Childminder in Knowsley

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

The childminder offers a welcoming and well-organised environment where children feel a true sense of belonging. Children happily greet new visitors, proudly show their toys and invite them into their play. Children feel secure and benefit highly from being looked after by a nurturing and responsive childminder. Children are polite in their approach. They demonstrate compassion and consideration towards their friends. Children's behaviour is very good.

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The provision is good

The childminder operates an inclusive setting. He teaches children respect for cultures other than their own by incorporating cultural festivals into his provision in an age-appropriate way. In addition, the childminder provides opportunities for children to develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder provides safe knives for children to cut up fruit, such as bananas. As children concentrate on slicing their fruit, they remind their friends to be careful of their fingers. The childminder praises them for working safely. Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning and demonstrate a 'can-do' attitude. All children are prepared for their next stage in learning, including school.

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need to do better?

n The childminder actively promotes children's communication and language skills. He engages with children as they play and uses opportunities to spark conversations. The childminder introduces a range of new vocabulary and encourages children to repeat new words. He shares stories and songs and helps children to extend their vocabulary. Children are becoming confident communicators. n The childminder supports children to develop their understanding of numbers, shapes and size. He counts items frequently and supports children to recognise numbers in their environment. The childminder encourages children to understand the concept of 'one more' and to learn about capacity as they fill containers. This helps children to build on a foundation of early mathematics. n The childminder supports children's social development. For example, he organises a range of play experiences in the local area. Children visit parks, soft

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need to do better?

play centres and playgroups with the childminder. He encourages children's awareness of each other's feelings and focus on being kind to each other. These first-hand experiences provide children with opportunities to play with others and build early friendships. n The childminder consistently provides opportunities for children to extend their knowledge of the importance of healthy lifestyles. For example, children are exploring the importance of brushing their teeth. They use brushes to clean model teeth and learn about trips to the dentist. In addition, the childminder encourages children to access fresh drinking-water and reminds them to stay

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need to do better?

10 March 2025 hydrated throughout the day. He provides healthy snacks and talks to children about these to support their good health. Children learn ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle. n Children's physical development is well supported. The childminder provides a range of opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. Children develop coordination and strengthen their large muscles as they engage in a game of football. In addition, children develop their small muscles using a range of tools such as pipettes and spades to transport different materials such as sand and water. This helps to support their finger dexterity in preparation for early writing. n Partnership with parents and other professionals is good. Parents are very happy with the service that the childminder provides. They say their children love attending the setting. The childminder provides them with information about their child's learning and how they can extend it at home. In addition, they

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need to do better?

comment on the regular opportunities to provide feedback or information about their child. The childminder will then incorporate this into his planning to meet the children's needs. He also provides information to share with other settings the children may attend. This supports children's continuity of learning. n The childminder accurately evaluates his setting and the service he provides. He uses questionnaires to gather feedback from parents. The feedback he receives informs his plans for improvement. In addition, he evaluates his own practice and seeks out professional development to raise the quality of his service further. n The childminder designs his curriculum by incorporating a variety of learning opportunities that promote holistic development. The curriculum is flexible and responsive, allowing for spontaneous learning opportunities and adapting to children's evolving interests. However, occasionally, the childminder does not

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need to do better?

provide enough explanation or context for children to help them consistently develop their thinking and problem-solving skills fully so that they get the very best from their learning.

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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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should:

n consistently provide enough explanation or context when interacting with children to support them in developing their thinking and problem-solving skills even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY439627 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10375790 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 24 Date of previous inspection 2 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2012 and lives in Whiston, Merseyside. He works with another childminder. The provision operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3. He provides government funded early education.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how he ensures that they are safe and suitable. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and the children. n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the curriculum is implemented and its impact on the 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

10 March 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

10 March 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

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

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