Childminder 317070

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder implements a rich curriculum and promotes the wholesome values that she prioritises. Each interaction that the childminder and her assistants have with children is of the highest quality. The childminder builds incisively on what each child needs to learn next. Children form strong bonds with the childminder. Parents see her as an extension of their family and a vital part of their support network. Children are very settled, feel a deep sense of belonging and feel safe. They demonstrate an embedded understanding of the childminder's rules, routines and expectations.

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The provision is outstanding

Children demonstrate confidence and competence in their communication and social skills. They instigate interactions with new adults in a mature manner. Children become deeply engaged in activities and play from the youngest age, demonstrating extremely positive attitudes towards their learning. Children take part in regular events at a local school and become familiar with staff there before they attend. The childminder prioritises children's independence skills, and they become very capable in managing their own needs from a young age. Children are extremely well prepared for their move on to school and are equipped with the skills to enable them to thrive in life.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports the most-able children thoughtfully. She ensures that activities and teaching extend their learning further, supporting them to make excellent progress. For instance, children demonstrate a deep understanding of number and mathematical concepts, which the childminder extends even further through play. The childminder strives for each child to achieve the best possible outcomes and levels of development. Children build very strong foundations in their learning, which prepare them well for the next stage of their education. n The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well and in a very inclusive manner. She is confident and persistent in overcoming challenges in securing support for children. The childminder's thorough monitoring procedures help her to identify emerging gaps in children's learning early on. She supports those specific areas, helping to close gaps and

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need to do better?

enabling children to exceed expectations. All children make excellent progress from their starting points. n Children learn to love books and stories. The childminder uses 'a book as a hook' to link children's learning across the curriculum. Children take books home each day to share with parents. They discuss their experiences from home with their friends and the childminder, often using books as a focus to spark discussions. This supports children's communication and language skills well and aids consistency between children's home lives and their time with the childminder.

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need to do better?

17 September 2025 n The childminder works closely with families to support their parenting skills. For instance, she helps them to understand the importance of consistency in promoting positive behaviour. Parents, including those who were minded by the childminder when they were young, recommend her to family and friends. They report that their children are very happy and settled here. Parents and children appreciate and benefit from the childminder's experience and skills. n The childminder sets clear expectations for children and is consistent in her approach. This supports children who display more challenging behaviours and who experience more frustrations in their daily life. The childminder models calm and kind behaviours, which children are keen to copy. She supports children to understand how their behaviour might affect others as they begin to understand and regulate their emotions and responses.

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need to do better?

n Children become independent from a young age. They look to the childminder in delight as she offers praise for their early achievements in toilet training. Children learn social skills as they eat healthy meals together each day. They learn about sustainability and where food comes from during walks around nearby farmland. Children develop their personal skills and an appreciation of their own and other cultures through the broad curriculum. n Outdoor learning is an integral part of the childminder's provision and significantly enhances children's physical development, overall well-being, knowledge and skills. During regular walks to a nearby beck, children learn about water safety, for instance. They learn about animals and how to manage risk in different environments as they discuss farming vehicles and machinery. Children learn key life skills and knowledge to help keep themselves safe. n The childminder uses her experience to support other professionals in the sector

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need to do better?

and the assistants she works with. She is keen to be involved in any sector changes, sourcing extensive and relevant training to enhance the skills and knowledge of herself and her assistants. The childminder has extremely supportive working relationships with her assistants. This helps children to benefit both from experience and current thinking.

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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 317070 Local authority Westmorland and Furness Inspection number 10399447 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 11 Date of previous inspection 2 December 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1994 and lives in Calthwaite, Cumbria. She operates all year round from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.30pm, except for family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and works with assistants. She offers government funded places for childcare and early education.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises, along with the aims and rationale for the early years curriculum. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and an assistant about children's learning and development. n Children spoke to and interacted with the inspector throughout the inspection. n The inspector observed and discussed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

17 September 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

17 September 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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