Childminder in Halton

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14 May 2015 23 February 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder provides a range of activities that are varied, interesting and fun. She carefully tailors these activities to suit children's interests and individual needs. Therefore, children make good progress.  The childminder develops good partnerships with parents and other settings that children attend to enable frequent sharing of information. This effectively promotes a consistent approach towards children's care and learning.  The childminder has a good knowledge of the safeguarding requirements. She has recently attended a child protection course to refresh her knowledge, and is aware of the signs and symptoms that would give her cause for concern. As a result, children's safety is promoted.  Children are very confident and settled within the childminder's home. This is because she is warm, engaging and caring. The childminder also fully understands the importance of spending time getting to know the children and their families before they

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This provision is good

begin. This has a positive impact on children's emotional well-being.  Children behave well, because they receive positive praise and encouragement. As a result, children are secure and develop the emotional skills they need for the next phase in their learning.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder is yet to make the best use of the resources available in the garden. Therefore, older children's physical skills in climbing and balancing are less well promoted.  The childminder sometimes misses opportunities to extend children's learning further, and this means on occasions, their knowledge is not explored in as much detail as it could be.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 make better use of the resources available in the garden, particularly to promote older children's physical skills further in climbing and balancing  develop the use of a wider range of teaching strategies, for example, by using skilful questioning to support children to share their knowledge in more detail.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector sampled children's assessment records and planning documentation.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of the childminder, and looked at a selection of policies and procedures, including safeguarding, risk assessments and self-evaluation.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder.  The inspector took account of the views of the parents, by reading a number of comments and notes given to the childminder.  The inspector carried out a tour of the premises.  The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements. From the beginning, she creates an accurate starting point for each child by carefully observing them as they play in their first sessions. In addition, she talks to the parents to ascertain what children can already do at home. The childminder plans a good range of activities and experiences. For example, young children develop their sensory experiences as they explore the texture of jelly. While older children engage in imaginative play, as they carry out the role of the doctor finding out why the baby is poorly. These activities encourage children to develop the skills required for their future learning. The quality of teaching is good. The childminder fully supports each child to make progress. However, the childminder does not always challenge the children effectively during activities to extend their knowledge. This means that at times,

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who attend. This is good

opportunities for children to explain and explore what they already know or think are less well promoted.

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good

The childminder is a good role model. She is calm and positive in her approach and children respond well to her. She is always ready with a cuddle or reassurance and this gives children a sense of security. As a result, children are at ease in the childminder's home and quickly become confident learners. The childminder follows good hygiene procedures, to ensure that children's health is assured. The childminder supports children in gaining an understanding of healthy lifestyles, because she provides a range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Children develop their independence well by putting on their coats and shoes before going outside. Children's physical skills are promoted in the setting. She takes them to the local park and for walks in the environment, so they can move in different ways. However, the childminder does not always make the most of the equipment in her garden to promote older children's physical skills further, particularly

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good

when they demonstrate an immediate interest in practising these.

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provision is good

The childminder monitors children's progress carefully and shows a good understanding of their capabilities and next steps in learning. The childminder understands the importance of working in partnerships with other settings to support children's learning and development. Feedback from parents is very positive. They comment on how their children are very settled and happy with the childminder. Since the last inspection, the childminder has sought additional training and seeks to continue to build on her current knowledge and skills. This has had an impact on the overall quality of the provision and her ability to maintain consistently good standards. The childminder networks with other childminders to share ideas and examples of good practice. The childminder effectively evaluates her practice to ensure that she continues to provide a good service for children and their parents.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 303382 Local authority Halton Inspection number 867453 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 23 February 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2000 and lives in Widnes, Cheshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted 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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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, 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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Telephone number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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