Childminder in Bolton

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 provides a beautiful, well resourced, home-from-home environment. She welcomes children and their families warmly and offers flexible settling-in procedures. The childminder works closely with children's families and gathers a wealth of information about children's prior learning and care needs. She uses this information effectively to help her adapt her practice and meet children's needs from the start. The childminder understands how children prefer to learn and develop. She offers a unique and well sequenced curriculum, based on her understanding of children's stage of development and next steps.

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The provision is good

The childminder follows children's emerging interests and supports them to recall past experiences and learning. For example, children remember how they have cared for caterpillars and observed them as they changed. They giggle as they remember a well known story about a caterpillar and explain that 'real' caterpillars do not eat cake and pickles like the caterpillar in the story does. Overall, children are motivated and enthusiastic learners.

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The provision is good

The childminder has high expectations of all children, particularly of their behaviour. She gently reminds children to be kind and considerate of each other and supports them to understand the impact their behaviour may have on others. Children of all ages are incredibly well behaved. They develop close friendships and demonstrate good manners without prompting.

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need to do better?

n The childminder focuses on developing children's communication and language skills. She talks to children about what they are doing and asks questions to help extend their understanding. Stories and songs are a key part of the childminder curriculum. The childminder introduces new words as she talks with children and checks their understanding. For example, while talking about butterflies, children remember previously taught words such as 'cocoon' and 'chrysalis' and use them in context. Children develop impressive language skills. n The childminder provides a range of activities to help promote children's learning. She is aware of what children need to learn next. That said, on occasion, when implementing some activities, the learning needs of younger children are not fully considered in order that they benefit most from the learning experience being provided. n Children are supported to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts

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need to do better?

as they play. For example, they discuss how scales balance, using words such as more and less to describe adding and taking away objects. Children learn to count and recognise quantities. They sing number rhymes and eagerly work out how many buns will be left when one is bought. Children are developing good

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need to do better?

25 April 2025 mathematical skills. n The childminder provides opportunities that children may otherwise not experience. For example, children enjoy caring for butterflies and trips to the garden centre. Opportunities such as these help children to learn about nature and the community in which they live. n The childminder helps children to become increasingly independent. For example, children put on their own shoes when going outside and help to cut up bananas for snack time under the childminder's close supervision. Children are encouraged to make choices about what they want to play with. They relish any opportunity to 'have a go' and delight in being praised for their efforts. This helps to develop children's self-confidence. n The experienced childminder ensures that all mandatory training is up to date. She selects topics to research should she feel children's experiences would benefit further as result. This helps to ensure that the childminder remains up to

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need to do better?

date and that she builds upon her skills over time. n Parents speak incredibly highly of the childminder and the relationships she develops with their children. They are grateful for the communication and support they receive with topics such as toilet training. The childminder regularly shares updates on children's progress and suggests things parents may like to try at home to extend their child's learning further. This helps to promote a consistent approach to children's 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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should:

n consider how activities can be adapted to better include younger children so that they can make the most of the intended learning experience.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 315624 Local authority Bolton Inspection number 10376149 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 2 Date of previous inspection 20 May 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 1999 and lives in Bolton. She 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.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the rationale for the curriculum. 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 and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the childminder and the children. n The inspector took account of parents views. n The childminder and inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity.

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Inspection activities

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

25 April 2025 25 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

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