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 show that they feel happy and secure in this safe and engaging environment. From the moment they arrive, children are free to choose from a range of appropriate resources or select from a menu of pictures that the childminder has made available. All children, including those who are less confident in their speech or communication, can therefore engage in the range of activities on offer. The childminder welcomes children and parents warmly, and the children are confident to share news about the activities they have taken part in over the weekend. The childminder celebrates children's achievements and encourages them to listen and treat each other with respect. Children behave well and are kind and caring to each other.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides a variety of healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Children choose from a variety of fresh fruit and are asked to name and talk about them. They cut these up and serve themselves. They are learning about their food and how to make healthy choices about what they eat. The childminder has high expectations for children's learning. She provides a wide range of activities, both indoors and outdoors, to support this. For example, children enjoy playing in a safe and secure outdoor area. They engage in a variety of physical activities, using balance beams and hoops to help develop their coordination. They are encouraged to look after the plants in the garden and talk about what insects they may find while exploring this environment.

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need to do better?

n Children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder understands what they know and need to learn next. She provides a range of well-focused activities to support this. For example, children are asked to identify the number written on a plant pot and put the correct number of flowers inside the pot. Children are progressing well in their number recognition and counting skills. n Partnership with parents is a strength of this setting. Parents feel fully informed about their children's progress and feel their children are in 'the safest hands'. They appreciate the daily discussions and the pictures they see about the activities their children are enjoying. The childminder recommends activities that can be performed in the home, to support children's learning. This helps to provide a consistency of care for children. n The childminder correctly identifies when children may need additional support

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need to do better?

with their learning and knows what to do when this is required. She communicates well with parents and seeks help from outside professionals. For example, speech and language professionals are invited to work with the childminder to develop programmes to support children's speech. As a result,

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need to do better?

3 April 2023 children are becoming more confident in their use of language. n Children make independent choices as they play. However, the childminder does not always allow children to find answers or solve problems for themselves. For example, she often suggests answers to questions or solutions to problems while children are still thinking. This means that children are not always given the opportunity to explore options and find solutions for themselves. n The childminder understands that children learn in different ways and adapts activities to suit the children attending. For example, she takes a counting activity outdoors and uses water sprays to stick foam shapes to the patio door. Children are excited as they count in sequence. This makes the activity more exciting for all children and engages them in learning. n The childminder is increasing children's awareness of diversity within her local community and beyond. She provides a variety of multicultural resources, and a

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need to do better?

number of cultures and celebrations are explored throughout the year. For example, children make lanterns during Diwali and explore different animals during Australia Day. Children are therefore learning about people with lives different from their own. n The childminder regularly reflects on and is committed to evaluating and improving her own practice. She reflects well on children's experiences and seeks the views of parents regarding her provision. She identifies training courses to attend and other training opportunities. This allows her to plan learning experiences that help children progress in their learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder is fully aware of her responsibility to keep children safe and protect them from harm. She has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of potential abuse. She knows what to do and who to contact if she has concerns about a child's safety or welfare. She has a full understanding of how to identify children who may be subject to radicalisation. She knows how to keep children safe in her care. For example, she helps them to manage risks safely when climbing on equipment in the garden. She also helps keep children safe by carrying out thorough risk assessments throughout her setting.

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should:

n allow children time to solve problems independently so that they can consistently build their resilience and problem-solving skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY331167 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10264482 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 7 Date of previous inspection 16 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and lives in Runcorn. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate early years 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 their evaluation of the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education during activities, both indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder. n The inspector held discussions with the childminder. n The inspector reviewed a sample of documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household. n The inspector spoke to and reviewed written feedback from parents and took account of their views. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and children.

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Inspection activities

3 April 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

3 April 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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