Childminder in Halton

Inspection date 5 March 2019 Previous inspection date 9 March 2018

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Previous inspection: Requires improvement

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Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Good 2

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This is a provision that requires improvement

n Overall, the childminder manages her provision effectively. However, legally required records of children's attendance are not always maintained. n The childminder does not consistently provide all children with enough opportunities to fully develop their dexterity and small-muscle control before planning activities that require children to hold a pencil and encourage early handwriting. n The childminder provides limited opportunities for older children to further develop their balance and co-ordination, particularly when playing outside.

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It has the following strengths

n Children confidently explore and investigate a good range of well presented, accessible play materials that promote continuous learning. n Children mostly make good progress in relation to their starting points. The childminder monitors their progress and supports their learning and development as she plays and interacts with them. n Children are happy and settled. They enjoy friendly and affectionate relationships with the childminder, which helps to promote their emotional well-being. n High priority is given to developing children's social skills and helping children achieve personal independence. Older children are confident and self-assured; they express themselves freely and make meaningful choices about how they spend their time.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and Childcare Register the provider must: Due date keep a daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance. 22/03/2019

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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

n provide further opportunities to help children to fully develop their dexterity and small- muscle control in preparation for early writing n improve opportunities for older children to further develop their balance and co-ordination.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children present. She spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector had a tour of the premises and evaluated the effectiveness of the childminder's risk assessment. n The inspector checked the available evidence of the suitability of adults and looked at relevant documentation. n The inspector spoke to and took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management requires improvement

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Since the last inspection, the childminder has attended relevant training to update her knowledge and understanding of child protection. She is alert to possible signs of abuse and knows how to report any concerns she may have to help to protect children from possible harm. She has taken appropriate action to ensure records relating to the administration of medication are now satisfactorily maintained. However, she does not always record children's attendance. The childminder knows which children are present and as a result, the missing records do not have a significant impact on children's safety in the event of an emergency. Mindful of each child's stage of development, the childminder completes ongoing risk assessments. She takes steps to minimise hazards, so children can move and play safely within her home and garden.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Information gained from observations is generally well used to assess children's levels of development and identify the next steps in their learning. Following recent training, the childminder confidently models language and allows children enough time to think and respond. She asks open questions which present challenge and encourage children to think and develop their conversational skills. Older children enjoy finding and using the letters of their name to make a caterpillar. However, the childminder does not always fully consider the dexterity required before encouraging children to write the letters. Children become absorbed as they play with imagination and develop their own ideas. They spontaneously add further resources, such as leaves, to enhance their play in the 'mud kitchen'. Mathematical concepts and language are woven into all aspects of the day as children talk about shape, size and number.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

Despite weaknesses in record keeping, in practice children's welfare is well promoted. The childminder warmly welcomes children into her home. She builds mutually respectful relationships with parents, exchanging information daily. High priority is given to ensuring children's individual care and health needs are met. Children benefit from good opportunities to play, explore and be physically active in the childminder's garden. However, some outdoor play materials offer little challenge to older children. The childminder is a positive role model and uses stories well to encourage children to develop a kind, caring attitude towards each other. Children are familiar with the daily routine and enjoy eating meals at the table. They are becoming increasingly independent, for example clearing their own plates away once they have finished eating.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and are developing positive attitudes to learning. They are becoming active learners who are keen to join in. Children are well prepared emotionally and are developing the skills and attitudes they need for school. Older children communicate confidently; they know how to ask for support and listen to explanations. Children manage their own behaviour and achieve personal independence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497000 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10084810 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 1 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 14 Date of previous inspection 9 March 2018

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The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Widnes, Cheshire. She operates Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm, all year round, except for family holidays.

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Registers

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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Registers

procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 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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Registers

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