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

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The provision is good

Children feel happy and secure in the childminder's home. They develop strong and trusting relationships with her. Children respond warmly to the childminder's affectionate care. They smile and giggle as they take part in role play and explore a wide range of stimulating resources. The childminder provides a calm and nurturing environment that encourages children to make choices and develop their independence.

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The provision is good

The childminder places a strong focus in the curriculum on developing children's communication skills. She shares stories and encourages conversations during children's play. Children enthusiastically join in with rhymes, copy actions and repeat simple phrases. Children become confident communicators. They have regular opportunities for physical development. Children visit the village and local park, where they explore their surroundings and enjoy time on the swings. These outings help children to strengthen their muscles and build confidence outdoors.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. She teaches them to care for pets, toys and each other. For example, young children notice when things are out of place and respond with concern, such as by saying 'oh no' when pens fall to the floor. As a result, children begin to show pride in helping and develop early responsibility for their surroundings.

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need to do better?

n The childminder designs a curriculum that helps children to develop a strong sense of belonging in their community. She arranges visits to local places where children meet neighbours and attend events such as 'warm Wednesdays' with older people. As a result, children learn to build relationships, value their community and show respect for the people and places around them. n The childminder supports children's listening, speaking and early reading skills through shared stories and meaningful interactions. Children engage with familiar stories, such as 'Spot the Dog', and relate them to their own experiences with animals. They listen attentively and turn the pages carefully. This helps children to develop strong foundations for their future communication and literacy skills. n Children develop their physical skills well. They take part in mark-making activities to strengthen their fingers, and enjoy climbing and carrying balls to

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need to do better?

build large muscle strength. As a result, children develop balance, control and coordination across a range of physical activities. n The childminder supports children to manage their feelings and behaviour through calm and sensitive responses. She speaks gently when children become upset, offering comfort and lots of praise. This consistent support helps children

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need to do better?

25 April 2025 to develop empathy and kindness. For example, when the childminder coughs, young children show concern by saying 'oh dear', demonstrating their growing awareness of others' feelings. n The childminder encourages children to develop independence in personal care routines. She invites children to help with tasks, such as nappy changes, and asks permission before wiping their noses. This supports children to understand personal care and helps them to build confidence in managing their own needs. n The childminder provides opportunities for very young children to explore early technology and simple scientific ideas. Children use interactive toys to sing nursery rhymes and explore how objects work through play. However, on occasion, the childminder does not use clear or developmentally appropriate language when introducing these ideas. This means that children are not fully supported to build their early understanding of how things work.

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need to do better?

n Children develop early mathematical skills through daily routines. For example, the childminder skilfully weaves counting, size and shape into children's role play, as they try to fit different spoons and balls through the small windows of a dolls' house. This playful approach helps children to develop problem-solving skills and builds strong foundations for their future mathematical understanding. n Partnerships with parents and carers are strong and effective. The childminder shares updates online and provides daily feedback. She works closely with parents to plan children's next steps, using their knowledge of children's progress and needs, such as supporting toileting or developing walking skills. This strong collaboration helps children to thrive and make good progress. n The childminder is committed to continuous professional development. She completes regular training and works closely with childminding networks. The

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need to do better?

childminder uses new knowledge to improve her practice. For example, after training on early communication, she introduced activities that have strengthened children's language skills. This ensures that children benefit from high-quality learning and care.

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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 teaching by using clear and developmentally appropriate explanations of simple scientific concepts, so that children build accurate knowledge about how things work.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY478518 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10372672 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 30 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2014 and lives in Crawford Village, Skelmersdale. She operates her childminding provision from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and inspector completed a learning walk and discussed how the curriculum is implemented and the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children during their play and daily routines in the setting and surrounding area. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of relevant records and key documentation. n Parents shared their views with the inspector. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint observation of an activity together and discussed the quality of education afterwards.

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Inspection activities

25 April 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

25 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

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