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 Inadequate

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The provision is good

Children are happy, settled and enjoy the time that they spend with the childminder and her recently appointed assistant. They arrive eager to play and separate from their carer with confidence. Children readily interact with their friends and enthusiastically play with the range of resources available. Older children welcome their younger friends into their play. Children play well together, share and take turns. They are mindful of each other's safety and understand the expectations the childminder and her assistant have for their behaviour. Children are taught how to manage any disagreements appropriately and are very well behaved.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy playing in the environment provided by the childminder and her assistant. They are supervised effectively. Overall, children are supported effectively to make the most of the opportunities and experiences provided. Children as young as one year delight in using a variety of large crayons to make marks in preparation for early writing. Older children are encouraged to recognise the letters in their names as they identify their personal place mat during mealtimes.

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The provision is good

The childminder recognises the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's confidence and social skills. She has carefully considered how to increase opportunities for children to develop these important skills as she prepares them for the next stage in their education.

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need to do better?

n The childminder evaluates the quality of the service that she offers. She has addressed the actions raised at her last inspection. The childminder has appointed a qualified and experienced assistant who supports her in her role. She has followed robust recruitment and vetting procedures and has offered her assistant a thorough induction for the role. Although the childminder has recently developed supervision and coaching opportunities for her assistant, these are not yet embedded. Targets agreed with her assistant are too broad and do not focus precisely on what the assistant should do to raise the quality of her teaching even further. n The childminder provides a range of activities which are based on children's interests and her understanding of what children need to learn next. For example, older children develop their problem-solving skills and make decisions about the resources they need to use as they build. They explain why they

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need to do better?

choose certain blocks and what they think will happen if the model is not strong enough. The childminder and her assistant promote the learning of older and more-confident children very well. However, there are occasionally times during

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need to do better?

22 April 2022 activities when quieter and younger children are not as well engaged. n The childminder and her assistant place a high priority on developing children's speech and language. Most children are confident speakers. The childminder quickly identifies any gaps in children's language development. She seeks advice to ensure that children receive any additional support that they may need in a timely manner so that they make good progress. The childminder and her assistant talk with children and correctly model the pronunciation of words. n Children show kindness towards each other and respect for their environment. They enjoy helping each other. For example, at mealtimes, children carefully count the plates and cutlery they will need and distribute them among their friends. The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks. She takes into account the individual dietary requirements some children have.

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need to do better?

Children are taught effectively about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy regular opportunities for physical play in the childminder's extensive garden. n Parents speak highly of the care their child receives while with the childminder. The childminder regularly discusses children's progress with parents. Parents value the sensitive advice given on a range of child development topics, including the use of dummies and toilet training. They think of the childminder and her assistant as 'one of the family'. n The childminder works in partnership with a range of other providers and professionals. She manages children's transitions well and, on the whole, ensures that children are prepared well for school. Children are encouraged to be independent. For example, they confidently wipe their own faces after lunchtime and manage their own toileting needs with confidence.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant understand their responsibility to protect children from harm. They are aware of the indicators of abuse and know what to do if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. The childminder and her assistant undertake regular training to refresh their knowledge and to ensure that they remain up to date. The childminder keeps children safe in her home and on outings. She works alongside her assistant ensuring that children are well supervised and that adult-to-child ratios are always maintained.

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should:

n explore ways in which to enhance the professional development of staff to help to raise the quality of teaching even further n consider the organisation of activities so that younger and less-confident

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should:

22 April 2022 children can get the most from the learning opportunities provided.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY430994 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10220598 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 12 Number of children on roll 12 Date of previous inspection 21 September 2021

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Kirkby, Merseyside. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 4. She works alongside an assistant, who is qualified to level 3. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder and the inspector had a learning walk of the setting where they discussed the early years provision and the aims of the curriculum. n An activity was observed and evaluated by the inspector and the childminder. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder, her assistant and the children spoke with the inspector at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector viewed a range of documentation, including training certificates and Disclosure and Barring Service check records.

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Inspection activities

22 April 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 April 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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