Childminder in St Helens

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 experienced childminder uses her wealth of knowledge and expertise to create a homely environment where children are happy, relaxed and secure. The childminder is caring and nurturing in her approach, she forms strong attachments with the children and their families. Children thrive and love spending time with her.

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The provision is good

The childminder provides exciting learning opportunities for all children. Younger children explore making marks in sand with their little fingers while older children are challenged to match numbers. They learn new physical and mathematical skills ready for the next stage of their development.

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The provision is good

The childminder plans and organises the environment effectively so children can independently access their own resources. This supports children's play and decision-making. Older children choose stories to share, and they demonstrate emerging literacy skills and an early love of reading. The childminder engages children in singing nursery rhymes. They join in enthusiastically with words and actions, demonstrating their developing language skills and delight in the activity. Children make good progress with their communication skills from their starting points.

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The provision is good

Children enjoy playing with their friends in the childminders garden each day. She offers a range of outdoor activities such as bikes, sand and water play. Children practise their physical skills and social skills as they play together.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has high expectations for positive behaviour. She gently prompts children and reminds them to use their 'listening ears'. They respond promptly to her instructions to tidy up in the playroom before lining up to go outside. Children learn important life skills. n The childminder updates parents regularly about their children's development and what she would like them to learn next. Parents consistently provide glowing feedback about the childminder. They praise her dedication and high-quality care. Her communication with parents supports continuity and consistency between home and her setting to help children have smooth transitions. n The childminder gathers valuable information from parents about each child's individual needs and routines prior to them starting with her. This helps her to provide personalised care. She continuously assesses children and uses the information to identify progress and support individual learning needs. Older

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need to do better?

children learn to write letters from their names in preparation for moving onto nursery. Children make good progress from their starting points. n The childminder enhances her curriculum with walks to the local park. She plans

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 gardening activities to provide the children with opportunities to learn about growth and nature as they grow seeds and observe plants. This helps to enrich children's lives and learn about the world around them. n The childminder plans visits to the library, where children join in a rhyme time activity. The childminder uses books and reads stories to children to help them to develop an understanding of diverse traditions and cultures. n The childminder consistently introduces new vocabulary as she plays with the children. They join trains together and learn words such as 'connect' and 'magnet'. The childminder further engages children by asking questions. On occasion, she does not always allow children enough time to respond. This does not always support children to think about their reply or elaborate their thoughts. n The childminder is vigilant in identifying children who may need additional

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need to do better?

support. She promptly refers them to relevant professionals for intervention from specialist services. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported by the childminder. n The childminder helps children to learn about what contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Children are provided with home-made meals and snacks to support a healthy diet. She provides water to drink and teaches children about the importance of brushing their teeth. She offers a range of physical activities in the garden. Children enjoy playing on bikes and kicking a football. This helps to develop their physical skills, coordination and fitness. n The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to ongoing professional development for herself and any assistants she works with. She is reflective in her practice and actively seeks and incorporates feedback from parents to continually improve the experiences and care she provides for the children. They

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need to do better?

receive high-quality care that promotes their well-being and good progress.

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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 allow children more time to think and respond to questions and elaborate their responses.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY543351 Local authority St Helens Inspection number 10392340 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 10 Date of previous inspection 16 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in St Helens, Merseyside. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder and the inspector discussed how the childminder organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years curriculum. n The inspector talked to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children and evaluated the impact on children's learning. n The inspector held various discussions with the childminder on subjects such as her professional development. n The inspector spoke to the children to find out about their time at the setting.

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Inspection activities

12 June 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

12 June 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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