. She values the importance of promoting effective communication and language skills. The childminder's interactions provoke critical thinking in children and lead to many meaningful conversations. She introduces new words, such as 'scurry', and explains their meaning alongside practical examples. For instance, a toy crab was seen to scurry under an island of sand as children looked on in wonder. This ensures the words are securely embedded. Children are then able to use the newly acquired vocabulary in context. n The childminder provides superb opportunities for children to experiment and become little explorers in the garden. As children are fascinated to explore the 'potions' at the water table, the childminder prompts them to fill the cups, bowls and cotton wool with coloured water. Glitter and herbs are mixed together, and children are encouraged to observe the effects. Children interact beautifully

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need to do better?

21 March 2025 together as they share resources and suggest ideas to each other. This further develops children's understanding of the world and their thinking while enhancing their fine motor skills. n The childminder is very knowledgeable and experienced. She has a very clear understanding of what she wants children to learn and has created an ambitious and meaningful curriculum that is expertly sequenced. The childminder completes regular observations and assessments. She carefully considers children's next steps in learning, needs and interests when planning a wide selection of fascinating activities. She supports children to be motivated learners, and they make rapid and sustained progress in their learning. n The childminder fosters a love of reading. She introduces children to books and stories that are carefully chosen to reflect each child's stage of development. This helps to introduce children to new language. For example, younger children

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need to do better?

explore picture books. They make links to prior learning and things they have learned from home. Children stare at the childminder's mouth as she pronounces new words before trying to copy her. The childminder pauses to allow children to complete sentences and refrains, which they do with impressive confidence. Opportunities such as these develop children's communication and language skills. n The childminder promotes health and hygiene well. Children are physically active throughout the day. They are extremely independent when toileting and can be heard engaging in wonderful conversations while washing their hands. Children show confidence when expressing their likes and dislikes and enjoy eating healthy foods. They talk about good oral hygiene and remember that they need to brush their teeth for two minutes. Children develop an excellent understanding of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

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need to do better?

n Parents feel incredibly well supported to contribute to their child's learning and development. They praise the childminder and refer to her as having a 'remarkable dedication to children'. The childminder regularly shares detailed information about each child's progress with their parents. She keeps them up to date at every step of their child's learning journey. Parents recognise the passion that the childminder has for her role and appreciate the wide variety of experiences their children have in her care. They develop close and trusting bonds with 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 EY417470 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10368662 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 12 Number of children on roll 9 Date of previous inspection 29 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Accrington. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 7.30am to 4pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant. She offers government funded childcare places for children aged between nine months and five years.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum has been implemented and the impact that this has had on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises her early years provision, including the aims and rationale for her early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector and the childminder jointly evaluated a planned activity. n Parents shared their views of the setting during the inspection. n The childminder provided the inspector with relevant documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

21 March 2025 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

21 March 2025 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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