Childminder in Wigan

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

The childminder builds strong bonds with the children in her care. She knows their interests, likes and dislikes. This helps her to plan a stimulating curriculum. Children are eager to engage and they concentrate well. For example, they are delighted to build with bricks. The childminder helps them to count the bricks. Children giggle as they pretend to be the tower. They wobble and fall into the childminder's outstretched arms. All children are happy and settled in the care of this kind and knowledgeable childminder.

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The provision is good

The childminder knows that spending time outdoors is good for children's physical and emotional well-being. She plans time for children to play outside each day. Children benefit from exploring nature. For example, they smell flowers and feel the texture of stones and pebbles. Children hold animated conversations with each other as they remember seeing a frog while out walking. They listen intently to each other and recall their past experiences and learning. In addition, the childminder arranges outings to meet up with other childminders. This gives children opportunity to play in a larger group. The childminder is vigilant in maintaining a safe learning environment. For example, she reminds children that the floor may be slippery near the water tray. As a result, children step carefully. Older children remind their younger friends to be careful. Children begin to consider ways to keep themselves and others safe.

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need to do better?

n The childminder targets professional development to improve her teaching. She attends courses that help to build on her knowledge and skills. For example, the childminder explains how recent training has helped her to support children with speech and language needs. In addition, she uses professional conversations with other childminders to share good practice. This helps the childminder to review the quality of care and education she provides. n Children's physical development is good. Children have ample opportunity to climb, crawl, balance and jump. They develop their large muscles and core strength. In addition, the childminder offers children play that will help develop their small muscles. For example, children add small decorations to dough and slime. Children develop their manipulative skills and their hand-eye coordination in readiness for early writing. n The childminder plans for children to develop their independence. She knows

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need to do better?

this will help them as they transition to school. Children are encouraged to complete tasks for themselves. For example, they take the lids off dough pots independently. At snack time, children use a plastic knife to chop their fruit. Children become increasingly able to manage self-care tasks. n Partnerships with other professionals are good. For example, the childminder

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need to do better?

17 July 2024 develops good links with teaching staff at the local school. This helps her to know the skills children need to acquire as they move to school. She plans to support these in her curriculum. For example, children learn to listen and follow instructions. In addition, children benefit from visiting the school as they drop off and collect other children. They become confident in the school environment. n The childminder uses her observations to assess children's current learning needs. Where children are not making expected progress she identifies this quickly. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach to their child's learning. Where needed, the childminder initiates referral to other agencies, such as speech therapy. As a result, all children make good progress. Gaps in learning are reduced. n The childminder identifies accurate next steps for each child's progress.

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need to do better?

However, she does not consistently use this knowledge to build precisely on what children already know and can do during planned activities. She sometimes tries to include too much. On these occasions, children's learning is not extended as precisely as possible. n The childminder demonstrates kind and caring behaviour. She encourages children to share and take turns. Children play well together, their behaviour is generally good. That said, as children transition through the routines of the day, such as at lunchtime, they are sometimes unsure of what is expected of them. On these occasions, children find it more difficult to maintain their good behaviour. n The curriculum is planned to encourage children's exploration and investigation. For example, children have a tremendous time as they fill pots from the water butt. They carefully work out the best way to carry the pots to stop the water spilling out. They tell each other that holding the pot level stops the water

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need to do better?

spilling. The childminder joins children, using mathematical language such as heavy, full and half full. Children learn to experiment and they build their knowledge of early mathematics.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n plan learning opportunities with a sharp focus on children's identified next steps, so that learning is specific and targeted n strengthen the organisation of daily routines so that children know exactly what is expected of them at different times.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY320119 Local authority Wigan Inspection number 10350870 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 6 Date of previous inspection 7 September 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2006 and is located in Standish, Wigan. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3. She opens Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, all year round, with the exception of bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder and inspector discussed how the curriculum had been implemented and the impact that this had on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

17 July 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

17 July 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

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