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 960287 Inspection date 23/09/2008 Inspector Michele Anne Villiers

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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 2001. She lives with her husband, three grown up children and her eight year old granddaughter, in Knowsley Village. The ground floor living room, dining room and kitchen are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time under the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to enable her to care for older children. There are currently a total of five children on roll aged from one year to 10 years, and two children are in the Early Years Foundation Stage age range. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Children attend local toddler groups with the childminder. The family has a dog.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is caring in her approach and supports the children well, helping them make steady progress in all areas of their development. She assesses their progress through daily observation, although the information is not used to plan for the children's next steps. The childminder shows a commitment to maintaining continuous improvement, such as addressing previous actions, to safeguard children and promote their welfare. All children are respected as individuals, and the childminder works closely with others to help support children with disabilities. Most safety measures are in place, although some safety aspects have not been identified in her risk assessment to help further minimise potential hazards to children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a method for assessing the children's progress and to include their starting point  continue to devise an effective system for evaluating the childminding provision in order to identify and address any weaknesses.

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further?

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

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further?

 must take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum. (Also applies to the compulsory part and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register). 23/10/2008

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder organises her documentation well, and since the last inspection she has devised, reviewed, and updated many written policies and procedures for the effective management of her provision. She has a basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and has attended an introductory workshop, in order to further her knowledge. The childminder has identified some areas for improvement through evaluation, such as purchasing more books on diversity. However, she has not yet implemented an effective self-evaluation system in order to fully recognise and address gaps in her provision.

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provision

Parents are kept informed about the childminding arrangements through informal discussion and written documentation. They receive copies of the policies and sign to confirm their agreement with these. Photographs of the children enjoying their activities are also shared with parents. Most health and safety procedures are in place and the childminder has an understanding of safeguarding children and child protection issues. She has a written safeguarding policy that includes the procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child. The policy also includes her procedure if an allegation of abuse is made whilst a child is in her care, in order to help further protect children.

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provision

The childminder conducts daily safety checks on the premises, toys and resources. However, her risk assessment does not always identify all possible hazards. For example, alcoholic drinks are stored in a low-level cupboard near to where children play. The home is suitably clean in order to help prevent the spread of infection, and children freely access a wide range of safe and suitable toys and resources. Activities are planned based on the children's interests and are not gender specific.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their play and the childminder provides a flexible and balanced routine. She supports children well and motivates their learning, asking questions such as 'What is this?', 'Show me where this goes' and 'What colour is this?'. Children of different ages learn to share and play alongside each other. For example, during role play, young children share their dolls with babies, including them in their play. Children use their imagination well and have opportunities to develop their creative skills. They explore colour and texture during art and craft activities, and enjoy listening and retelling stories and looking at books.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Outdoor play is incorporated into the daily routine. Children learn about animals when feeding and caring for the pet rabbit, and become aware of the changing seasons, observing plants and trees. They develop strength and stamina as they run around and play on the slide and with wheeled toys, fostering their health and well- being. Indoors, children develop good manipulative skills using small construction toys. They also become familiar with everyday technology, confidently operating the volume on the television. Children are well behaved and form close relationships with the childminder. The childminder makes sure all children are involved in all activities. For example, young toddlers are supported to join in painting activities with slightly older children. They learn about diversity through play with different toys and resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children also enjoy celebrating festivals, such as Chinese New Year. The childminder monitors the children's progress through informal daily observation. However, there is no system in place for clearly identifying the children's starting point in order to build on their level of achievement. The assessment is not used productively to help identify the next learning step and inform future planning of activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing. Their independence is encouraged when toileting themselves, with aids such as a small step and potty. They become aware of healthy food options, with a choice of fresh fruit each day. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. During play they are reminded to be careful, and children know what to do in the event of an emergency or fire. Children contribute and record their views on the actions required following fire drills, and know how smoke alarms work. On outings children learn about road safety, this is further reinforced through books and discussion. The childminder is keen to improve her provision and she is aware of her need to further her understanding of the new framework and assess her provision in order to continue to improve outcomes for children. 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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