Childminder in WarringtonOfsted inspection, 5 May 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 EY359791 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Sarah Jane Rhodes

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and child aged two years in Latchford, Warrington, within walking distance of shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She has pet goldfish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder has a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in childcare and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder strives to provide a home from home environment for the children with a range of interesting activities. She treats each child as an individual and tailors her care to meet the children's needs and to help them to be fully included. She is in the early stages of implementing the observation and assessment requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Some basic risk assessments are starting to be introduced, however, outings and some areas of the house are yet to be formally assessed. There is no system for evaluating the provisions strengths and weaknesses, although, the childminder has taken positive steps to meet the actions identified at the last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement the use of self-evaluation as part of an internal review to inform planning of future improvements  develop further the systems of observational assessment using the EYFS as a resource to support provision of experiences which help children progress towards all the early learning goals.

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further?

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

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further?

 conduct risk assessments for the premises and for all types of outings. [Suitable premises, environment and equipment] 29/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has undertaken all the required training courses since her registration. She has also developed a range of policies and record sheets or books which are well presented and cover most of the required topics. Most areas within the home are safe and secure and the childminder has identified and risk assessed areas such as the stairs which she feels are a particular hazard and has daily check lists for general hazards. However, there is no written record of risk assessments for the majority of the premises and outings in line with the requirements of the EYFS. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures and her ultimate role, in line with the latest government guidelines ensuring children are protected from harm or neglect.

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provision

Partnership with parents is developed through both verbal exchange and a range of written materials which help to ensure continuity in the children's care between the home and the setting. Copies of the written policies are given to parents and they also have access to the children's development files, activity photographs and daily diaries for younger children, which gives them further insights into how their child's care is organised. The childminder is aware of the value of developing links with other EYFS providers to ensure continuity of care and education for the children attending two settings and exchanges information through a communication book shared with parents and the second setting.

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provision

No system of self-evaluation has been put in place to aid the childminder in identifying strengths and areas for improvement and then access help to ensure that action is taken to address areas for improvement on an ongoing basis. However, the childminder has addressed all the actions made at the last inspection, for example, obtaining a current first aid certificate.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very confident and happy, they thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's home. The childminder knows them well and provides a homely atmosphere which can cater for their individual needs and routines. The children independence is encouraged, for example, they help prepare lunch and choose their own crockery. Their communication skills are nurtured well and they are becoming confident speakers with a love of books. They are just starting to make marks with a variety of pens, pencils and paints. Cooking sessions and daily routines encourage children to use concepts of colour, size and number. The garden is used as a resource to gain knowledge of the natural world, with children growing plants and playing with natural materials. Whilst children have access to larger equipment in the garden an even greater range is accessed at the toddler groups and in the local parks, giving children opportunity to develop their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is aware of children's individual interests and arranges the play area to meet their needs. A system for observing children's play is in place and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 next steps in children's learning are identified. Some written observations are made and these are supported by photographs. However, the childminder makes only limited use of the EYFS as a resource to support the provision of experiences for children and as a guide to ensure they make adequate progress towards all the early learning goals. The assessment system does not yet provide a way to clearly monitor children's progress towards the early learning goals and readily identify areas in need of greater development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's general welfare is promoted well through the provision of healthy diets. Clear procedures about hygiene both personal and in the home allow children to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. There are many opportunities for all children to play outside in the fresh air and keep active inside when the weather is inclement. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them of simple precautions such as clearing toys from the floor after use or taking care on the stairs. Children behave very well for their age and stage of development. The childminder manages the children's behaviour in a positive way praising the children, using distraction and keeping them well occupied. They respond positively to the childminders boundaries. Children are making appropriate progress in developing skills for the future and the move to school when the time comes. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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

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