Childminder in Wigan

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 322590 Inspection date 13/11/2008 Inspector Victoria Gail Halliwell

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the Winstanley area of Wigan. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The property is accessed via the ground floor and toilet facilities are located on the ground floor. Children attend some local activities and groups with the childminder, who is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age range. She is available to provide care each weekday, on a full-time basis. There are currently three children on roll within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development. Consequently, children are happy, healthy and enjoy secure relationships. Children have excellent access to a broad range of play materials and they are very well supported by the childminder. The childminder values each child in her care and welcomes them into her family. She knows each child very well and responds sensitively to individual needs, ensuring each child feels special and valued in their own right. The childminder routinely makes ongoing improvements, that have a positive impact on the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure written risk assessments include each type of outing  develop the links between the observational assessments of individual children and plans for their future learning.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure parental permission is obtained for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 27/11/2008

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provision

The childminder is very committed to further improving the service she provides for young children and their families. She continually reviews her practice and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 routinely consults with parents, asking meaningful questions to gather their views on the provision. The childminder maintains a personal training and development plan. Her attendance on relevant courses is good and is directly beneficial for the children in her care. For example, food and drinks are reviewed, following training on promoting nutrition and oral health. Recommendations raised following the last inspection have been carefully considered and effectively implemented. Attention to documentation is generally good, however individual consents for each and every medication are not obtained, which is a specific legal requirement.

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provision

Parents are effectively informed of all aspects of the childminder's provision, both verbally and via a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures, that have been devised by the childminder. Relationships with parents are particularly strong and parents are informally encouraged to share what they know about their child. Parents are exceptionally well informed of their child's progress, experiences and general well-being. Throughout the day, details of children's achievements are routinely communicated to parents, often with a photograph. Written records of children experiences and development are also provided for parents, to ensure continuity of learning and care.

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provision

Children are effectively safeguarded. Written risk assessments are completed and underpin the visual inspections that the childminder undertakes, in accordance with the developmental stages of the children in her care. Consequently, children can move and play safely both within the childminder's home and whilst on outings, although written risk assessments are not available for each type of outing. As a result of routine explanations, children are learning to keep themselves safe. The childminder is well informed about child protection issues and is able to implement appropriate procedures to protect a child from possible harm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from an extremely secure and nurturing environment. The childminder's constant encouragement and praise, effectively promotes children's confidence and self esteem. Consequently, children are enthusiastic about new experiences and have a positive approach to activities and events, which promotes their learning. The childminder has a sound understanding of how children learn and provides a stimulating and accessible child-centred environment, so children can make informed choices about how they spend their time. Such an inclusive environment also fosters the children's sense of belonging, as they move confidently around the childminder's home, selecting their own resources and returning toys they no longer want to play with.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Learning and development is very much child-led, the childminder utilises activities selected by the children and through a balance of independent and adult supported play, promotes and extends children's learning. For example, whilst observing a threading activity, the childminder notes the child's physical development as they thread, but also extends the activity to include counting and colour recognition. Ongoing observational assessments are routinely completed and achievements are noted as they occur. For example, the childminder notes the improvement of a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child's hand eye coordination, as they thread buttons. Written notes are later transferred, to provide a detailed record of each child's achievements. The childminder knows each child's stage of development very well and naturally extends their learning in practice. However, the system for using observations to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

inform the next steps in children's learning, or to help identify any gaps in their progress is not fully developed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Relationships between minded children are excellent, the childminder is an excellent role model who makes very effective use of her time, to meet and balance the individual needs of the children in her care. She involves older children in the care of babies, gently raising their awareness of the needs of others. For example, asking them to select a soft toy and encouraging them to say 'good night, sleep well', which mirrors the childminder's practice. The childminder respects the importance of what each child is doing and apologises if she has to leave an activity to attend to the baby. As promised, she returns promptly and praises the child who has continued to work on the big castle in her absence. Children are also learning to value diversity. The childminder effectively uses her books and play materials to challenge stereotypical thinking.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Routine experiences are valued as important learning opportunities, for example, children enjoy making their own sandwiches, developing their physical coordination, as they butter their bread and identify the shapes they have made. Such involvement in the preparation makes mealtimes fun and enjoyable. This is further promoted by the childminder, who after seating the children at the table, acts as a waitress and asks who ordered cheese sandwiches. A delighted child responds and enjoys the sandwiches they have prepared. 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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