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

Children develop secure attachments and display a strong sense of belonging in this bright and welcoming setting. They are eager to demonstrate what they can do and are confident to select resources and lead their own learning. The childminder is a good role model and demonstrates her high expectations for children. Children follow these expectations well and are learning to share and take turns. The childminder recognises the importance of building children's emotional security in order for them to actively participate in further learning. She is calm and nurturing in her approach, and children readily go to her for cuddles and support.

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The provision is good

Children access a broad curriculum that helps to ensure that they embed skills across all areas of learning. The childminder interacts with children very well and helps them to develop their imagination and confidence. She is supportive in her interactions, actively listening and responding when children express their thoughts and ideas. For example, during their time outside, a child notices a spider's web on the shed. The childminder encourages this curiosity and asks the children to look more closely with their magnifying glasses. She then challenges them to find the creature that has made the web. This approach offers children real-life experiences to extend their curiosity and understanding of the world.

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need to do better?

n The childminder plans an ambitious and flexible curriculum that helps to ensure that all children make good progress relative to their starting points. The childminder works closely with outside professionals for children who need extra support and works closely with parents to coordinate a triangulated approach. This helps to ensure that all children progress well and are ready for their next stage. n Children delight in their daily opportunities for outdoor play. They demonstrate good physical dexterity as they play with plastic hoops and concentrate intensely as they balance and navigate an obstacle course. The childminder teaches children to take appropriate risks and challenges as they play, building their confidence and resilience and giving them a sense of achievement when they succeed. n Children are developing good hygiene practices and independence. They know to wash their hands without being reminded and confidently sing a hand-

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need to do better?

washing song to promote thorough cleaning. Children are growing in independence and are learning to manage their personal care needs well. n Healthy choices are promoted consistently. The childminder provides balanced meals and snacks, and children have independent access to water throughout the day. The childminder teaches children how to brush their teeth effectively after meals, and they do this together as part of the daily routine. This helps to

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need to do better?

4 April 2025 embed the importance of good oral health and healthy eating habits. n The childminder embeds mathematical concepts into everyday routines by providing various opportunities for children to count, measure and compare. For example, children confidently count how many more cotton reels they need in a threading activity and how many are left when the childminder takes some away. Positional language is introduced into play, such as, 'Which do you think is longer?' and, 'Which one goes in front?' This helps to ensure that mathematics is a secure area of learning before children move on to their next stage. n Children benefit from a language-rich environment. The childminder narrates children's play and provides lots of opportunities for them to test their recall. For instance, the childminder asks children what they think comes next in the stories they read, and children delight in knowing the answer. This approach helps to

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need to do better?

develop children's recall and language development. n Children demonstrate fluency in their conversations as they speak and listen politely, with the childminder expanding sentences and repeating words. However, occasionally, she does not adapt her teaching to extend children's curiosity and wider thinking. For instance, when children ask questions, they do not always receive an accurate or thorough answer. This does not allow children's learning to be fully extended. n The childminder plans activities based on children's interests and involves parents in developing plans for their next steps. Parents are provided with daily updates about their children's progress and feed back positively about the service they receive. This two-way partnership allows parents to further support children's learning and development at home.

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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 strengthen the quality of teaching to provide children with opportunities to further extend their understanding and curiosity.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY488944 Local authority Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection number 10372238 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory 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 8 April 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Huyton, Merseyside. She operates all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 2 and provides government funded places for childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed the curriculum and the intentions for the children's learning. n The inspector observed the childminder's interactions with the children during play and daily routines. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on the children's learning and development. n The inspector spoke to the children, read feedback from parents and took account of their views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of relevant records and key documentation, including evidence of the suitability of adults living in the household and statutory progress checks for the children. n All areas of the premises used for childminding were viewed and the inspector took account of how the childminder ensures that children are safe.

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Inspection activities

4 April 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 April 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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