Childminder in St Helens

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children benefit from a homely and stimulating play environment. They relish their time with the childminder and appear happy and secure in her care. The childminder plans a wide range of experiences that follow children's interests. Consequently, children are highly motivated, display positive attitudes towards their learning and enjoy the activities presented to them.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from highly positive interactions with the childminder. She praises them for every achievement, however small. This helps to inspire children to try new experiences, such as persevering to 'twist' the glue stick to continue the Chinese lantern activity. The childminder teaches children how to maintain good standards of hygiene to promote their health and well-being. She understands the skills children need to learn to become ready for the next stage in their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder supports children's communication and language skills well. For instance, she fosters an early love of stories with children, who snuggle in with her to enjoy them. For example, she repeats words and phrases and introduces new vocabulary, such as 'wizard' and 'chef', during children's play. The childminder supports children to be independent from a young age. She encourages children to develop a can-do attitude as they have fun dressing up. For example, children try to wear doll's clothes and quickly learn that they are too small for them.

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need to do better?

n The childminder is an exemplary role model and has exceptionally high expectations for children's behaviour. Children demonstrate they are familiar with the rules and behave remarkably well. They show genuine affection for their friends and the childminder. They play cooperatively together and spontaneously help each other. This promotes children's sense of belonging exceptionally well. n The childminder is extremely caring and nurturing. She establishes excellent relationships with children and their families. Parents are very complimentary about the childminder's service and are actively involved in their children's learning. For example, the childminder shares information about children's individual learning and encourages parents to comment on their progress. n The childminder completes accurate assessments of children's learning. She monitors children's progress well to identify and address any gaps in their

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need to do better?

development. Children are confident learners and make good progress from their starting points. n The childminder provides a variety of experiences to support children's literacy skills. Children practise making marks, enjoy listening to their favourite stories and look at books independently. Children join in with familiar songs and

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need to do better?

20 January 2020 rhymes. Overall, the childminder asks questions and encourages children to contribute to extend their learning. However, she does not allow children enough time to think and respond to the questions posed, to enhance their learning to the highest level. n Children benefit from tailored settling-in sessions to ensure they settle quickly. The childminder works closely with parents to follow home routines. This strong continuity of care supports children's emotional well-being very well. n The childminder supports children's imagination well. She engages in pretend play with them. Children fascinate while making 'dinner' and relish opportunities to help the childminder feed and dress dolls. n The childminder broadens children's awareness of the diverse community they belong to. For example, they play with a variety of multicultural toys and visit toddler groups where they can socialise with different people. In addition, they

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need to do better?

learn about different festivals and celebrations. n The childminder takes part in online training and forums to share and receive ideas to develop her practice further. She is experienced and knowledgeable about the way children learn. Precise self-evaluation and feedback from parents allow her to accurately identify areas for further development. n Children learn about how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They understand how to use knives safely as they cut segments of apple. Children have good opportunities to play outdoors and exercise. They enjoy nature walks and relish visits to the park, library and playgroup. n The childminder encourages children to develop their mathematical understanding at every opportunity. She supports children to count, recognise shapes and sizes. They have an age-appropriate understanding of mathematics. For instance, toddlers confidently share 'half' of a banana and recite numbers

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe. She completes regular training to refresh her safeguarding knowledge. The childminder is aware of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, and knows the steps to follow if she has any concerns. She demonstrates a secure understanding of the local referral procedures. She uses risk assessments effectively to minimise risks to children in her home and when on outings. For example, the garden is secure, doors are locked to prevent intruders, and cleaning materials are stored out of the reach of children.

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should:

20 January 2020 n provide more time for children to think and respond to questions, to enhance their learning to the highest level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 315380 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10060179 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 to 2 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 23 September 2014

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives in Rainhill, St Helens. She operates all year round from 6.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector had a tour of the childminder's home. She discussed with the childminder how she organises her setting and how she plans the curriculum for children. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint evaluation of an activity was carried out by the inspector and the childminder. n Several discussions were held between the inspector and the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of all adults living on the premises. n The inspector took account of the views of children spoken to on the day. Parents' views were taken account of from written feedback provided.

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Inspection activities

20 January 2020 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

20 January 2020 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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