Childminder in Sefton

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 thrive in this exciting and supportive home-from-home environment. They are inspired by the magical feel of the amazing outdoor space. The childminder's passion for the outdoors and growing natural produce means children are surrounded by an astonishing range of fruits and vegetables as they play. Children are developing a remarkable understanding of the natural world and how to grow the food they eat. Children play with imagination. The natural foliage creates a mystical feel. Children's curiosity is sparked as they explore and discover 'hidden' corners and 'secret' areas where they can play. For example, they hold a tea party in the large, covered sandpit or sit quietly in the tree house to look at books. Children benefit from a strong well-sequenced curriculum. They are becoming curious learners, who are keen to have a go and keep on trying. Children are acquiring lots of knowledge and skills to help their future learning. Children are

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The provision is good

safe and well cared for. They are extremely happy here and enjoy their learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder is very aware of an increased number of children struggling with separation anxiety since the COVID-19 pandemic. To help address this, she has worked very closely with parents to gain a good understanding of children's individual needs and provides tailored support for every child as they start attending.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how children learn. She provides an excellent range of activities and meaningful first-hand experiences that bring children's learning to life. For example, children are encouraged to feel the texture and smell of the compost and look closely at the beans before planting. Children learn that the emerging shoots needs to point upwards to help the beans grow. n The childminder has high aspirations for all children. When needed, she adapts activities and provides additional support to help children of all abilities succeed. n The curriculum for physical development is strong. Young children are becoming increasingly confident as they learn to climb on large equipment. The outdoor 'gym' helps children to develop their core and upper body strength. Children laugh happily as they lift their feet off the floor and swing enthusiastically from suspended hoops.

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need to do better?

n The childminder knows each child very well. She carefully considers their current capabilities and identifies what they need to learn next. In the main, planned activities are very well organised. However, on occasion, school-age children dominate the available space. This hinders the younger children's involvement and learning. For example, younger children are unable to access the sensory tray easily to explore the texture of the rice.

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need to do better?

20 May 2022 n The childminder routinely checks what children have learned from the activities she provides before moving on. When asked, older children confidently recall that bees make honey. n The childminder and her assistant model language well and routinely introduce new words to help extend children's vocabulary. The childminder monitors the progress of children's speech. She provides additional support to help those who may have been affected by the pandemic to catch up with their peers. n Children have many good opportunities for mark making and use a range of materials. For example, they use their fingers to make marks during sensory play or use sticks in the sand. Paper and pencils are continuously available. However, the childminder has not fully considered how she can best support children to develop the dexterity and strength they need in their fingers for eventual handwriting. n The childminder provides exceptional opportunities for children to learn about

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need to do better?

and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Children plant and care for the organic fruits and vegetables before picking them to enjoy at mealtimes and snack times. Children enjoy a wide range of healthy and nutritious meals. n The childminder and her assistant are positive role models. They explain expected behaviours clearly, and children are learning to regulate their own behaviour. Children behave very well. n Children have formed secure attachments with the childminder, her assistant and their peers. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and are very familiar with the routines of the day. Children sit together at the large dining table to enjoy an unhurried 'family' mealtime. When they are tired, they settle quickly and sleep well. n Parents comment very positively on the quality of care and education their children receive. They say that they are well informed and are very pleased with the progress their children are making.

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need to do better?

n The childminder manages her setting effectively. The childminder and her assistant have completed all required training, such as paediatric first aid and child protection. They regularly access additional online courses and webinars to develop their knowledge, to help them to further improve the quality of education provided.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a clear understanding of their role and responsibility regarding child protection. The childminder regularly updates her training and written procedures to ensure they can both implement appropriate processes without delay. This includes in the event of an allegation being made against someone working with the children. The childminder uses effective risk assessments, supported by developmentally appropriate explanations and good supervision, to keep children safe.

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should:

n provide further opportunities for children to develop their hand muscles and finger control in preparation for early writing n strengthen the organisation of planned activities to ensure all children are able to participate fully.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY431018 Local authority Sefton Inspection number 10131867 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 16 Date of previous inspection 7 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Southport. She operates all year round from 6.30am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant on a full-time basis and holds a relevant early years degree.

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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 their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided. She assessed the impact these activities had on children's learning. She completed a learning walk with the childminder to discuss how the curriculum is planned and implemented. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the activities and how the teaching observed extended children's understanding and linked into the learning intentions for the children. n The childminder, her assistant and the children were spoken to by the inspector at convenient times during the inspection. n The inspector checked all areas of the premises used by children, including the garden. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of

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Inspection activities

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

20 May 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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