Childminder in Knowsley

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 have developed very close bonds with the childminder and her assistant. Both have a very warm and nurturing personality. They demonstrate caring and friendly behaviour and, as such, children are polite, kind and respectful of one another. They play cooperatively and clearly enjoy spending time together in this welcoming setting. The childminder has high expectations of children, especially regarding their behaviour. Young children are learning to share and take turns. Older children demonstrate a secure understanding of routines and what is expected of them. For example, they know to remove their shoes before entering the childminder's home and eagerly help to tidy away resources.

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate a love of learning. They engage in a range of experiences and show high levels of focus and determination. For example, they concentrate intently as they fill an ice-cube tray with pom-poms. Children develop their fine motor skills in readiness for writing as they use tweezers and play with dough to strengthen the muscles in their hands. Children help to prepare lunch and peel carrots and potatoes. They learn how to keep themselves safe as they use tools effectively with close supervision and support.

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The provision is good

The childminder recognises the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has made adjustments in order to ensure children's health and well-being. She continues to adopt stringent hygiene procedures in order to help keep children safe.

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need to do better?

n Children's communication and language development are a particular focus following periods of lockdown and closure. The childminder and her assistant skilfully ensure that children hear a wide range of vocabulary. They describe what children are doing as they play, use repetition and ensure that children hear the correct pronunciation of words. Furthermore, they ask thought- provoking questions, such as 'how will we get there?' and 'what shall we have in our picnic?' as children pretend to travel on a bus. n Children have wonderful opportunities to learn about the world around them. They frequently visit places of interest where they develop an understanding of different people and communities. For example, children enjoy trips to museums, woodlands and parks. Furthermore, children have recently been fascinated in the construction of a warehouse opposite the childminder's home. They have learned about transport and people's roles and responsibilities. The

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need to do better?

creation of a dedicated construction area in the garden means that children are able to apply the knowledge they have gained as they create their own structures.

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need to do better?

21 February 2022 n Children's health and well-being is given high priority. Children engage in daily wake-up sessions, where they move their bodies energetically. During yoga sessions, children learn to control their breathing as they stretch, increase their flexibility and strengthen their muscles. These activities are successful in supporting children's mental and physical health. Furthermore, children are encouraged to talk about how they are feeling with their friends. This helps children to recognise and manage their feelings and behaviour and develop empathy for others. n The childminder and her assistant know children exceptionally well. Together they plan exciting activities that reflect children's interests. The childminder gathers precise information from parents prior to children starting. This enables her to build coherently on their existing skills and abilities. However, very occasionally, during some activities, the childminder does not embrace

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need to do better?

opportunities to challenge children's learning and understanding. That said, children are making very good progress in their development. n The childminder is hard-working, enthusiastic and conscientious. She is dedicated in her determination to provide high-quality care and education. The childminder effectively supports her assistant and monitors his practice continuously. She is reflective in her practice and uses self-evaluation to successfully address areas that she wishes to improve. For example, the childminder has identified that she would like to further develop her outdoor area, to provide even more engaging learning opportunities. n Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder continuously seeks their views and values any contributions that they make. She shares information about children's learning and development and provides helpful advice on activities for children to do at home. Parents are delighted with the service the

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need to do better?

childminder provides. They comment on the progress their children have made and how much they enjoy attending. They describe the childminder as 'amazing' and say that their children are 'thriving' in her care.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of the procedures to follow should they have any safeguarding concerns. They are able to recognise possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. The childminder knows who to contact if she has concerns about the welfare of a child in her care. Furthermore, she understands the procedure to follow should an allegation be made against or if she has concerns about her assistant's practice or conduct. Regular training ensures that her knowledge and skills remain up to date. The childminder maintains meticulous documentation, such as attendance records and risk assessments, and has comprehensive policies to support her practice.

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should:

n maximise opportunities as children play and engage in routine activities, to consistently extend and challenge children's learning n implement plans to enhance the outdoor area to provide even more opportunities for those children who prefer to learn outdoors.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY560270 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10190473 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018 and lives in Kirkby, Merseyside. She operates all year round, from 7.30am 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 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 her evaluation of the provider. n Discussions were held with the childminder, her assistant 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 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, her assistant and children during activities and assessed the impact of teaching on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

21 February 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

21 February 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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