Childminder in Sefton

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder is extremely passionate about helping children, including those who receive funded education, to be the best they can be. She uses her extensive knowledge and experience to provide an aspiring curriculum, where all children truly flourish. The childminder ensures that children revisit learning regularly to help them to remember new knowledge. Children are delightfully absorbed and enthusiastic in their play and learning. Consequently, they make swift and continued progress. Children are very confident communicators. They draw the inspector into their play and are keen to show what they know and can do. For instance, children point up to the sky and tell the inspector about how the 'pink- footed geese fly in a V formation'. They talk about how they 'drive past the infirmary' on the way to the childminder's house. Children use highly sophisticated vocabulary for their age.

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The provision is outstanding

Children form loving bonds with the childminder and show that they feel very safe and secure in her care. For example, children are extremely positive in new social situations. They display a wonderful attitude to learning and are confident to share their experiences with others. The childminder's consistent care practices help children to thoroughly understand there are rules and boundaries in place. Children are extremely polite, take turns and share effortlessly.

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need to do better?

n The childminder builds an ambitious curriculum for children. Her priority is on supporting children's confidence, independence and communication skills. Children achieve above expected stages for their age. They are keen to succeed and have the confidence to ask for help if they need it. n The childminder is passionate about promoting a love of books and a fondness for reading. She regularly reads a core set of books to children. This repetition helps them to develop favourite stories and get to know the storylines very well. Children develop a true love of books and reading. n The childminder expertly brings children's favourite stories to life. Children thoroughly enjoy the inspiring and exciting hands-on activities and experiences provided. For instance, following a story about a 'Little Acorn', children plant some acorn seedlings in pots and learn about the lifecycle of trees. Children talk confidently about how the 'sprouts have unfurled and germinated'. Children have

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need to do better?

excellent conversational skills and speak confidently and fluently. n Children's confidence and independence flourish as the childminder values everything that they say. She listens to them carefully as they share their thoughts and ideas. This helps to ensure that children feel their opinions are valued. Children are confident communicators who are eager to join in discussions and ask questions.

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need to do better?

24 November 2023 n The childminder provides exceptional support for parents, particularly to help them to support the emotional well-being of children. Parents comment that she is a 'magic childminder' who 'brings out the best for each child'. All parents feel their child's learning is being enriched by the exceptionally high standards of education on offer. n Children show very high levels of respect for their peers, often giving spontaneous cuddles to each other. They listen attentively to what they have to say and play harmoniously together. Children's behaviour is impeccable. n The childminder understands each child's individual personality and traits. She puts incredible thought and effort into providing a learning environment that children find highly stimulating. For example, when children show a keen interest in classical music, the childminder inspires them to follow their aspirations. Children become enamoured by the musical talent of a very young violinist they

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need to do better?

watch playing in an orchestra. This has led to some children taking up extra- curricular activities, such as music sessions outside of the setting. n Children go on regular trips in the community, such as to historical places of interest. The childminder makes excellent use of the local area and children thoroughly enjoy visiting the woodland, beach and sand dunes. Other outings build on children's interests. The childminder involves children in plans for their learning and development, such as deciding to go on train rides. Children learn to use road maps to plan routes to different destinations. They recall what they did or ask to go again. Children develop an excellent understanding that there is a wider world and they are very keen to explore it. n The childminder's commitment to provide the absolute best for children is evident through all areas of her work. She has very clear self-evaluation procedures in place. Her plans for professional development contribute greatly to

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need to do better?

achieving the very highest outcomes for children. For example, the childminder has recently refreshed her knowledge of Makaton sign language to enrich children's communication skills even further. n Occasionally, the childminder works with her husband, who is also her assistant. She has high expectations of her assistant and is committed to supporting his professional development. This ensures that all adults provide the highest possible quality care and education for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder places the utmost priority on safeguarding children. She is extremely confident in her knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. The childminder knows precisely what to do if she has concerns about a child's welfare. Children's safety is paramount. The childminder's home is very secure, equipped with additional precautions so that children are kept safe at all times. The childminder has robust procedures in place to ensure that all household members remain suitable.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2647533 Local authority Sefton Inspection number 10308656 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 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2021 and lives in Southport. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 4pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers funded places for three-year- old children. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures it is safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder, assistant and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector considered the written views of parents.

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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

24 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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