Childminder in St Helens

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 thoroughly enjoy attending this warm and welcoming setting. They settle quickly and are eager to explore the activities in the designated playroom. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They confidently ask for help when needed. For example, children approach the childminder to assist when they want to find a scrapbook of a recent visit to the safari park. Children are keen to include the childminder in their play. They happily make her pretend drinks and pancakes in the role-play kitchen. Children laugh as the childminder joins in and encourages them to count out the plates and cups.

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The provision is good

Children display a very positive attitude towards learning. They are keen to try new things and concentrate intently on their tasks. For example, children focus well as they use tweezers to discover items hidden in the tissue paper. They patiently wait for their turn and develop good listening and observation skills. Children also expand their vocabulary as the childminder introduces new words, such as 'squeeze' and 'manipulate'.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour. Children behave extremely well. They follow instructions, show an awareness of routine and understand boundaries. For example, children instinctively know that they must use their quiet voices when the babies are sleeping. They help to tidy away resources and show respect for the equipment provided for them. Children are polite and frequently say please and thank you.

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The provision is good

The childminder has communicated well with parents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents do not currently access the childminder's home. However, the childminder has adopted various methods to communicate with parents. So, parents are well informed about their children's experiences.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's communication skills well and develops their listening and understanding effectively. She ensures children hear a wide range of vocabulary, for example, by providing a running commentary while children play. The childminder also asks children questions that encourage them to think and develop their ideas. For example, when the childminder reads 'Mr Wolf's Pancakes' she questions the children, asking 'why is it important to help our friends?' and 'how do you think Mr Wolf feels?' This helps children to develop their critical thinking as they talk about feelings and emotions. n The childminder provides many opportunities for children to develop their early literacy skills. For example, children access a wide range of books and older children have lots of opportunities to write with purpose. They enjoy making

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need to do better?

22 February 2022 marks in various ways, such as writing recipes. However, younger children sometimes struggle to hold the chalks and pencils. This is because they are too small for their hands to grip comfortably. As a result, they become a little frustrated and do not enjoy mark making. n The childminder consistently helps to develop children's early mathematical skills. Children learn to use correct mathematical language, such as 'repeated' and 'the same', as they identify patterns and similarities. As children group items together, the childminder enhances their learning by introducing new vocabulary and concepts, such as a 'pair'. This extends children's understanding of mathematical language further and helps to provide them with basic skills ready for their next stage of their learning. n Children manage their self-care needs competently and understand why they need to wash their hands regularly. The childminder provides children with

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need to do better?

healthy snacks, such as oatcakes and fresh fruit, which they thoroughly enjoy. Children also learn about the importance of good oral health. The childminder provides resources, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, for children to use both in her setting and at home. Children also begin to learn where food comes from. They grow strawberries and tomatoes, which helps children to understand the importance of healthy eating. As a result, children develop a sense of confidence in making healthy choices. n Children show great determination when practising new skills. For example, they are eager to have a go at hanging socks on the washing line using pegs. The childminder models how to operate the peg, which prompts children to keep trying. They are delighted when they finally succeed. This gives them a sense of achievement and demonstrates their positive attitude to learning. n The childminder gathers detailed information about children prior to them

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need to do better?

starting at her setting. In addition to understanding their routines, she ensures that she is aware of what knowledge and skills children have. The childminder has an effective system in place to monitor children's learning and development and continuously shares this information with parents. As a result, parents can support their children's learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm, including those of radicalisation. She fully understands the procedures to follow and the appropriate people to contact, should there be any concerns about a child's safety or well- being. The childminder has completed comprehensive training to support her role as designated lead and ensures her knowledge remains up to date. The playroom, used for childminding purposes, is extremely well organised and is a safe environment for children to play in and explore. The childminder implements her policies and procedures to support the operation and effectiveness of her provision.

p.3

should:

n provide opportunities for younger children to develop their skills by ensuring activities and resources are age- and developmentally appropriate.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2496220 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10207687 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 9 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019. She lives in St Helens, Lancashire. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds a childcare 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 to discuss the childminder's intention for the children's learning. n The inspector observed an activity and evaluated this with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder talked to the inspector about how she organises her provision and about how she ensures children's well-being and safety. n The inspector took account of the written views of parents.

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Inspection activities

22 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

22 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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