Childminder in Halton

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

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

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The provision requires improvement

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has taken some initial steps to help her make improvements. However, these are still in their infancy. Children do not always make the progress they are capable of because the childminder lacks the knowledge and skills to ensure that her curriculum is appropriately sequenced and ambitious. Despite weaknesses in the childminder's overarching curriculum, children are happy, settled and emotionally secure. They clearly feel at home in the care of the childminder, who is attuned to their individual needs.

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The provision requires improvement

The childminder sits alongside children and develops their interests as they play. For example, she helps them to build towers and uses simple mathematical language. Children enjoy exploring the resources that the childminder provides. However, there are weaknesses in the quality of education. The childminder does not have a secure enough understanding of what children need to learn next in order to provide children with enough meaningful learning experiences.

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The provision requires improvement

Children behave well and have positive attitudes. The childminder speaks softly to children and treats them with kindness and respect. Children listen and respond to the childminder's simple instructions. They are confident to explore the environment and independently choose what they want to do.

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need to do better?

n Although the childminder has some understanding of what it is she wants children to learn, the curriculum is not well planned, sequential or ambitious. She plans activities based solely on presumed interests, such as Christmas and Easter. Furthermore, the next steps in children's learning are not always sharply focused on what children can do, skills they need to consolidate and what they need to learn next. This means that children do not make the progress of which they are capable. n The childminder has started to consider relevant training opportunities to help her to improve her knowledge and skills. She has received initial support from the local authority and has recently attended a training course. The childminder now has an adequate knowledge of how children learn and develop. However, further improvements in her practice are required, to impact positively on the quality of her teaching and on outcomes for children in her care.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a calm and gentle approach towards the children. She supports their emotional well-being effectively. For example, she offers children reassurance and comfort when they are experiencing the pain of teething or when they are tired. The childminder offers praise and encouragement when children are trying to do things independently. This supports children to develop a positive 'can-do' attitude and encourages them to persevere in tasks.

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need to do better?

9 January 2024 n Children independently choose their favourite stories. The childminder reads with enthusiasm and engages children well. She introduces new words to support children's emerging language skills and encourages them to turn the pages independently. Children demonstrate a love of books. n The childminder provides opportunities for children to learn about the world around them. Children visit places of interest and participate in walks in the local community. The childminder uses these opportunities to teach children about difference, diversity and their place within society. Additionally, these outings give children the chance for physical play and social interaction. n The childminder understands the importance of ensuring that her home is safe, secure and suitable. She conducts regular risk assessments so that children are able to play in a safe environment. The same consideration is given to children's

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need to do better?

safety and well-being when she takes children out and about in the community. n Partnerships with parents and carers are good. Regular information is shared with them about their child's day and their care routines. The childminder has begun to establish links with other early years settings that children attend. She understands that this helps to ensure consistency in children's care, learning and development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Due date

ensure the curriculum is ambitious and appropriately sequenced with clear learning intentions 03/02/2024

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Due date

sharply focus next steps in learning to support children's continual progress. 03/02/2024

p.3

should:

n continue to identify and take part in professional development opportunities to further improve knowledge and practice.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY286710 Local authority Halton Inspection number 10309344 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 3 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2023

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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 7.30am to 6.15pm, all year round, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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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 childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure it is safe and suitable. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors 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 inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

9 January 2024 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

9 January 2024 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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