Reilly, Catherine Elizabeth

Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

This extremely patient and calm childminder provides a well-balanced home learning experience. She encourages children to explore, think and express themselves in a safe and stimulating environment. Children are active learners as they engage in sensory exploration of fruits. They describe the colours and textures of fruits that they eat and are amazed as they explore the colour of the inside of a grapefruit. The childminder promotes children's critical thinking and recall. For instance, she skilfully supports children to compare a grapefruit with a lemon. Children are respectful to each other as they compliment each other's haircuts. They engage in discussions about birthday party venues and kindly invite each other. Children feel valued, included and part of a community.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have time to become immersed in imaginative play. They take turns as they pretend to be walking a dog. The childminder plans opportunities for children to develop their large muscles. For example, children make dens and climb into boxes. The childminder skilfully facilitates children's language development by modelling new words and reinforcing correct terminology, such as saying rubbish instead of trash. Children build pretend fires and rockets out of junk modelling. They are proud to share and describe their creations. The childminder provides careful supervision and clear safety guidance as children learn to cut with scissors.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is exceptional in developing children's vocabulary and communication. Children engage in thought-provoking conversations about fruits. The childminder introduces new vocabulary, such as 'segments' of oranges and the 'creamy flesh' of an avocado. n Parents and carers' feedback about the childminder is extremely positive. They highlight her nurturing, professional and responsive approach. Parents appreciate the home-like environment, where they feel their children are happy, safe and grow in confidence. They note that the childminder offers a structured learning approach, which balances fun, independence and essential life skills. n Children demonstrate good behaviour and positive attitudes towards their learning. The childminder sets clear and consistent expectations, swiftly supporting children to resolve conflicts if required. She gives children time and space to self-regulate if needed. Children learn to manage conflicts

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need to do better?

independently and begin to express their emotions as they develop their social skills. n The childminder possesses a deep understanding of child development and is highly committed to her own professional growth. She has gained qualifications that particularly strengthen her expertise in communication and language. For example, the childminder uses singing, storytelling and meaningful conversations

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need to do better?

4 February 2025 to enrich children's vocabulary and comprehension. n The childminder collaborates closely with parents and other settings. This ensures that she personalises children's learning to support their individual needs. As a result, all children make strong progress from their starting points in development. n Children apply mathematical concepts in everyday routines, developing their problem-solving skills. For example, the childminder encourages children to explain how they balance items in their constructions. They recognise numerals and relate them to their age, deepening their number awareness. The childminder supports children to examine numerals on real money and discuss what they can buy. Children begin to gain an early understanding of numbers and their significance. n Children develop their independence by managing self-care tasks, such as putting on their coats and shoes and making choices in daily routines. They

p.2

need to do better?

learn the importance of hygiene by washing their hands before eating and disposing of tissues properly. As they begin to understand the concept of germs, they even remind the childminder to wash her hands. Children build secure foundations for self-care skills. However, the childminder does not consistently extend children's understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet or good oral health. n Children strengthen their large muscles, such as through daily outings to the woods, beach and farm. They attend weekly playgroup sessions, where they develop social skills by interacting with peers and exploring new environments. n The childminder provides enriching activities that explore different cultural traditions. She encourages children to discuss their families, preferences and experiences. Through these discussions, children learn about similarities and differences, deepening their understanding of the world around them.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n help children to extend their understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet and good oral health.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY442355 Local authority Wirral Inspection number 10367847 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 27 February 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Higher Bebington, Wirral. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder offers government funded childcare. She holds qualified teacher status.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures that they are 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 Children spoke to the inspector about what they enjoy doing while with the childminder. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. 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

4 February 2025 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

4 February 2025 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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