Childminder in Halton

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy and safe. They thrive in this exciting and supportive home- from-home environment. Children enjoy a rich, well-planned curriculum that is tailored to meet their individual needs. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn are sparked by a wide range of accessible, well-presented play materials. Children enthusiastically investigate different textures and handle natural items, such as fir cones, conkers and wooden discs. Children play with imagination. They experiment and discover how they can use the available materials in different ways to enhance their play. For example, children become absorbed as they stack the wooden discs and use wooden strips to create pathways for small figures and vehicles.

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The provision is good

The childminder has been particularly mindful of the negative impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on children's physical development. To help address this, she has developed her outdoor play area. Children benefit from lots of opportunities to be physically active in the fresh air and daylight. This helps to promote their good health and well-being. The childminder's garden is used effectively to promote all areas of children's learning and development. Children are becoming increasing aware of the changing seasons and how to dress for the weather. They know that they need puddle suits and wellington boots to play outside in wet weather. Children are learning to assess risk and keep themselves safe. They show good control, balance and coordination as they hold on tightly and carefully sidestep around the perimeter of the climbing frame.

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need to do better?

n The childminder gives high priority to children's personal, social and emotional development. Children form secure attachments with the childminder and value friendships with their peers. They are learning to recognise, understand and manage their own feelings and behaviours. The childminder is a very positive role model and children are learning to be kind and considerate to their friends. Children routinely use good manners, often spontaneously saying 'please', 'thank you' or 'excuse me'. n Children make good progress in their learning and development. Overall, the childminder provides a well-sequenced curriculum, mindful of the knowledge and skills children need to have before moving on. For example, since her last inspection, she has carefully considered the stages of development and how she can support children to acquire the skills they need in preparation for handwriting. Children are developing the skills and attitudes they need for

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need to do better?

school, including an eagerness to learn and try new things. n The childminder provides excellent opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. Children excitedly recall learning about the life cycle of the butterfly, explaining how the butterflies grew before they let them fly away.

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need to do better?

12 October 2021 They talk about bug hunts and the insects they have found. Children study a spider's web glistening in the rain with awe and wonder, before proudly showing the childminder what they have found. The childminder provides fewer opportunities for children to deepen their knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences between themselves and others in preparation for life in modern Britain. n Children are given the time and encouragement they need to solve simple problems. For example, they find their own solution when they cannot fit the pram through the available space. Mathematical concepts and language are woven throughout the curriculum. Older children count confidently and compare shape, size and colour. They recognise numerals and are able to select the correct number of items. n The childminder closely monitors the progression of children's speech. She models language well and provides lots of opportunities for children to extend

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need to do better?

their vocabulary. For example, she uses descriptive language and praises children's word choices. Children demonstrate a keen interest in books. They listen intently to stories and are learning that print carries meaning. Children point to the text in books as they read their own stories. They spontaneously give meaning to their 'writing', explaining to the childminder that the chalk marks they have made say 'happy'. The childminder is less confident in helping children to develop their phonological awareness so that they can spot and suggest rhymes or count or clap syllables in a word. n The childminder manages her setting well. She routinely reflects on the quality of education and invests heavily in good-quality resources. She is committed to her professional development to further improve outcomes for children. Parents comment very positively on the care and quality of education their children receive. They feel well informed about their children's time with the childminder.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility regarding child protection. She has very recently completed training to update her knowledge of possible indictors that a child may be at risk of harm and the procedure to follow. The childminder implements an effective risk assessment to help ensure children's safety within her home and garden and while on outings. The childminder provides ongoing explanations and reminders to help children learn how to keep themselves safe.

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should:

n strengthen the educational programme to deepen children's understanding of

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should:

12 October 2021 the diversity of life in modern Britain n develop understanding of ways to strengthen the educational programme for early literacy, in particular ways to promote the foundation skills needed to support later reading.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY497000 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10100801 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 12 Date of previous inspection 5 March 2019

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Information about this early years setting

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. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n A learning walk was completed with the childminder to gain an overview of how the curriculum is organised and delivered. n The views of children and their parents were considered by the inspector as part of the inspection. n The inspector observed children's activities and children's interactions with the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector jointly evaluated the activities provided, the quality of teaching and the impact this had on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

12 October 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

12 October 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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