Childminder in WirralOfsted inspection, 1 Jul 2009

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 EY225120 Inspection date 01/07/2009 Inspector Elizabeth Margaret Grocott

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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 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 and lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 11 and nine, in Meols on the Wirral peninsular. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, and is accessible to all.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll of whom four are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder goes to local schools to take and collect children and attends parent and toddler sessions. She receives support from the local authority and the family have a dog.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Settled children have their individual needs met by a childminder who is enthusiastic and cares about children's progress. Her setting is fully inclusive and her reflective practice means she identifies areas of strength and areas she wishes to develop. Planning individual learning for children in her care is a new concept for the childminder and one she has embraced with determination. The childminder has completed the Ofsted self- evaluation and used it to identify areas for development to benefit children.

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further?

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

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further?

 strengthen the links between planning and assessment systems to clearly show how individual next steps are planned for, to offer sufficient challenge and maximise children's learning.

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provision

A proactive approach coupled with a positive attitude means the outcomes for children are good. The childminder ensures children are well safeguarded in several different ways. She demonstrates a good knowledge of child protection issues, has attended further training and is clear about the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child. Her risk assessments are robust and include the home as well as the varied outings that children make. Children are helped to understand keeping themselves safe and aware of safety issues as they take part in the risk assessment. The childminder has created laminated pictorial checklists which children use before outings and when they are playing at the childminder's home. They also regularly practice emergency evacuation of the property, further promoting their understanding of safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder ensures documentation relating to her provision is well maintained and up to date. For example, policies have been updated to recognise the introduction of the EYFS. She is fully committed to building strong and effective partnerships with parents. They are provided with a comprehensive pack including policies and procedures pertaining to the setting. They are well informed about their child's progress and daily well-being through verbal communication and the use of monthly forms provided to both parent and child, which asks about their interests and suggestions for play. This means that both parent and child views are taken into account and valued.

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provision

The childminder's continued improvement is demonstrated by attending training courses, such as safeguarding and EYFS, and her response to the recommendations from the last inspection. She attended training in both first aid and Birth to Three matters, giving her an in depth understanding of the needs of younger children. The childminder often groups together with other local childminders and share ideas and good practice. All adults in the home have Criminal Records Bureau checks and those who visit are never left alone, further protecting children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children confidently make their individual needs known as they play, and have clearly built close relationships with the childminder. They make good progress in their learning and development because of the quality of the resources and the activities provided. High-levels of individual attention are given to children, and they delight in involving the childminder in their play. The childminder has embraced the EYFS positively and has a good understanding of observation and assessment. Individual planning ensures children's interests are followed, additionally, their progress is plotted using the 'development matters' section of the practice guidance. However, linking observations to the six areas of learning and planning children's next steps is in its infancy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps to develop children's communication skills by repeating what they have said, showing them that she understands. She promotes very young children's development by placing resources just out of reach, encouraging them to move as they attempt to crawl. Colour recognition is promoted through discussing different colours at every opportunity during play. For example, the childminder asks what colour the sun is, and likens one wooden block to the colours of the grass in the garden. This helps children's developing understanding. The childminder encourages children to count through songs and rhymes and also using everyday objects. She helps children to value diversity and accept that all people are different, through her resources and activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is positively encouraged as the childminder offers praise regularly and carefully explains why some actions are unsafe. For instance, pointing out that a chair should not be carried over younger children playing on the floor in case it is dropped and hurts them. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious food for children, which includes some home-cooked meals, and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fresh fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy sandwiches, breadsticks, houmous, cucumber and tomato for lunch, and apple and a drink at snack time. Through discussion and craft work the children learn about which foods are good and bad for them. Water is provided throughout the day to keep the children hydrated, forming good habits for the future. 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

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