Childminder in Knowsley

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children truly thrive in the care of the experienced and exceptional childminder. They form incredibly close bonds with the childminder, who cares deeply for the children and their families. Highly bespoke settling-in arrangements are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Detailed information from parents is used to skilfully adapt the provision and to help children to settle quickly. This helps to ensure that all children get off to an amazing start and make rapid progress.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development. She offers children an ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum, based precisely on her deep understanding of what children need to learn next. An abundance of carefully selected resources are provided to entice and motivate children. This approach successfully enables the childminder to enhance and extend each child's learning regardless of what they choose to play with.

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The provision is outstanding

Children are confident, enthusiastic learners and delight in treating the childminder as a playful partner. They understand the high expectations she has of their behaviour and subsequently behave extremely well. The childminder skilfully supports children to develop the key characteristics of highly effective learners. For example, while children attempt to use scissors, the childminder reminds them of their previous attempts at cutting. She asks children to recall the skills they need in order to be successful this time. Children discuss how to hold the paper and grip the scissors, while being mindful of their safety.

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need to do better?

n The childminder constantly reflects on the quality of the service she provides. She regularly attends training, diligently researches and implements her new knowledge to benefit children's experiences. For example, she has researched different strategies to support speech and language development and successfully implemented these. This supports children in making rapid progress and helps to close emerging gaps in their progress. n The childminder meticulously assesses each child's progress. She uses her assessments to build seamlessly on what children already know and can do. The childminder works in close partnership with any other providers that children attend. For example, she meets with staff from the local nursery to discuss children's progress and put shared plans in place to ensure consistency in children's learning. n High regard is given to developing children's communication and language skills.

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need to do better?

The childminder carefully models the correct pronunciation of words, sensitively addressing any mispronunciation. Furthermore, the childminder introduces new

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need to do better?

23 March 2023 and interesting words. For example, as children talk about the features of daffodils, the childminder encourages them to use complex words such as 'stem' and 'stamen'. Children are encouraged to share their thoughts and ask questions. Opportunities such as this help to ensure that children become confident communicators in readiness for the next stage of their learning. n Children enjoy playing games and enthusiastically welcome the childminder into their play. They remember the rules of the 'pie game' and explain how to play. Children as young as three years of age confidently demonstrate their excellent mathematical skills as they play. They add, subtract and calculate who has more objects to put in the pie. Furthermore, while playing outdoors in the sand tray children use words such as 'full', 'empty' and 'part-full', while filling containers with sand. n The childminder provides a wealth of opportunities that children may not

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need to do better?

otherwise experience. For example, children visit a variety of restaurants to meet people and experience food from a wide range of cultures. They enjoy trips in the local community and explore the local countryside. Rich experiences such as these help to extend children's learning and also provide opportunities for them to develop an understanding of the world around them. n Parents speak incredibly highly of the support they receive from the childminder. They are incredibly well informed about their child's progress and value the advice and support they receive to help them contribute successfully to their child's learning at home. Parents trust the childminder implicitly and say they feel she is a member of their family.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder understands her duty to safeguard and protect children. She can confidently identify a wide range of potential signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. Furthermore, she understands the action to take in the event of a concern, including should an allegation be made. The childminder attends training to ensure that her knowledge remains up to date. She teaches children to be mindful of their own risks and encourages them to risk assess the environment with her as they play.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY270244 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10280773 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 3 Date of previous inspection 15 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003. She operates all year round, from 10.30am to 5.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the childminder's curriculum and her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector spoke with children at appropriate times during the inspection. n Parents spoke with the inspector and shared their views on the childminder's provision. n The childminder and inspector jointly evaluated an activity provided.

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Inspection activities

23 March 2023 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 March 2023 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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