Childminder in Wirral

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 separate from their parents with ease and happily enter the setting. The childminder welcomes them with a smile and embraces them with hugs. Children thrive and form secure bonds with the childminder in the safe, homely environment. This nurturing approach has supported children's emotional needs well as they settled back in after the COVID-19 closure.

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The provision is good

Children across all ages show high levels of confidence, a can-do attitude and determination in their learning. For example, babies show pleasure as they crawl around outdoors and practise their new climbing skills. They show enjoyment in their achievements as they proudly gain their balance and pull themselves up onto small rocking toys. Older children show fascination as they find a spider in its web. Together they explore, using magnify glasses to investigate a little closer. Children fill the air with excitement as they confidently rush to show the inspector what they have found. They build on their own ideas as they independently operate electronic equipment, taking pictures to capture the moment. This supports children's understanding of the world and the use of technology.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. Older children are caring towards others who are younger than them. They tenderly place their arms around them, offering reassurance as they sit contently together. Furthermore, they are gentle towards babies and include them in their play. Children know what is expected of them and follow routines well. For instance, they put chairs and toys away when asked. They show great manners as they remind one another not to leave the table until everybody has eaten their snack. This teaches children to be respectful and supports their self-esteem and confidence.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a clear vision for her setting and is passionate about delivering the best care and learning experiences to children. She regularly seeks the views of parents to help her evaluate and improve her practice. The childminder has plans to seek out additional training that will help strengthen her mentoring skills, to support her assistant further. n Generally, children's communication and language are promoted well. There is a wide range of books on offer and children eagerly sit and listen to stories. The childminder and her assistant talk to children about what they can see in the pictures. They miss out familiar phrases so children can share their ideas. This extends children's attention and listening skills. Additionally, children sing songs and rhymes. Babies join in with the actions and remain engaged and enthusiastic. However, some younger children are not always supported with

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need to do better?

their development of speech and the correct pronunciation of words. This is

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need to do better?

23 June 2022 because at times there is an over-reliance on children using dummies. n The childminder and her assistant engage children in learning and thread this through the well-planned and sequenced curriculum. Weekly extra-curricular activities are also on offer, such as French lessons and music and movement sessions. The childminder and her assistant build on what they know children can do, follow their interests and provide activities for them to learn more. This helps children to become independent learners and develops their skills for their next stage in their learning. n The childminder and her assistant provide children with plenty of opportunities to be active. Overall, children learn good healthy practices. They run around in the fresh air and move their bodies in a variety of ways. They flutter their arms like a butterfly, march like an ant and slither like a snake. This develops children's control of their body and use of their large- and small-motor skills. The

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need to do better?

childminder and her assistant explain to children the importance of wearing their sun hats and drinking plenty of water when it is hot. However, they do not consistently promote children's understanding of the importance of hygiene procedures, such as handwashing before snack time after being outdoors. n The childminder and her assistant build excellent partnerships with parents and their extended families, such as grandparents. They communicate well and suggest activities that parents can do at home. This enables parents to be fully involved in their children's learning. Parents commend the childminder for her support and caring nature. They say that she 'goes above and beyond' to provide a range of learning opportunities for their children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a very clear understanding of their responsibilities to protect children from harm. They know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and understand the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. The childminder and her assistant both maintain a first-aid qualification and regularly assess the safety risks in the home and during outings. The childminder follows effective recruitment and vetting procedures, which help to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children.

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should:

n strengthen children's understanding of effective hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before eating n reflect on the way children's speech and pronunciation of words are supported in the setting, to support younger children with their early communication and language.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2572701 Local authority Wirral Inspection number 10239525 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 18 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Upton, Wirral. 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 6, and her assistant holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's and her assistant's intention for children's learning. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and her assistant at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, her assistant and the children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documents on request. n The inspector gathered the views of parents and their comments on the setting.

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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

23 June 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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