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 Met

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The provision is good

The childminder works hard to support children to develop a strong sense of belonging and form secure attachments with her. She is extremely receptive to their needs. The childminder has high expectations for all children and has developed a carefully considered curriculum, rich in real-life experiences. The childminder extends children's learning by asking thought-provoking questions, allowing them time to think and respond with their own ideas. Children are happy and confident in this bright and inviting setting.

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The provision is good

The childminder offers a broad curriculum that helps to ensure children embed skills across all areas of learning. Children enjoy role-play activities with their dolls and teddy bears and re-enact a visit to the doctors for a 'check-up'. Children concentrate as they check their temperatures, remembering the word 'thermometer' and know that 'red means they feel a bit sick'. The childminder skilfully introduces a stethoscope and explains what this is for. Children are eager to use this to check the doll's heartbeats and the childminder follows their lead in counting and lining them up in the 'waiting room'. Children cleverly differentiate between the dolls and the animals and explain that the animals must see the 'pet vet' not the doctor. Children have excellent opportunities to express their own thoughts.

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need to do better?

n Children have plentiful opportunities to explore the outdoor environment and engage with the natural world. They participate in daily walks to the local canal. The childminder supports children's exploration by providing binoculars to spot birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Children delight in their recall of 'Mr Heron', who is 'tall and grey' and the various ducks and swans they see each day. Children make good progress in their learning. n Children's learning builds on what they already know and can do. Children confidently recall aspects of previous learning as they play, such as remembering how to sing the alphabet song. The childminder introduces positional language, such as 'above, opposite' and 'underneath', to support the children as they communicate with enthusiasm in their fluent back-and-forth interactions. Children benefit greatly from the high-quality interactions of the childminder and

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need to do better?

develop their language skills rapidly. Children listen carefully, talk confidently and enjoy using new words. n Children behave well. They understand expectations for their behaviour, such as sharing and taking turns. Children make choices and decisions about their play. The childminder encourages children to manage their own hygiene and personal care needs. However, the childminder does not always fully support children to continuously develop their independence skills. For example, the childminder

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need to do better?

23 November 2023 puts on shoes and fastens zips for children rather than letting them practise these skills for themselves. Consequently, children are not always developing a 'can-do' attitude. n The childminder promotes healthy eating and good oral health well. Children are supported to brush their teeth after meals and sing 'fruits and vegetables keep you alive, always remember to eat your 5' as a fun and informative way of remembering to make healthy choices. The childminder talks to children about ways to keep their bodies healthy. Children demonstrate their energetic keep fit sessions, where they do star jumps, lunges and squats. This supports children's physical development. n Children participate in exciting opportunities that successfully build on their experiences at home. For example, children talk about their time on holiday. The childminder recognises this as an important learning opportunity and

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need to do better?

incorporates planes, airports and booking the tickets into their role play. The childminder asks the children what they should pack in their suitcase. This enables extension of children's vocabulary as they list items they would take. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents speak highly of the childminder and the 'second home' she provides for their children. The childminder plans activities based on children's interests and involves parents in developing plans for their next steps. However, the childminder does not share information on children's development with the other settings they also attend. This does not always support continuity in their learning between settings.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder completes regular safeguarding training to keep her knowledge up to date. She is aware of the signs of abuse and the steps to take should a referral be necessary. The childminder teaches children about keeping safe and managing their own risks, such as by wearing a helmet when riding their bikes and looking both ways when crossing the road. She also gives gentle reminders to be careful when they are dancing and twirling freely in case they slip and fall. The areas used for childminding are clean and secure. The childminder carries out daily risk assessments to help keep the environment safe.

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should:

n provide even more opportunities to promote children's independence to the highest level, so that they are fully prepared for their next stage n maximise opportunities to share information with the other settings that children also attend to promote continuity in children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 303356 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10305272 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 1 Date of previous inspection 16 February 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1998 and lives in Runcorn. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the curriculum and the intentions for 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 inspector observed the childminder's interactions with children during play and daily routines. n The inspector received feedback from parents and spoke to children at appropriate times and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of relevant records and documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults living in the household. n All areas of the premises used for childminding were viewed and the inspector

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Inspection activities

took account of how the childminder ensures that children are safe.

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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

23 November 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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