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 Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children are placed at the heart of this exciting and homely learning environment. The childminder seeks every opportunity to support children's learning, both indoors and outside. Children are immersed in joyful and meaningful play experiences. The childminder meticulously plans and sequences learning to meet children's individual needs and interests.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder skilfully uses the natural environment to stimulate children's imagination and curiosity. Children talk avidly about growing their plants and flowers. They describe why their sunflowers have now died and how they have harvested the seeds to grow new sunflowers in the spring. During lunchtime, children recall how they grew carrots which they used to make soup. Children have extensive vocabulary and language structures beyond their years. This demonstrates the impact of high-quality teaching and inspirational learning experiences provided by the childminder.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder models how to treat others and their environment with care and respect. Children frequently tell each other, 'You are my friend.' When young children wake from their nap, older children sing their 'Hello' song to welcome them back into their play. Consequently, children are developing secure social skills and have strong friendships with their peers.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a deep understanding of each child in her care. Before children start, the childminder visits them in their home. This helps her to understand children's routines and interests. The childminder builds on this information to establish what children know and can do. All children make exceptional progress in their learning and development. n The childminder takes children on visits to places of interest, such as the safari park and stately homes. On a recent visit to Speke Hall, children explored unusual vegetables, such as 'crystal cucumber apple' and 'tromboncino squash'. On the day of inspection, children worked hard to successfully recall these tricky names. Children also go on frequent walks to learn about the changing seasons. They collect leaves, sticks and conkers which they later use in their play and artwork. Children have a real sense of the physical world around them. n The childminder expertly weaves mathematics into the daily activities and

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need to do better?

routines of the setting. For example, children line up conkers and count to nine. They also learn about simple addition as the childminder encourages them to add one more to make 10. Children gather sticks and stones and work together to test whether they sink or float. Young children explore shape and texture and begin to make connections. For example, they recognise that pine cones

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need to do better?

12 October 2023 resemble raspberries and use them to make pretend ice-cream cones. Children play with a real sense of purpose. n Children are resilient and demonstrate a 'can-do' attitude. For example, young children show great determination as they struggle to carry their gardening tools. When one tool drops, they scoop it up still holding the other tools. They do this many times until they master how to hold them all together. The childminder skilfully steps back and allows children to think critically and solve this dilemma by themselves. Children are becoming experts at problem-solving. n The childminder has extensive knowledge of child development. She draws on this knowledge to undertake accurate assessments of children's developmental milestones. This means gaps are identified early and prompt action is taken to ensure that children do not miss out on valuable learning experiences. n Children develop a love of language and literacy. Their day is full of conversation

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need to do better?

and narration. They thoroughly enjoy singing nursery rhymes and songs, and have lots of opportunities to practise their mark-making skills. Children take their story book 'We're Going on a Leaf Hunt' on their autumn walk. They re-enact the story as they collect many leaves, so they can investigate their colours, structures and reflections in the mirrored trays. n The childminder helps children to learn about the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles. Children talk with enthusiasm about their healthy meals and the impact some foods have on their teeth. Children's family photos take pride in the childminder's home. Parents share photos with the childminder during the school holidays. When children return, the childminder uses them to help children feel secure. This helps them to settle quickly back into their routine. n The childminder is determined in her ambition and commitment to provide the

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need to do better?

best outcomes for children. She undertakes professional development and meets with other childminders to share ideas and good practice. The childminder reflects on her practice and makes changes where needed. This helps her to continually improve and make a positive impact on children's learning. n Parents are highly complimentary about the love and care their children receive and the exceptional progress they make. Parents report that the childminder has provided valuable guidance to help extend their children's learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for the children in her care. Children learn and understand about keeping themselves safe. For example, they clearly articulate why their grapes are cut up small to prevent them from choking. The childminder understands her responsibility to keep children safe from harm. She has a sound 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 an allegation was made against her.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY495905 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10301474 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 4 Date of previous inspection 23 January 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Hunts Cross, Liverpool. She operates during term times, from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday.

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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 showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is 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 about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been

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Inspection activities

implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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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

12 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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