Childminder in Knowsley

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 EY136367 Inspection date 09/03/2009 Inspector Elaine Murray

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and sixteen year old daughter in Halewood, Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. At times, the childminder works with an assistant. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the childcare register. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for children between six and 11 years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has positive relationships with children and ensures that their welfare is effectively promoted. All children are included and valued as individuals. Children’s learning is developed appropriately. However, systems for observation and planning do not always ensure that children have sufficient choice, or that activities are well matched to their age and stage of development. The childminder establishes positive links with parents and others and shares information to help meet the needs of children in her care. The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and has a sound understanding of the strengths of her provision, and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system for observing and assessing children's learning, to ensure that observations are used to plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child which are appropriate for their age and stage of development  ensure that children are provided with an environment which allows them to make choices in their learning.

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provision

The childminder organises space and resources appropriately to create an environment in which children can feel secure. Photographs of the children and samples of their art work is displayed in the main playroom, helping to develop children's sense of security and belonging. A suitable range of resources are stored in low level drawers and tubs, making them accessible to children, although few This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources are on display. The childminder and her assistant work appropriately together to share roles in order to meet the needs of the children in their care.

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provision

The childminder has a sound awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision, which she has recorded using the Ofsted self evaluation form. She has identified the need to develop her systems of observation and planning. She has made good progress in meeting the areas for improvement identified at the last inspection. The childminder has renewed her first aid certificate, updated her knowledge of communicable diseases, and ensured that children's safety is protected with regards to the kitchen. These measures have a positive effect on children's health and safety. The childminder undertakes training to improve the quality of her provision. For example she has attended recent training relating to child protection and the EYFS. This has a positive impact on children's welfare and learning. The childminder has a sound awareness of equal opportunities issues and positively values and includes children. She makes use of a range of resources and sensitive discussion to

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provision

develop children's understanding of diversity.

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provision

The childminder establishes positive relationships with parents and requests comprehensive information from them about their children's interests and capabilities. She makes sound use of this information to meet children's needs. The childminder provides parents with information about their child's care and activities through use of a diary and feedback at the end of the day. Children's observation files are also shared with parents each week. This effective communication helps to ensure that children's needs are met. The childminder has established systems for sharing information with other providers of the EYFS, where children attend more than one setting. For example, she has a regular exchange of information with the staff of the nursery which children in her care attend.

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provision

The childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and has carried out a thorough risk assessment of the premises, which are regularly reviewed. She has measures in place to ensure that children are safe on outings, for example she ensures that children wear wrist bands with her mobile phone number on. The childminder has a broad range of written polices and procedures which work effectively to ensure that children's welfare is promoted. Children are protected as the childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to be followed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a warm, caring approach and develops positive relationships with children. As a result, children are content and settled in her care. Children's confidence and self esteem are promoted well through praise and encouragement. Children's behaviour is good, they are familiar with the daily routines, and respond well to the childminder's positive approach and sticker reward system. The childminder provides a range of activities in the six areas of learning and follows children's interests. For example, children's interest in dinosaurs is followed through going on a 'dinosaur hunt' in the woods. Children enjoy using a broad range of books, pointing to pictures and text in a book with large print and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 pictures. They choose books to look at themselves, and show delight as they find one that makes animal noises. The childminder develops some aspects of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children's learning well. For example older children are encouraged to re tell a story, and to think how many toy animals they will have if they have one more. Children develop counting skills as the childminder encourages this in children's day to day activities. Children learn through imaginative play as the childminder regularly plans activities using different role play resources to promote children's interest. Children have their own 'passports' and regularly travel to different countries to have adventures. For example, when they went to 'Hawaii' and played with blow up giant sharks, underwater tropical fish and ate tropical fruit. At the end of each adventure children 'write' a postcard to parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge of individual children's capabilities. She makes observations of their learning and sometimes uses this information to plan for their next steps. However, some of the activities planned do not build on what individual children know and can do, and are focused on the learning needs of older children. As a result, the learning needs of younger children are not always met. For example, two year old children spend a considerable time involved in adult-led mark making and colouring activities. Children are able to access toys from those available in trays at their height. However, a lack of resources on display for children to choose from limits their capacity to make meaningful choices in their learning. The childminder appropriately includes children in activities, ensuring that all can take part. Children learn to appreciate each other's similarities and differences as the childminder talks with them about their favourite colours

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and foods. Children learn about the wider world through a broad range of activities relating to different festivals. For example, children taste Chinese food, look at books and play with dragon puppets as part of Chinese New Year.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is promoted as children are provided with a varied diet, which includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children know that they wipe the table before snack time to get rid of the germs, and why they need to wash hands before eating. Children are effectively encouraged to learn about a healthy diet as they make a daily record of how many of their recommended five portions a day of fruit and vegetables they have eaten. Children show a good understanding of safety as they know to tidy toys to prevent a tripping hazard. the childminder further develops their awareness of safety through road safety talks and role play. Children also learn to protect their own safety through regularly practicing the fire evacuation procedure. 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? 3 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? 3 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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