Childminder in St Helens

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 at this home-from-home setting are confident, happy and well cared for. The childminder is very responsive to the children's needs and interests. Younger children form secure attachments as they snuggle up to her for a cuddle and reassurance. Older children engage with resources of their own choosing in the safe space of the playroom. They are supported by the childminder who skilfully introduces new vocabulary, such as 'beak' and 'bulldozer'. This helps to build children's language and communication skills. Children have strong friendships with each other; they show kindness and concern when one of their friends is upset. Older children are respectful and caring towards each other. Children display good manners, and their personal development is nurtured.

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The provision is good

Mathematical skills are developed during story time when children delight in listening to 'How Big Is My Dinosaur?' The childminder skilfully takes this opportunity to enhance children's learning about size and counting. Children develop the knowledge and skills they need for their next stage in learning. For example, younger children listen to instructions carefully, and older children learn to write letters from their name.

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need to do better?

n Children's behaviour and attitudes are good. The children welcome visitors and engage in conversation. The childminder helps children to develop their personal skills. For example, they take off their shoes when they come in from outside and help to tidy up toys. Children are gaining independence skills. n Partnership with parents is strong. Parents compliment the childminder for going 'above and beyond' to support the children she looks after. Effective communications, such as daily feedback, ensure that parents are kept up to date with their children's care and learning. The childminder offers ideas to parents of how to further their child's development at home. This helps parents to feel fully involved and supports consistency in their child's care. n The childminder supports language and communication well during play. She is an excellent role model and introduces new words such as 'webbed feet'. This

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need to do better?

helps children to develop their vocabulary. n Overall, the childminder offers interesting activities. For example, children enthusiastically join in with song and rhymes sessions, and younger children giggle as they join in the 'party freeze' game. However, sometimes, songs are not targeted at the ages of children she cares for. As a consequence, older children begin to lose interest and focus and do not gain as much learning from the activity. n The childminder plans regular visits to the local park and nature reserve to teach children about the world around them. They visit the library to choose books to

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need to do better?

15 June 2023 share at the childminder's house and visit a playgroup to build a larger circle of friends. The childminder extends children's personal and social skills well. n Healthy lifestyles are promoted. The childminder provides healthy lunches and time to play inside and outside. For example, children play in wheeled vehicles in the garden, which supports their physical development. After lunch, tired little ones are offered a cool, quiet space to rest. All children's needs are well met. n The childminder encourages children to build their independence skills. For example, older children put on their own shoes and coats, wash their hands after using the bathroom and brush their teeth after lunch. This helps children to be prepared for the next stage in their learning. n The childminder is keen to continue her professional development and attends a variety of training, in particular linked to safeguarding and child welfare.

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need to do better?

However, the training is not having the very best impact on the way she implements the curriculum to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her knowledge of safeguarding and paediatric first aid up to date. This helps her to quickly identify any signs that may indicate that a child might be at risk of abuse or neglect. 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, and she understands how to keep children safe on outings. This helps to promote children's overall well-being and safety.

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should:

n carefully consider the different abilities of children when planning adult-led activities, to support children's engagement n precisely target opportunities for further professional development that will enhance the quality of education for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY492224 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10280336 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 6 Date of previous inspection 16 August 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015. She operates all year round from 7.50am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n Children spoke to/communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language.

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Inspection activities

15 June 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

15 June 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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