Childminder in Bolton

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children show impressive levels of confidence at the setting. They excitedly greet the inspector and eagerly share their toys and show off their different skills. For example, older children immediately pretend to cook pancakes for the inspector. They offer a choice of strawberry or blueberry toppings and explain that 'it's pancake day so we can have a delicious treat'. This shows they are building an understanding of special events. Younger children proudly demonstrate how they can manipulate the toy cars. They move them around the floor and avoid obstacles they have placed deliberately in their path. Children beam and smile. They seek reassuring cuddles from the childminder and her assistant, showing that children enjoy warm bonds with them both.

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The provision is good

Children are eager and curious to learn. They jump at opportunities to share their skills. For instance, children stand up and sing in front of their peers during circle time. They feel secure in the setting and demonstrate this by making the childminder aware of how they would like to learn. For instance, children redirect the course of planned activities. During an 'arctic animals' activity, they decide that they would like to 'wash the snow' off the animals. The childminder and her assistant then happily change the activity to follow the obvious interests of the children.

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need to do better?

n Children's early mathematics and literacy skills are well supported at the setting. The childminder and her assistant both naturally promote children's counting skills throughout the day. For instance, each time the children climb the stairs, they are encouraged to count out loud for each step. This reflects in children's knowledge as even the youngest count successfully up to 10. Children begin to use the language of size and are able to solve simple number problems. Children are encouraged to look at books independently. Older children confidently recall the characters and main events from their favourite stories. This leads to discussions such as 'is it safe to go into the woods alone?' These activities help to support children's communication and language development. n The childminder and her assistant know the children very well. They plan suitably challenging activities to help support children's next steps in learning.

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need to do better?

However, group activities are not always organised effectively to meet the differing needs of children. Therefore, at times, younger children become distracted and disengaged. n Parents value this setting. They praise the childminder for her 'welcoming, clean and organised' environment. Parents comment that their children are comfortable with the childminder and her assistant. They relish that their children happily go to both adults for cuddles. Overall, parents say they are

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need to do better?

25 February 2020 extremely satisfied with this home-from-home setting. n Children learn to be independent. They take on small responsibilities and eagerly complete jobs for the childminder. For instance, children help to sort toys for planned activities. In addition, at mealtimes they help to clean and set up the table with cutlery and plates, and butter their own bread. Even the youngest children successfully put on their own coats for outdoor play. They show resilience and patience as they try several approaches without giving up. This helps to support children in preparation for the move to primary school. n The childminder and her assistant support children to manage their own self- care needs. Children look in the mirror as they wash their faces and hands before eating and after playing outside. However, there are some gaps in hygiene practices. For example, sometimes children's pacifiers are stored in

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need to do better?

inappropriate places, such as an adult's pocket. Furthermore, children are not encouraged to wash their hands after helping adults by passing them fresh nappies during their changing routines. As a result, children are not learning all of the links between good hygiene and good health. n The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and professionals. She builds effective relationships with all people involved in children's lives. This helps to ensure that children experience a consistent approach in supporting their learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has good safeguarding knowledge. She can confidently identify the signs and symptoms which may indicate a child is being abused or neglected. The childminder knows the steps to take should she have any concerns for the welfare of a child. She attends regular training to improve her understanding, including regarding wider safeguarding issues such as the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder ensures her assistant has suitable child protection knowledge and a sound understanding of all safeguarding procedures she must follow. They understand the steps to take if an allegation is made against them. This helps to protect children and help keep them safe.

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should:

n further strengthen hygiene procedures to ensure children are learning the links between good hygiene practice and good health n strengthen organisation of group activities to further support the individual development of younger children, in order to help them remain engaged.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY551789 Local authority Bolton Inspection number 10143540 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 4 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Farnworth, Bolton. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works alongside an assistant and holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3. She offers funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector conducted a joint evaluation of an activity and discussed the quality of education observed. n Interactions between the childminder, her assistant and children were observed both indoors and outdoors and evaluated by the inspector throughout the inspection. n The inspector considered written feedback from parents regarding their experiences of the setting. n During a learning walk, the childminder discussed the curriculum offered and the impact this has on children's learning and development. n Leadership and management discussions were held with the childminder and her assistant. The inspector also looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of the suitability of those working or living on the premises.

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Inspection activities

25 February 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

25 February 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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