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 enjoy days filled with challenge and excitement in the care of the childminder. They are keen to demonstrate their knowledge of number. Children independently and correctly count different items to 10 and make a good attempt when challenged to count even higher. When children are read familiar stories, they join in by shouting out the words. They recall what happens next, and use new terminology they have learned. Lunchtimes are a social occasion as children sit together and talk about their day while they eat. Children have the opportunity to care for animals by helping the childminder look after her guinea pigs. They learn how to appropriately handle the animals, as well as learning the importance of providing them with food and water.

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The provision is good

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the childminder is providing children with even greater support in regulating their own emotions and developing their communication and language skills. She models speech particularly well, and uses a rich and varied vocabulary with them. Children have the confidence to voice their opinions and explain their thoughts on a range of subjects during their play. They independently use the strategies they have learned from the childminder to manage their own emotions. As a result, children play happily with their friends and have become much better at sharing and taking turns. They are polite and considerate of each other. Children feel safe in the care of the childminder and she is always there to provide all the care and nurture they need.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has addressed the actions and recommendations from the previous inspection to improve the quality of her provision. She now gathers detailed information from parents about what children know and can do before they start in her care. The childminder regularly checks on children's progress. This ensures she is immediately aware of any emerging gaps in their learning and addresses these quickly. All children in her care are making the progress they are capable of. n Activities planned by the childminder spark children's interest and curiosity. For example, children hunt in soil for worms made from cooked spaghetti using a variety of implements. This helps develop their dexterity, coordination and the small muscles in their hands. While doing this, the childminder introduces a range of mathematical vocabulary. She encourages children to consolidate their knowledge of number, while also including new words relating to insects and the

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need to do better?

natural world. Children focus for extended periods on their play as they remain engrossed in the information the childminder teaches them. n Overall, the childminder provides a range of opportunities that promote children's independence. For example, they choose which books they would like

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need to do better?

27 January 2022 to be read to them, select their own resources to play with, and proactively help with tidying up. However, there are some instances where the childminder does things for children that they can, or should, be able to manage for themselves, for example taking off their coats and shoes. This limits children's chances to further develop their emerging independence. n The childminder places the health of children at the centre of her practice. She provides children with carefully considered and nutritious home-cooked meals on a daily basis. There is an increased focus on supporting children's oral health, and the childminder has shared this knowledge with parents. Children also get lots of opportunities to develop their fitness and stamina during trips to the local parks and forests with the childminder. n The childminder's commitment to her own professional development is admirable. Since the previous inspection, she has reflected on her practice and

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need to do better?

sought out training to raise the quality of education to a good standard. Partnership working with schools and other professionals is also now a strength. There is a seamless sharing of information between settings which is contributing further to the good progress children make. n The childminder helps children learn about what makes them unique. She ensures that they are provided with varied cultural experiences by celebrating different festivals and teaching them about their individual family heritage. The childminder enhances this learning through resources and reading books to children, to help them understand about different families. This prepares children well for life in modern Britain.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of her safeguarding responsibilities. She is alert to changes in children's home life that may place them at risk. The childminder has completed external training to maintain her knowledge of how to help safeguard children. She talks with clarity about the steps she would take if she had a concern for a child. The childminder is equally clear on what to do in the event of an allegation being made. She ensures that children in her care are always well supervised and their needs are always met. Where injuries to children occur, the childminder uses her knowledge from first-aid training to promptly provide appropriate treatment.

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should:

n provide consistent opportunities for older children to develop their independence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY416242 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10112290 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 7 Date of previous inspection 21 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2010 and lives in Widnes, Cheshire. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification at level 3.

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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 childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting, in writing, with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

27 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

27 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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