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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

The caring and friendly childminder warmly welcomes children into her home. The childminder works closely with parents when children initially start. She finds out about their routines and interests. Children come for settling-in visits, which gives them time to get to know the childminder. This helps them to feel happy, safe and secure. They quickly form strong bonds with the childminder, which helps to support their emotional development.

p.2

The provision is good

Children go on regular trips out in the local community. For example, they visit local parks, soft-play areas and the library. This gives children opportunities to be physically active and to explore the world around them. The childminder meets with other childminders, who have children of a similar age. This helps to broaden children's social group and their interactions with other children.

p.2

The provision is good

Children access a very well-resourced playroom with a range of toys for the different ages and stages of development. Children happily engage in the challenging activities provided by the childminder. Babies cuddle on the childminder's knee as she reads a story. They eagerly turn the pages and lift the flaps on a board book. This helps to promote a love of reading from an early age and develops the muscles in their fingers and hands.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans activities and experiences based on children's interests. She regularly assesses what children already know and can do. For example, babies are supported to learn to walk by cruising around furniture and holding hands with the childminder, while they master this skill. This supports children to make good progress. n Overall, the childminder promotes children's communication and language very well. She talks clearly and asks appropriate questions. She gives children time to respond. Babies use gestures to express their wishes. For example, they point to the soft toys they would like to hold. However, at times, babies use dummies for an extended period when playing. This has an impact on them being able to use their mouths to babble and make noises. n Partnerships with parents are very strong. The childminder gathers information about children's development before they start at the setting. She shares

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need to do better?

children's achievements with parents through messages and daily feedback. Parents say they are extremely happy with the care provided, commenting, 'it is the perfect environment for little ones.' n Children, particularly babies, are provided with a range of resources to explore. For example, the childminder sets out some stacking blocks for babies to build with. They delight as they find some balls to put inside the stacking tubs,

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need to do better?

10 November 2022 showing curiosity and a positive attitude to learning. However, resources are not always fully accessible and within easy reach of babies. This means they cannot always access them freely to promote independent choices. n The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks. She encourages children to eat a range of fruit and vegetables. The childminder works closely with parents to support children's dietary needs. For example, babies are supported during weaning and introduced to finger foods. Children can access water independently. This encourages them to make healthy choices. n The childminder is dedicated to her role and continually reflects on her teaching. She seeks out training and ideas to support her practice. The childminder recently accessed some training on a speech and language assessment tool. This helps her to access any gaps in children's communication and language skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder works closely with other settings that children attend. She shares information about children's progress and what they are learning now. She works with settings to develop and implement the same strategies in order to support children's behaviour. This helps to support continuity of care for children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has kept up to date with her knowledge on safeguarding children. She has a good understanding of signs of abuse and neglect. The childminder knows how to make any referrals should she have a concern about a child's welfare. The childminder consistently assesses her home for any potential risks or hazards. While on outings, the childminder ensures she has a well-stocked first-aid kit and emergency details for herself and the children, to use in the event of an accident. This helps to keep children safe.

p.3

should:

n develop the organisation of resources, particularly for babies, so that they can be accessed more independently n consider reducing the use of dummies during babies play, so that children's early communication skills can be fully promoted.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2592181 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10251273 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

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

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020 and lives in Halewood. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request, including a two-year-old progress report and paediatric first-aid certificate. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

10 November 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

10 November 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

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

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