Childminder in Liverpool

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 EY297287 Inspection date 19/11/2008 Inspector Jean Evelyn Thomas

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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 and two adult children, aged over 16 years, West Derby Liverpool. She works with one of her daughters who is a registered childminder. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The toilet facilities are on the first floor level. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder when working alone is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. When working with another childminder she may care for a maximum of eight children. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to care for older children. Currently there are seven children on roll under eight years. There are no children attending who have learning difficulties or disabilities, or who speak English as an additional language.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The experienced childminder has a good working knowledge of each child and is committed to meeting their individual needs within an inclusive setting. Children are well cared for and feel valued and welcome. The childminder provides exciting and stimulating experiences and play opportunities for children which contributes to them making good progress in their learning and development. She has a very positive partnership with parents and has set up links to with partnerships in the wider context to promote the care and education of the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for parents to contribute to the children's observations and assessments to further improve their learning and development outcomes  complete written risk assessments on places visited outside the setting for children's safety.

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provision

The childminder is strongly committed towards continuing her professional development to further improve the quality of service provided for children. She has completed the Early Years Foundation Stage training, attended a refresher safeguarding course and ensures her first aid qualification is maintained. Effective systems are in place for the childminder to review her practices to identify strengths and weaknesses for continual improvement of the provision. Parents are involved in the evaluation of the service through discussion and being asked to complete questionnaires. She is also involved in a Quality Assurance scheme and meets regularly with local childminders to discuss how to promote better outcomes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for the children. The recommendation from the last inspection relating to resources which promote diversity of society has been fully met.

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provision

The childminder has fully embraced the Early Years Foundation Stage. Her secure knowledge of the framework creates a firm foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents. Documents to support children's learning within Early Years Foundation Stage are successfully evolving to ensure that their individual needs are met. However, systems are not in place for parents to contribution to their child's observation and assessment process. The promotion of inclusive practice is given a very high priority by the childminder. For example, the plans identify additional resources required for the younger children to be involved in the activity for making musical instruments. The childminder works effectively with another childminder. They share roles and work very well together, to supervise all play areas to make them equally accessible to children throughout their time there.

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provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are very effective. Parents comment that they feel very pleased with the service their children receive. The childminder keeps parents very well informed about their child's progress and shares all records with them. The childminder uses information from other Early Years Foundation Stage providers who are involved in the children's care and education to provide activities which compliment their other experiences. Records, policies and procedures are well organised and securely stored to fully safeguard children and families. The childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children, and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise. Children are kept safe, through the high level of supervision and safety practices. Written risk assessments are in place for the setting, these have not been completed in writing for outdoor activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is very well organised, providing a welcoming, colourful and enabling environment, where children have a lot freedom of movement between the rooms and many stimulating resources to choose from. The childminder is particularly skilful in organising challenging and fun activities. Outdoor activities, both home based and planned outings, are considered to be valuable learning experiences for the children and are organised throughout the year. When playing in the garden children freely access an extensive range of resources such as dressing up clothes, small world play, jigsaws as well as apparatus to promote their physical development. These outdoor play opportunities make children think in different ways. The childminder is a regular user of the toy lending library to offer children greater variety and challenge in their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and is successfully working with the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children's progress. The childminder respects children's uniqueness, with their individual skills and abilities. The childminder observes and assesses children as they play and uses this information, to plan for the next steps in their learning. The childminder dedicates her time to playing and interacting with the children. She clearly has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 very warm and positive relationship with the children, who are confident and uninhibited in their self expression. Sitting together they play with the medical kit and animals. The childminder introduces new words to the children such as stethoscope and kangaroo. She shows how the different instruments work and children follow her instruction as they continue with their play. They have fun and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

laugh together. When the children use the stethoscope on the animals the childminder makes heart beat sounds. The play changes direction as determined by the children. They show good coordination as they use the work shop tools and play with the dough. Children learn writing skills as they draw, paint and print. Books are accessible to children at all times encouraging them to develop an enjoyment in reading. There is much conversation to encourage communication skills, self-expression and to learn vocabulary. The childminder joins in the lively singing session, using homemade puppets as they sing 'three little ducks' which spontaneously supports children's understanding of numeracy. From an early age children have opportunity to develop their computer skills this contributes to their future economic well-being. The childminder provides a good range of resources and plans activities to promote children's understanding about diversity and equality. For example, she

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

has collected information and photographs of female fire fighters to challenge children's thinking about gender roles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's health and helps them to learn how to keep themselves safe. She provides a range of nutritious homemade meals and snacks. She supports children to develop good hygiene practices, to minimise the risk of cross infection, for example, washing hands before eating and child friendly hygiene posters are on display. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder is a good role model for the children's behaviour she shows them courtesy and respect. Praise is given for children's achievements and their own work is fully acknowledged which promotes children self esteem and confidence. 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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