Childminder in Sefton

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 are very content in the childminder's home. They have a strong bond with the childminder and each other. Children's emotional well-being is supported well. For example, younger children show that they feel safe as they rest their head on the childminder's shoulder and enjoy the comfort of her cuddles. The childminder swiftly identifies when children need additional support to ensure they make good progress in their learning, especially in language development and communication.

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The provision is good

The childminder gently reminds children about their manners. As a result, children are polite and follow instructions well. For instance, children take turns when they play with a favourite toy shopping trolley. They know to let others have a turn after five minutes. Children are kind and thoughtful. For example, when a child needs help to get out of the sandpit, their friend asks the inspector to help them up. Children delight in talking to and laughing with the childminder. They all count together as they catch balls and giggle as they wave at aeroplanes.

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The provision is good

During periods of national lockdown, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the childminder met frequently with the children and their families. She arranged socially distanced bicycle rides, picnics, and trips to local parks. As a result, children continued to build positive relationships with the childminder and continued to have new experiences.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear vision of what she wants children to learn. She considers the most important skills that children need for the future to shape the curriculum she offers. This helps to support children's preparation for their next stage in learning and starting school. n The childminder adapts her teaching to ensure that all children are appropriately challenged. She explains to the children the signs that autumn is coming. For example, children discuss what they notice happening to trees and leaves. Older children are encouraged to pour out their own glue and choose materials to make an autumn wreath. Younger children are supported to make marks with paint brushes using autumnal colours. n The childminder uses strategies to encourage children's speech development. For example, she narrates to children in their play and offers language to help children to express themselves. The childminder also incorporates routine

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need to do better?

outings to playgroups to support children in developing confidence in social situations and interactions with others in larger groups. This helps all children to be equipped with important communication skills. n Children frequently visit a local safari park, nature reserve and allotment. These enriching experiences provide opportunities for children to talk about what they

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need to do better?

15 September 2021 see. They learn new vocabulary and knowledge about the world in which they live. Children confidently recall to the inspector the animals they have recently seen at the safari park. n Children spend time being active in the childminder's garden. They ride cars, throw and catch balls and climb. Children show delight when the childminder joins in and praises them when they successfully catch small balls. They are developing their physical skills well. n Children carry out small tasks and are encouraged to do things for themselves. Older children show determination as they use safety knives to cut up pieces of cucumber. Children collect sandwiches from the fridge and know to wash their hands before eating. They manage their personal care needs very well and learn about healthy lifestyles. n Children have many opportunities to develop mathematical skills. As children fill up a watering can, the childminder asks which watering can is the biggest. She

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need to do better?

encourages children to count out the sandwiches at lunchtime. An aeroplane flies overhead and the childminder explains to the children that it is high up and far away. n Parents are highly complimentary about the childminder. They comment on her knowledge of identifying children's needs and providing swift support. They are proud of the progress their children make and say that the childminder works in partnership with them. n The childminder is dedicated to her work and reflects on her practice. She has recently booked to attend training on supporting children's communication and language. However, while the childminder has identified aspects of the provision that she plans to further improve, these plans have not been fully implemented to ensure her teaching improves over time.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder's home is secure and clean. She understands her responsibility to keep children safe. She has a robust knowledge of who to share information with if she has concerns about children. She knows how to respond appropriately to allegations about family members. The childminder knows the importance of observing children to recognise changes in their behaviour. She has a broad understanding of the wider issues within families that can affect children's well- being. These include, financial issues, family separation and drug misuse. The childminder understands her responsibilities concerning the 'Prevent' duty. The childminder's garden is safe and secure.

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should:

15 September 2021 n strengthen self-evaluation to enhance learning experiences for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY553461 Local authority Sefton Inspection number 10174207 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Sefton. She operates her childminding service from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time only.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder has received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken this into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The inspector and childminder discussed the daily routine. The childminder explained the curriculum she offers. n The inspector evaluated activities with the childminder and discussed the quality of education and learning opportunities she provides. n Parents were spoken to and their views were taken account of. n The inspector observed and talked to the children and tracked their experiences and learning. n The inspector reviewed documentation, including paediatric first-aid certificates and insurance certificates. n The inspector checked evidence of the suitability of the childminder and household members.

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Inspection activities

15 September 2021 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

15 September 2021 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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