Childminder in Halton

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children are happy, settled and well cared for in the childminder's welcoming home. The children form secure attachments with the childminder, who knows them and their families well. Outside, in the garden, the children delight as they race on the patio, excitedly waiting for the childminder to call 'ready, steady, go!' This develops their physical skills and helps to build up stamina in their legs. In the well-resourced playroom, they engage excitedly with the story of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Children are developing a love for and interest in books, as they enjoy exploring new words together, such as 'cocoon' and 'watermelon'. The children demonstrate good focus and attention as they explore mark making with coloured pens and carefully replace the tops with determination. This is supporting the development of small-muscle skills in their fingers.

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The provision is good

The childminder is aware of gaps in children's experiences since the COVID-19 pandemic began and the impact this has had on their social and emotional development. Children's social skills are enhanced effectively. She takes the children to play centres with other childminders. Children are respectful and caring towards each other and display good manners. For example, they use please and thank you at snack time. Children show impressive levels of independence as they carefully help to make their own sandwiches for lunch. They develop hand-eye coordination skills as they learn to use tools safely. A child now describes himself as a 'chef'.

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need to do better?

n Children's behaviour and attitudes are good. They are encouraged to greet visitors. The childminder has a clear routine so that children feel secure and know what to expect. For example, the children take their shoes off when they come in from the garden and help to tidy up toys. n Partnership with parents is strong. Parents appreciate the daily updates and photos the childminder shares with them via a messaging app. This helps parents to feel fully involved and informed of their children's day and achievements. n The childminder discusses children's starting points with parents and how best to support their child's learning further. She completes developmental checks that she shares with parents. The childminder willingly offers advice and guidance for home, such as toilet training and developing early reading skills. n The childminder has built some links with the local school. However, she has not

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need to do better?

thought about how she can prepare children for moving on to the next stage of their education. n The childminder plans exciting trips to teach children about the world around them. For example, they enjoy walks around the local parks and forests. This

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need to do better?

7 October 2022 helps children to learn about their community. They also have some opportunities to learn about cultures and lifestyles in the wider world beyond their own, such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. n The childminder teaches self-care skills. Older children fetch a tissue for their nose and discard it in the bin when they have used it. Children follow good hygiene routines and wash their hands before preparing and eating meals. They bring toothbrushes to the childminder's house to brush their teeth after lunch. The childminder politely reminds children to cover their mouths when they cough and explains how it helps to stop germs from spreading. n Children develop their physical skills. They race enthusiastically, clearly enjoying themselves. The childminder takes children to swimming and dance classes so they can socialise, play and communicate with other children as they develop their physical skills. The childminder provides opportunities to develop children's

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need to do better?

hand grip by mark making with pens. They strengthen their hand and arm muscles as they draw circles. This also supports their developing mathematical knowledge of shapes. n The childminder is passionate about continuing her training and professional development, ensuring she is always improving the quality of the care and education she provides. Recently, she has completed a course to help parents and children manage their mental and emotional health. The childminder makes sure that all relevant documents are up to date and well organised.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her knowledge of safeguarding up to date. She understands how to identify any concerns about children's welfare and to report these to the appropriate professionals. The childminder has a good understanding of the risks associated with extreme views and practices and the effect that these could have on children. The childminder's home is safe and secure. The childminder keeps up- to-date records of children and records children's attendance accurately. She keeps children safe on outings to public places. The childminder teaches children to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, she talks to them about road safety.

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should:

n strengthen links with schools to develop a more consistent way of supporting children's transitions for the next steps of their education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 303421 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10234475 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 18 Number of children on roll 1 Date of previous inspection 1 November 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1995 and lives in Widnes. She employs two assistants and at the moment operates from 8am to 4pm, Wednesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder 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 COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her 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 The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n Parents' views were taken account of by the inspector by reading their written comments. n Children interacted with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

7 October 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

7 October 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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