Childminder in Halton

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 5 October 2017 13 November 2013

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Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Requires improvement

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 Weaknesses in assessments and planning mean that the childminder does not always provide the levels of challenge children need to make good progress.  At times, the childminder has unrealistic expectations and struggles to gain children's interest in the activities and play materials provided.  The childminder does not always give children enough opportunities to develop their self-care skills.  Opportunities for professional development are limited, particularly in relation to teaching, learning and assessments.  The childminder does not monitor the quality of her provision well enough to help her identify where there are weaknesses, particularly in relation to teaching and learning.

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It has the following strengths

 The childminder is very experienced and uses her general knowledge of child development to help children to develop some of the skills they need for their eventual move to school.  Children are settled and enjoy affectionate relationships with the childminder, helping to promote their emotional well-being.  The childminder provides some valuable opportunities for children to develop their social skills. Children enjoy a wide range of outings and group activities in the local community.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage the provider must:

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Due Date

 ensure that observations and assessments are effectively used to identify the next steps in children's learning and provide challenging opportunities that enable them to make good progress 30/10/2017

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Due Date

 establish a programme of professional development to improve the quality of teaching and opportunities for learning. 30/10/2017

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Due Date

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

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Due Date

 support children more effectively to develop their self-care skills, so they learn to do things for themselves  implement a rigorous process for self-evaluation that uses challenging criteria to further improve the quality of the provision.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children present.  The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home and discussed these with her at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's records, including observations and a range of other documentation, including policies and procedures.  The inspector checked evidence of suitability of adults living on the premises and the childminder's qualifications.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has recently updated training in child protection and is committed to further improving her knowledge. She understands her responsibilities and what to do if she is concerned about a child's welfare. She holds a valid paediatric first-aid certificate. Overall, however, professional development is very limited. The childminder does little to improve her knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning or to successfully evaluate how she can improve her own practice. Parents are regularly informed about the activities their children complete. They are encouraged to read observations and comment on their child's progress.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement

The childminder does not consistently use the information gained from her own observations of what children can do to specifically assess their level of development. This means teaching and the activities provided do not always fully reflect the individual learning needs of each child. The childminder does not always recognise and build on children's interests to maximise the potential for learning, such as when they enjoy filling and emptying containers. Furthermore, during some adult-initiated activities, the childminder struggles to engage children or sustain their interest, such as when building towers and crayoning in a colouring book. Despite this, the childminder does demonstrate some effective teaching. The childminder responds positively to support children's emerging language and communication skills. She provides some support, helping children to persist and achieve, for example, as they learn how to thread small blocks onto a lace.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

Children are not always fully supported to achieve personal independence. Children, who are able to, are not always encouraged to feed themselves at mealtimes. Older toddlers are seated in a pram and they are spoon fed by the childminder. Areas used by the children are safe and welcoming. Children show they feel safe as they confidently explore the available space. Regular attendance at local groups provides some good opportunities for children to be physically active. Simple explanations are well used to help children to learn right from wrong and the importance of socially acceptable behaviour.

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Outcomes for children require improvement

Weaknesses in the quality of teaching mean children do not make good enough progress. Despite this, children are developing some of the skills and attitudes they need for school. Children are developing their speaking skills. They enjoy spending time playing in larger groups of children where they develop friendships and learn to play together. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and parents are happy with the care provided.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 502870 Local authority Halton Inspection number 1083030 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of registered person

Date of previous inspection 13 November 2013

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 2001 and lives in Widnes. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, including bank 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

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Telephone number

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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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