Childminder, Out-of school day care in St Helens

This provision meets requirements

Children are happy and settled. They show that they feel safe and comfortable in the childminder's home. Children build warm bonds with the childminder. They use good manners and are polite. The childminder is a good role model. Her positive interactions ensure that children feel valued and respected.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. She uses effective strategies that help children to understand rules and boundaries through the sharing of responsibilities and tasks. For example, older children take on the role of 'walking monitor' when they walk to and from school each day. They are proud to wear specific coloured high-visibility jackets and act as positive role models for younger children as they show them how to walk sensibly. All children behave well. They listen carefully and respond promptly to the childminder's requests. This helps them to stay safe on the school run.

p.2

This provision meets requirements

The childminder provides children with a wide range of healthy snacks and meals. She consults with them on what meals they would like to eat and gives them a choice from a very healthy menu. Parents speak very highly of the childminder. They refer to her as being like an extended member of their family. Parents consistently praise the childminder for the home-from-home environment she provides. Parents comment that children enjoy the childminder's cooking and nutritious foods. They say that the childminder instils good manners and values in the children.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder completes regular training to continually improve her practice. She has updated her knowledge to help her to promote children's positive behaviour more effectively. The childminder has found new ways to support children so that they understand how their behaviour can impact on others. She shares her new strategies with parents and teachers, which helps to provide consistency in children's care at home and at school. This has had a clear impact on children's attitudes. Children now consistently behave very well. n The childminder is very organised and professional. She uses the views of children and parents to review the quality of the provision. This helps her to assess what works well and what needs to change. The childminder encourages children to vote and agree on new resources that incorporate all their interests. Overall, this helps to include children in the planning of activities and

p.2

need to do better?

experiences provided. The childminder intends to plan a wider range of outdoor learning experiences for children. However, these have not been fully implemented to support children who prefer to play outside to further extend

p.2

need to do better?

3 March 2020 their physical health. n Children show a strong sense of belonging in the homely environment. The childminder uses her sensitive approach to support children who have recently started to attend her setting to settle quickly. This helps new children to become used to their new surroundings. Children who are new enjoy the childminder's undivided attention. They involve her in their play. For instance, children pretend to be hairdressers, using brushes and grips to style the childminder's hair. They laugh and giggle as the childminder greets a parent at the door while displaying her new hairstyle. Children have plenty of fun and enjoy their time spent in the childminder's care. n The childminder works in close partnership with the local schools. She has developed positive working relationships with children's teachers over many years. The childminder shares daily information to promote consistency in

p.2

need to do better?

children's care and learning. n Children show excitement to spend time with their friends after a busy day at school. They arrive in high spirits and settle quickly. The childminder shows a keen interest in what children have been learning about in school. She engages them in lively conversations. n The childminder gives older children simple tasks to help them to feel important. For instance, older children ensure that younger children wash their hands thoroughly to remove germs. Children sing 'Happy birthday' twice as they follow stringent handwashing routines. They show good levels of independence with their personal care. n Older children enthusiastically join in with the youngest children's play. They laugh together as they share jokes and hold interesting discussions. Children have great respect for each other. They demonstrate very good social skills. Children show their creativity as they design pictures and carefully colour in,

p.3

need to do better?

keeping inside the lines. They concentrate well, take their time and are proud of their creations. n The childminder discusses with children the importance of keeping themselves safe when playing computer games at home. This helps children to be aware of the potential dangers that they may face online. She has plans to share more in- depth information with parents to include further advice on screen time and online safety.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder is committed to ensuring that her safeguarding knowledge and paediatric first-aid qualification are kept up to date. She works hard to make sure that children are safe in her care. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments for her home and for the school run. She has a secure understanding of the signs that children may be at risk of harm. The childminder is knowledgeable about wider safeguarding issues, such as child exploitation and grooming. She has clear procedures in place to seek advice and make referrals where required.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY338436 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10132552 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder Age range of children 4 to 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 18 September 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Rainhill, Merseyside. She provides before- and after-school care for children. The childminder operates during term time from 7.15am to 8.45am and 3.15pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed with the childminder how the setting is organised. The childminder explained the range of activities she provides for children. n The inspector checked a sample of documentation, including evidence of the suitability of the childminder and the suitability of other adults living on the premises. n Parents' views were considered through written feedback that some parents had provided. n The inspector observed children accessing a range of activities. She observed their interactions with the childminder. n Children spoke to the inspector and shared their views about the activities and experiences that they take part in and enjoy.

p.4

Inspection activities

3 March 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.

p.4

Inspection activities

3 March 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6