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 demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in this bright and welcoming setting. They form secure attachments with the childminder and her assistants, and they are confident to select resources and lead their own learning. The childminder is a good role model and has high expectations for children's progress and behaviour. Children follow these expectations well and are learning to share and take turns. Children have good manners and demonstrate kindness to one another. For instance, children are eager to include their less-able friends in activities. They offer toys and help them to access resources. Children smile with pride as they receive praise for their efforts, and they are developing positive attitudes to learning.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistants interact with children well and help them to develop their imaginations and confidence. For example, they encourage children to listen to the sounds in a familiar rhyme and imagine they are 'wibbly wobbly jelly' while recreating their own jelly on a plate with play dough. The childminder helps children to think carefully about the words they hear and adds new vocabulary, explaining its meaning in an age-appropriate way. Children are given time to work things out for themselves and are making good progress.

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need to do better?

n The childminder offers a flexible and inclusive service, which helps to ensure that all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress relative to their starting points. Children who speak English as an additional language progress well. The childminder works closely with parents to learn words in their home language to help children develop a good grasp of English. All children are developing in confidence and character. n The childminder and her assistants teach children to be kind and respect each other's differences in an age-appropriate way. Children have a highly positive attitude to their learning. They concentrate exceptionally well during their chosen activities. The childminder and her assistants provide children with a high-quality range of resources and well-planned extended activities. They are enthusiastic and motivate children to keep trying and persevere when they come

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need to do better?

across challenges. n Children benefit from the high-quality interactions of the childminder and her assistants, who model good communication and language skills. Children demonstrate fluency in their conversations as they speak and listen politely. The childminder expands and repeats words to reinforce their learning. This helps children to feel valued and swiftly builds their vocabulary. However, at times, there is competing background noise from the music being played. This inhibits children's ability to listen and learn new vocabulary, particularly where they

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need to do better?

26 October 2023 already need extra support with their speech and language. n The childminder recognises the importance of prioritising further training in order to positively impact on outcomes for children. For example, recent training in supporting children with SEND has equipped her with a greater understanding of how to identify and support those children who may need extra help. This helps to ensure that all children make good progress. n Children are developing good hygiene practices and independence as they participate in a well-organised lunchtime routine. They know to wash their hands without being reminded, and they confidently use cutlery while demonstrating delightful table manners. However, children are not given clear and consistent messages about the importance of drinking water. This means the childminder has not fully embedded the importance of good oral health into the setting. n Partnership working is a strength of the setting. The childminder has established

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need to do better?

good links with various external professionals. This helps to ensure that all children, including those with SEND, will receive the relevant support and intervention to help them make good progress. Transitions are seamless due to the thorough information sharing process and well-established links with local schools. This helps to ensure that all children are ready for their next stage. Parents are provided with daily updates about their children's progress, and the childminder supports them to further their children's learning and development at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have completed in-depth child protection training, and they ensure that their knowledge is kept up to date. They understand the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, and they know and are confident to implement the procedure for recording and reporting child protection concerns. They keep children under close supervision, reminding them how to keep themselves safe. For example, children learn how to use knives carefully and learn how to stay safe online. Robust vetting procedures ensure that all people living and working on site are suitable to be with children. The areas used for childminding are clean and well organised, and the premises are safe and secure.

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should:

n provide an environment that allows children to hear and listen to new words and sounds clearly n maximise opportunities to promote children's good oral health and develop a greater understanding of healthy drink choices.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY380480 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10308261 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 12 Number of children on roll 22 Date of previous inspection 2 March 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2008 and lives in Widnes. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3 and works with two assistants each day.

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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 provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the curriculum and the intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children during play and daily routines. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder and discussed the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning and development. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of relevant records and documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults living and working in the household. n All areas of the premises were viewed, and the inspector took account of how

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Inspection activities

the childminder ensures that children are safe and secure.

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Inspection activities

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

26 October 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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