A CHILDMINDER has been praised by Ofsted for ‘motivating children to make good progress’.

Accrington childminder Pauline Newsham, previously rated Satisfactory was rated ‘good’ by the inspectorate.

Ofsted inspector Donna Birch said: “Educational programmes have breadth and depth across the seven areas of learning. Therefore, children are motivated to learn and make good progress.”

She added: “The childminder has very good knowledge of safeguarding children, rigorous checks of provision and a clear understanding of the possible indicators of abuse ensure that children are very well protected.”

Ms Birch said partnerships with parents were effective and there was a commitment to continuous improvement. She advised the childminder – who cares for 12 children – to focus on teaching independence skills to obtain an ‘outstanding’ grade.

She added: “The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children, in a house in Accrington. The whole of the ground floor and the rear garden are used for childminding and she attends a toddler group and activities at the local children’s centre.

“She works closely with parents from the start to support children's learning.

“Children are happy and settled, which helps them to form very positive relationships and secure attachments with the childminder and her family.”

The inspector’s report added that there was a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment supporting children’s emotional well-being.