Childminder in Halton

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

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

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The provision is inadequate

Over a significant period of time, the childminder has shown no capacity or commitment to make the necessary improvements required. Children do not receive the quality of education they need. The childminder has not acted on actions and recommendations from the last two inspections. She has failed to undertake professional training and development to strengthen her knowledge of teaching and learning of young children.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder does not have the knowledge and skills to provide a challenging curriculum for all children. For example, older children repeatedly complete simple jigsaws and painting activities. Babies show an interest in the environment around them as they pull themselves up to explore. However, their learning is not challenging or extended by the childminder. Children do not receive good-quality learning experiences to develop their skills and attitudes to learning that are needed for the next stage in development, including their readiness for school.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Despite the weaknesses, the childminder is kind and caring. She provides a 'home- from-home' environment. Children show they feel safe and secure. Older children lean in for a cuddle, and babies respond to a warm smile as they awake from their sleep. Children build positive relationships with the childminder, and very young children settle quickly. Overall, the childminder has a good awareness of children's emotional needs. For example, she sensitively observes babies' cues and body language, understanding when they are hungry or ready for a rest. Children behave well, are polite, share and listen to instructions. Children are learning to play cooperatively with each other.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder has developed her knowledge of the requirement to complete progress checks for two-year-olds and now has a basic understanding of the process. However, she has not addressed her lack of knowledge and understanding to provide meaningful learning for children. Consequently, the childminder's curriculum does not build on children's existing learning to develop their knowledge and skills. Children do not make progress in their learning. n The childminder is not skilled enough to support children's communication and language skills effectively. For example, she does not provide children with opportunities to listen to familiar songs and stories. This means children do not hear a range of words and sounds to extend their vocabulary. Furthermore, when talking with children, the childminder repeatedly asks too many closed questions. Consequently, children do not learn how to engage in meaningful

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need to do better?

back-and-forth conversations. n The childminder does not have effective systems in place for sharing information

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need to do better?

13 July 2023 with other professionals. For example, when children attend other settings, the childminder does not seek information about their learning and development. Therefore, children do not experience consistent learning experiences and are not prepared for their transition to school. n Older children are not always supported to understand and manage their emotions. For instance, the childminder does not give sufficient notice that the routine is changing. She does not give children time to finish what they are doing. Children find this frustrating and become upset, which is not managed effectively by the childminder. n In the main, the childminder promotes children's health and hygiene well. Children benefit from time to play outside in the fresh air. The childminder provides healthy meals and snacks, considering parents' needs and wishes. Children are active and learn to make healthy lifestyle choices.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder assesses risks effectively to keep children safe in her home. For example, she removes broken toys and equipment quickly to prevent children from sustaining injuries. She also ensures they cannot access the cupboards containing hazardous items, such as cleaning products. n On the day of the inspection, parents had left written testimonies for the inspector to read. Parents comment positively that their children are safe, secure and well looked after in the childminder's care. Furthermore, parents report that she has provided lots of advice and guidance, particularly with toilet training, and that they feel that she is part of the family.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder understands her responsibility to keep all children in her care safe from harm. She always maintains close supervision of children. The childminder makes good use of safety equipment, such as safety gates and highchairs. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She knows how to identify the possible signs of abuse and neglect and how to report any concerns that she may have about a child. This includes the action the childminder should take if there was an allegation made against her. She holds a current paediatric first-aid certificate, and effective systems are in place to record and monitor accidents.

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Due date

13 July 2023 implement a broad and challenging curriculum to provide children with a wide range of interesting and purposeful activities, that are appropriate for their individual stages of development 25/09/2023

p.3

Due date

strengthen partnerships with all other providers where children attend, so that next steps in learning are shared to support their continuity of learning and development 25/09/2023

p.4

Due date

target training and professional development opportunities to strengthen knowledge of teaching the curriculum. 25/09/2023

p.4

should:

n implement effective behaviour management strategies in an appropriate and consistent way.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number EY286710 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10250334 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

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

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection 18 July 2022

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives in Widnes. She operates Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.5

Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the childminder 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 they are safe and suitable. 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 Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

13 July 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

13 July 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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