Childminder in Wirral

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 306156 Inspection date 13/05/2009 Inspector Elaine Murray

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Greasby, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house with the exception of the front lounge, is 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 a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary childcare registers. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for children between six and eleven years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two cats.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and included in the welcoming environment. Children's health is well promoted and the childminder takes appropriate steps to promote other aspects of children's welfare and learning. Most requirements are fully met. The childminder works positively with parents to meet children's individual needs. She has begun to evaluate her provision and has identified some areas for improvement such as knowledge of early learning goals and assessment procedures.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop knowledge of the six areas of learning and early learning goals in order to match observations of children's learning to the expectations of the early learning goals  use observations more effectively to plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  further develop methods of self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a clear understanding of the requirements relating to the investigation of written complaints and ensure this is reflected in the complaints procedure. (Safeguarding and welfare) (also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 27/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder makes appropriate use of space and resources to provide a bright and welcoming environment in which children can feel secure. The childminder has begun to reflect on her practice and demonstrates a sound awareness of some of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. She undertakes training to improve the quality of her provision. For example, she has attended recent training relating to health and safety, which has a positive effect on children's welfare. Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her organisation of resources to make them more accessible to children. As a result, children learn to make choices and become independent as they confidently select their own resources and decide which activity they would like to do next. The childminder has also established a complaints record but does not have sufficient understanding of the requirements relating to the complaints procedure. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness

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provision

of equal opportunities issues and positively values and includes children.

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provision

Children benefit from the positive partnerships with parents. Information on the care of children is informally shared through verbal feedback at handover times. Parents also receive copies of the childminder’s polices and procedures, helping to give them a clear understanding of how her service works in practice. The childminder's clear polices relating to illness help to ensure that children are protected from the spread of infection. The childminder has a regular exchange of information with staff of the pre-school which children in her care attend. The childminder has a sound awareness of safety issues and has carried out a risk assessment of the premises and outings, which is regularly reviewed. Children are protected as the childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to be followed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a calm and caring approach. She interacts well with children to develop their self-esteem. As a result children are content and settled in her care. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of the EYFS learning requirements and guidance. She plans a wide range of activities for children which develop learning appropriately. Children enjoy craft and mark making activities. They enthusiastically create a role play scenario with play figures in a toy camper van. The childminder interacts well with children to develop this learning, joining in and asking questions. Children are supported to develop new skills, such as name writing. The childminder questions children to reinforce and develop learning, for example, encouraging children to identify the initial letter of the names of family members. The childminder makes observations of children's learning and has begun to record these. She is developing her knowledge of the six areas of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning and as a result her observations are not always matched to the expectations of the early learning goals. She has a sound awareness of children's capabilities and makes use of some observations of children's learning to plan for their next steps. For example, she observes that a child is beginning to recognise letter sounds and simple words and then provides activities to develop this learning. However, she has not developed a system to make regular use of her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 observations to inform children's next steps in learning. This means that the learning experiences planned are not always sufficiently motivating and children's learning is not developed to the full. Children's interests are appropriately followed. For example, children's interest in singing is followed by attending a weekly singing session to develop and reinforce this learning. The childminder ensures that all

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children are included in the activities provided. She promotes a positive attitude to diversity through discussion and activities relating to a range of festivals, such as Chinese New year, Diwali, and Easter. Children behave well, responding to the childminder’s positive and consistent approach. They are familiar with routines and are polite as they request a new activity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of snacks and drinks, including daily portions of fruit. Children show an awareness of healthy eating as they request fruit for snack. The childminder further develops this understanding as children are encouraged to choose different types of fruit to buy at the supermarket and then taste them at her home. Children develop an understanding and appreciation of the importance of fresh air and exercise. They confidently access the range of equipment in the outdoor area and have regular trips to the local park. Children learn to recognise and respond to potential risks and hazards as they learn about road safety and regularly practice the emergency evacuation procedure. 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? 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR7) 27/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (CR7) 27/05/2009

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