Childminder in Warrington

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 314833 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Susan Patricia Birkenhead

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. The family live in the Great Sankey area of Warrington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. There are no pets kept on the premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll aged from two to 11 years, plus her grandson aged 10 months. Of these, four children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed required basic childminding training.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder successfully promotes all aspects of the children's welfare providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where children are happy, secure and develop their confidence. She develops a positive understanding of the EYFS and uses the knowledge she acquires to effectively plan a range of purposeful activities, which means children make good progress in their learning and development. The continuity of the children's care is well promoted through the good level of information exchanged and the positive relationships developed with parents. However, systems for initially obtaining information regarding the children's developmental starting points are not in place. The childminder is very committed to continual improvement, although she recognises that systems for evaluating her practices and activities is an area for further development.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop systems for monitoring, evaluating the setting and children's activities  improve systems for monitoring children's developmental progress by obtaining information about children's starting points on entry to the setting.

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provision

The childminder is very organised and methodical in her approach to record keeping. This ensures that the systems in place follow correct procedures and provide the necessary detail to ensure children's needs are consistently met. Effective procedures for sharing information with parents consist of a file of information which details her practices well, the verbal exchange of information daily and the written policies they receive copies of. They have access to their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child’s scrap book which contains written and photographic evidence to monitor the children's developmental progress and observations. This further involves them in the children's learning. The childminder welcomes parent’s views about the setting and the written references she keeps outline very positive comments about the support and good care the childminder offers. She is aware of the need to

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provision

develop links with other providers where the need arises. The childminder has a good understanding of the indicators of abuse and the written child protection policy makes parents aware of the procedures.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continual improvement of her professional development and childcare practises through the numerous training courses she attends. The training planner she keeps reflects the several workshops associated with the EYFS and other necessary aspects of her practice she has attended or plans to attend in the fututre. However, she recognises the need to develop systems for monitoring and evaluating her practices and the children's activities, currently not in place. The childminder effectively minimises risks to children by using appropriate equipment and completing daily checklist which outline risks indoors and outdoors. She has responded well to the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. As a result formal written policies are in place, confidentiality is respected when recording information and parental consent is obtained before medication is administered, therefore further

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder develops a good understanding of the EYFS extending her knowledge and skills through the good level of training she attends. She recognises the specific areas of learning associated with the activities she provides and the weekly plan reflects a balance of adult and child initiated activities across the six areas of learning. The system used for recording observations clearly reflects the activity, associated area of learning and highlights the children’s next steps in their learning. However, there are no systems in place for recording their developmental starting points on entry to the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The well resourced play room is effectively organised which means children are confident to access play materials independently and tidy play materials away. The children’s art work and child friendly posters on display contribute to the welcoming environment and further promote their learning. The childminder's positive approach to play motivates children and she offers guidance to support and extend children's learning. She regularly praises their achievements, and adapts activities according to the ages and developmental stages of the children. As a result they become active learners and have fun within an inclusive environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children’s interest in books because they are accessible for them to select from for the childminder to read. The planned activities and everyday opportunities enable children to develop a good understanding of colour, and number. They count the number of ladybirds during the game they play up to 14, and are introduced to basic subtraction and addition This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 through questions the childminder asks, to which they respond well. They place written number in order one to 10 as they complete the puzzle and use appropriate language to compare size. They access a range of play materials to promote their understanding of diversity and develop an awareness of the wider world as they 'sing and sign' using the Makaton programme and at the parents request learn to count in Spanish and French. Their understanding of the natural

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

world is positively explored by growing and caring for the tomatoes in the garden. They discuss changes in weather daily as they change the weather board on display. Attendance at the local toddler groups promotes children’s social skills and they develop their imagination well as they organise a picnic indoors with the childminder involving the dolls. The regular provision of various materials enables children to express themselves creatively, these include making collages and painting their hands and feet as a group activity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes the good health of the children because they develop their understanding of personal hygiene from a young age, enjoy a healthy balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity. Children confidently recall the reasons they wash their hands before handling food recognising that 'germs can make you poorly'. Children learn to keep themselves safe as a result of the regular fire drills and ongoing discussions following the detailed plan of the premises on display. The childminder uses positive methods to encourage children to play cooperatively and share resources. She regularly praises the children's achievements and uses stickers to reward aspects, such as kindness, good behaviour and their use of manners. As a result children develop their self-esteem and are well behaved and polite. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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