Childminder in Halton

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is inadequate

The childminder has failed to comply with legal duties, in particular planning restrictions that are placed on her premises by the local authority. This leaves the setting vulnerable and potentially places children at risk of harm.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children are happy and have strong bonds with the childminder and her assistant. Babies approach them for cuddles and reassurance. Older children ask for help when needed and seek comfort when they become anxious or scared. For example, when a bee enters the playroom, they quickly go and sit on the childminder's knee. The childminder offers simple explanations. For instance, she explains to children how to react calmly, so that the bee will not sting them. She then explains to children how bees are important creatures. For example, that they pollinate and this helps the flowers to grow. The childminder then gives children the time they need to settle, before encouraging them back to play.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children are confident and have high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. For example, they excitedly approach visitors and are eager to share with them all about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. Children understand what is expected of them and behave well. This is because the childminder and her assistant provide consistent messages for expected behaviour.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder understands that children have had different experiences, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, she has shaped her curriculum to reflect this. For example, there is a sharp focus on helping children to develop their emotional development and speaking skills. As a result, all children, including those who are funded and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has knowingly cared for more children than her local authority planning department decision allows. While she understands the restrictions placed on her premises, in this case that she may only care for a maximum of six children at any one time, she has failed to comply with this. This demonstrates a poor attitude to work in line with other legal duties placed on her premises. In addition, this calls into question her integrity as a registered provider with Ofsted. n The childminder has in place a well-balanced and sequenced curriculum. This, in the main, helps children achieve the next steps in their learning. However, the childminder does not use information gathered about children's learning at the start of the placement quickly enough, to help them make the very best start to their education.

p.2

need to do better?

28 June 2022 n The childminder works extremely well with other professionals involved in children's learning and care. Where she has a concern about a child's development, she takes swift action, including involving parents, to ensure children get the support they need. As a result, any identified gaps in children's learning quickly close. n In the main, children are confident communicators. The childminder uses communication and language strategies well, to help all children develop their speaking skills. For example, the childminder speaks slowly, repeats common words and phrases and gives children time to think and respond to questions. However, distractions from the television and radio often mean that some children quickly lose concentration and, at times, this also hinders their listening and attention. n Children develop well in mathematics. This is because the childminder uses lots of mathematical language and introduces mathematical concepts as children

p.2

need to do better?

play. For example, she explains to toddlers the difference between 'big' and 'little' as they choose dinosaurs. Older children estimate how many scoops of soil it will take to fill their plant pot, count out the correct number of seeds, and estimate how tall they think their plant will grow. n The childminder provides constant reminders and praise as children follow her simple house rules. For example, children know to use 'kind hands' and say please and thank you without any prompts. Children show respect to each other and are beginning to be confident enough to resolve minor conflicts themselves. n The childminder seeks many different professional development opportunities. For example, she undertakes a wealth of courses that enable her to better support children's learning development. This means she can reflect on and re- shape how she delivers some aspects of her curriculum to better support children's unique development needs.

p.3

need to do better?

n The childminder provides lots of support to her newly appointed assistant. She regularly monitors the quality of her interactions with children and gives her useful feedback. As a result, the assistant is growing in confidence in her role. n Children are helped to lead a healthy lifestyle. They have frequent opportunities for outdoor play and are provided with healthy, home-cooked meals and snacks. Children routinely brush their teeth after eating lunch. This helps them develop a positive attitude to care for their own oral health.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have attended safeguarding training. They both have secure understanding of what to do should they have a concern about a child, or about each other's conduct. The setting is safe, warm, and welcoming. Children are helped to gain an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, they wait for the childminder or the assistant before entering the garden.

p.3

Due date

comply with all other legal duties, in this instance, to ensure you meet the local authority planning department restrictions that are placed on your premises. 13/07/2022

p.4

should:

n limit background noise, such as from the television and radio, to help children focus on tasks and further develop their listening and attention skills n use information gathered about children's learning at the start of placement more effectively, to help them make the best start to their education.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY488346 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10245882 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11 Date of previous inspection 18 August 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Widnes. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with an assistant.

p.5

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 setting. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder. n The inspector spoke to the childminder's assistant. n The inspector looked at required documentation.

p.5

Inspection activities

28 June 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

28 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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