Childminder in Blackburn with Darwen

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 knows children very well. She provides exciting and interesting activities, alongside consistent daily routines, in a nurturing environment. The childminder is extremely responsive to children's needs. Children are very happy, and their ideas and opinions are valued. This supports children's developing confidence and emotional well-being.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They learn to form strong relationships. Children demonstrate respect and consideration for their friends. They spend substantial periods outside playing cooperatively, taking turns and sharing toys. Children demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm and a real eagerness to participate in the outside learning environment. The childminder is a good role model and has realistic expectations of children's behaviour and conduct. She speaks calmly, respectfully and models language well. When minor disagreements arise, the childminder intervenes successfully and gives children age-appropriate support. She guides children to make good choices and encourages them to use good manners. This results in a positive and happy environment, where children demonstrate they feel safe and secure.

p.2

The provision is good

The childminder plans a broad and ambitious curriculum that focuses on developing children's independence and communication skills. She provides opportunities for children to develop their independence through daily routines. Children serve their own meals, pour their own drinks and tidy away after lunch. The childminder encourages children to put on their coats and to use the toilet facilities independently. She celebrates children's achievements. This supports children to develop their confidence in their own abilities and promote their self-esteem.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder carefully considers children's starting points in development and tailors the curriculum accordingly. She monitors children's progress and plans enticing activities aligned with children's needs. This helps all children to make good progress. n The childminder recognises children's needs early on. She accesses external training to provide support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder works with outside agencies to implement appropriate plans. This helps to narrow gaps in children's learning and development. n The childminder plans opportunities for children to strengthen their small muscles. Children use a range of tools to mark make, use laces to thread and complete peg puzzles. Children develop good hand-eye coordination. The childminder promotes children's fine motor skills well.

p.2

need to do better?

24 April 2025 n The childminder supports children to develop their communication and language skills. She encourages conversations and narrates on children's play to expand on their vocabulary. Children choose songs to sing during group time. The childminder models a variety of words to support their understanding. For instance, when looking at the size of carrot seeds, she emphasises the words 'tiny', 'small' and 'little'. This helps children to become confident communicators. n Children actively engage in story-time sessions. The childminder chooses books that are linked to the current topic. She reads enthusiastically, emphasising words and pointing to pictures. Children join in with repeated refrains and recognise rhyming words. This helps children to develop good listening and concentration skills. n The childminder expertly weaves mathematics into children's play. Children learn to count forwards and backwards confidently. They look at shapes and talk

p.2

need to do better?

about size. During group singing activities, children problem-solve, working out how many are left when one item is taken away. This supports children to develop a good foundation in mathematics, ready for their future learning. n Children learn about healthy lifestyles. The childminder promotes healthy eating and the importance of regular fresh air during daily routines. She talks about foods that are nutritious and good oral hygiene practice. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. This helps children to begin to understand how to stay healthy. n Partnerships with parents and carers are positive. The childminder works hard to develop respectful and supportive relationships with children and their families. Parents' written feedback is extremely complimentary. Parents appreciate regular updates and ideas to extend their children's learning and development

p.3

need to do better?

opportunities at home. This supports consistency in care and learning experiences for children. n The childminder plans some activities, such as dancing, to support children's gross motor skill development. However, she does not consider how to plan for every child to have a sufficient range of opportunities for developing their large- muscle movements and physical development.

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 plan further opportunities for children to develop their gross motor skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY463352 Local authority Blackburn with Darwen Inspection number 10380907 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 12 Number of children on roll 18 Date of previous inspection 28 June 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2013 and lives in Blackburn, Lancashire. She works with two assistants. The childminder operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has a degree in childcare and education. One assistant holds a qualification at level 3 and one is unqualified. The childminder provides government funded childcare.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistants and the children. n The inspector interacted with the children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector considered written feedback from parents. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

p.5

Inspection activities

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

24 April 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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