Childminder in St Helens

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 EY290540 Inspection date 06/10/2008 Inspector Chris Scully

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband, adult child and two teenagers. They live in the Sutton area of St Helens, which is close to shops, parks and the station. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for three children on the Early Years Register and for children on the Compulsory and Voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is currently providing care for eight children aged from one to 10 years. The childminder drops off and picks up children from local schools. Children are taken to parks, shops, toddler groups and on various outings.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and works in partnership with local schools. The childminder holds a level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in childcare and education and a level 3 Cache award for introduction to childcare practice.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is committed to ensuring the needs of all children are met. All children are valued and respected for their individuality. They are able to take a full, active part in all of the play and learning experiences offered. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to her own professional development in order to extend the opportunities provided to children. She promotes most aspects of the children's welfare, learning and development, which enables them to make satisfactory progress. She works well with parents and others to ensure children have continuity of care.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for observation and assessment in order to plan for children's next steps across all six areas of learning; to ensure they achieve as much as they can in relation to thier starting points and capablilites  further develop the planning systems to ensure children are sufficiently challenged across all areas of learning  develop the risk assemsent to ensure they encompass all of the areas used by children, such as the garden and for all outings  revise the safeguarding policy to ensure it contains all neccessary information and develop systems for identifying strengths and areas for improvement to raise the quality of care and education.

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's safety is promoted as the childminder is proactive in ensuring required checks are carried out to ensure all members of the household are suitable. Most documentation is in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children. However, the safeguarding policy does not contain the correct information on whom to contact should she have a concern about a child. This impacts upon children's well-being. Risk assessments are in place but do not encompass all of the areas used by children, for example, the garden and some outings, which hinders children's safety. Space is appropriately organised and provides children with the opportunity to self select their own resources, promoting their independence.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing development of her own knowledge and skills. She has attended a number of courses since the last inspection, which include Makaton, fire safety and play programmes and a level three qualification in childcare. The childminder has used the information gained to improve upon the experiences provided to children. Policies and procedures are well written, effectively implemented and contribute to the organisation of the setting. The childminder makes some use of self-evaluation, although this mainly contains information on what she does well and does not identify areas for improvement, for example, planning and assessment. However, the childminder has successfully addressed the issues raised at the last inspection and by doing so has enhanced the children's health, safety and well-being.

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provision

There are some good aspects to the partnership with parents and other people involved in the children's care. Good relationships with parents ensure a constant flow of information, which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care and learning opportunities. For example, supporting children's mathematical development by encouraging them to attempt more complex puzzles and counting skills. Daily discussions with parents means they are well informed about their child's time with the childminder. Systems for sharing information and working with others are developing well. This has a positive impact upon children's care and learning and provides a seamless transition between home, school and the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of most of the welfare requirements to ensure children are suitably cared for. She builds positive relationships with the children, which enables them to feel happy, safe and secure in her care. This is a strength of her provision and means she knows the children well, so she is able to meet their individual care needs and routines. This sense of security successfully enables the youngest children to confidently change the direction of their play and to initiate new play and learning opportunities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a reasonable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. As a result, children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. Planning systems are being developed and cover most of the areas of learning. The childminder is in the early stages of developing the observation and assessment systems. However, these do not currently identify the next steps in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's learning, are not linked to future planning nor ensure children are sufficiently challenged, hindering their potential learning and development. The wealth of photographic evidence and displays of children's artwork demonstrates children's engagement in a wide range of activities and experiences, such as meeting the fire brigade and baking. A good selection of outings effectively supports children's understanding of their local community and the world around them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Opportunities are provided for children to learn about the wider world through discussions about different religions and the exploration of some festivals. Therefore, children are able to develop positive attitudes towards others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well behaved and take their lead from the childminder who provides clear and consistent boundaries. This enables children to know what is expected of them and to take responsibility for their actions. They learn to share and play games with others. The childminder actively engages children in conversation, which encourages them to communicate. The effective use of open-ended questions enables children to express their ideas and to solve simple problems. However, the childminder does not always correct any misconceptions children may have, such as calling a duck a penguin or referring to the panda as a polar bear. This impacts upon children's understanding and communication skills. The childminder is aware of what children like to do, for example, babies watching, playing and exploring bubbles and provides ample opportunities for them to engage in these experiences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Some children are very creative. They spend considerable amounts of time exploring various art mediums and use the childminder as a tool to create their masterpiece by painting her hands and placing the image upon their picture. Children have opportunities to select programmable resources and use the computer to enhance their learning experiences. They develop their physical skills as they use large equipment in the garden and at local parks. Children learn about changes in the body and the importance of being healthy through discussion and practical experiences, for example, making healthy pizzas. Children help to shop and weigh out the ingredients in order to create their chosen toppings. This activity provides a wealth of learning opportunities and provides children with valuable life skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a sound understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They take part in regular fire drills and talk about road safety when walking to and from school, so they learn to take some responsibility for their own safety. Children benefit from a range of healthy foods, which promote their growth and development. All foods are freshly prepared and the children and parents' preferences are taken into account. Children understand the need for good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands. This is supported by the procedures for minimising the risk of cross infection, for example, the use of individual hand towels and the effective implementation of the sick child policy. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Satisfactory How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Satisfactory How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Satisfactory

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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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