Childminder in St Helens

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder does not hold a valid first-aid qualification as required. However, she can confidently describe what she would do in the event of a medical emergency. For example, she is able to detail the steps she would take should a child suffer from choking, experience shock or sustain an injury such as a broken bone. This means that, despite not maintaining her qualification, children's safety and well-being are not compromised.

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The provision requires improvement

Children behave well and have very warm and positive relationships with the childminder, who has high expectations of them. Children clearly enjoy attending and demonstrate a very positive attitude towards learning. They settle well and take part in a range of interesting activities. For example, children enjoy exploring play dough. They develop important skills in readiness for writing as they squeeze and squash the dough. Young children learn new skills as the childminder models how to use a rolling pin. Older children enhance their mathematical understanding as they count how many current buns they have made with the dough.

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder is aware of the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children are supported to play cooperatively with each other, share and take turns as they further develop their confidence in social situations.

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need to do better?

n Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder has found it difficult to maintain her first-aid qualification. However, she does have a sound knowledge and understanding of how to respond in a medical emergency. Furthermore, during the inspection, the childminder took prompt and effective action to secure a booking on an appropriate course in the near future. n The childminder offers an abundance of praise and encouragement and celebrates children's achievements. She offers gentle and consistent reminders to help children learn right from wrong. Children are aware of the routine and understand what is expected of them. For example, they remove their shoes on arrival and help to tidy up at the childminder's request. n Stories play an important part in the childminder's provision. Children frequently select their favourite books and snuggle together with the childminder to share a story. The childminder reads with an abundance of enthusiasm. She supports

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need to do better?

children to turn the pages independently and talk about what they see in the pictures. Older children are encouraged to make predictions and share their thoughts and ideas about the characters. n Children are able to independently select what they want to play with from a wealth of resources that are attractively presented. Activities that the childminder provides reflect children's interests and what they need to learn next

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need to do better?

11 January 2022 to help them to make progress and develop new skills and knowledge. However, the childminder does not provide as many opportunities for children to learn about the diversity of people, families and communities beyond their own to help prepare children for life in modern Britain. n Children thoroughly enjoy singing their favourite songs and rhymes. The childminder recognises the importance of ensuring that children hear a wide variety of vocabulary. She uses the children's interest in action songs to further develop their growing vocabularies. Children copy familiar actions and excitedly repeat familiar words and phrases. Furthermore, she uses repetition to reinforce children's understanding and asks questions of older children. This helps them to become skilful communicators as they share their thoughts and ideas. n The childminder works very closely with parents. When children first start at her

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need to do better?

setting, the childminder offers flexible sessions to help children to settle. She gathers important information about children's likes, dislikes and routines. However, the childminder does not routinely request precise information about children's existing skills and abilities to help her to plan more effectively for their progress. n The childminder is a dedicated and passionate practitioner. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and children are clearly at the heart of everything that she does. The childminder engages in regular reflection of her practice. Furthermore, she seeks the views and opinions of parents and children to help inform any necessary improvements.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her knowledge of child protection updated through accessing information provided by her local authority and training events. The childminder is able to recognise and respond to any concerns that she may have regarding a child's welfare. She describes the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk of harm. The childminder knows what to do should an allegation be made against her and has detailed policies in place to support her safeguarding practice. She completes regular checks on the environment, toys and resources to ensure that they are safe for children to use.

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Due date

obtain and maintain a valid first-aid certificate. 07/02/2022

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should:

n increase the information gained from parents about children's learning needs when they first start to help establish accurate starting points and further support planning from the outset n provide a wider range of opportunities for children to learn more about differences and diversity.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 323034 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10217273 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 6 April 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1974 and lives in Eccleston, St Helens. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder 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 childminder. n Discussions were held with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection. n A learning walk was completed with the childminder to discuss the curriculum intent and how the provision is organised. n The childminder and the inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity. n The inspector reviewed a variety of documents, including evidence of the suitability of those living in the household, qualifications, first-aid certificates and policies and procedures. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

11 January 2022 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

11 January 2022 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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