Childminder in Wigan

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 322699 Inspection date 22/05/2009 Inspector Julie Firth

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in Atherton an area of Wigan.

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Description of the childminding

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes the lounge, the dining room and the conservatory. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children on roll. Of these two are in the early years range. The childminder is aware of future links with other early years settings which minded children attend and that also provide the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is member of the National Childminding Association. She is supported by Wigan Sure Start.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder effectively promotes children’s welfare and learning and she provides a safe and inclusive environment. The children are happily engaged and occupied in a broad range of stimulating play activities and experiences. Good systems are in place in relation to planning and ongoing observation and assessment is beginning to indicate children making good progress. There is a good working relationship with parents and they are kept well informed of their children’s daily routines, care and learning. However, the childminder has not formalised self assessment to monitor her provision .

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to observe and assess children's progress across all areas of their learning  use self evalauation effectively to monitor all aspects of the provision.

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provision

The childminder is very committed, enthusiastic and attends training on a regular basis. A structured daily routine promotes children's welfare and meets their needs. Her home is well organised and gives the children lots of opportunities to become independent. Furthermore, children's work is displayed around the walls. All required documentation is in place and written policies and procedures work well in practice to positively promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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provision

The childminder is committed to ensuring that the service she provides is fully inclusive and she makes parents and their children feel welcome. The childminder has developed a folder which includes written policies and procedures. Copies of the policies are given to and are discussed with parents at the introduction meeting; helping to promote good working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. Parents are provided with a wealth of information about their children’s care, learning and development. For example, the childminder maintains children's individual files. Furthermore, letters of appreciation indicate the good care offered to their children. She is aware of future links with the local nursery class to ensure progression, continuity of care and education.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding and procedures in place of how to protect children and this ensures children’s welfare is effectively safeguarded. The childminder recognises the importance of continuous improvement and is beginning to identify the strengths and weakness of her setting. The childminder ensures that children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcomed into a sharing and inclusive environment. Diversity is valued and children are not stereo- typed. Furthermore, there are toys and equipment in place that reflect the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she plans and provides a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities. This helps the children make progress across all areas of learning and development. The childminder works well with parents to gather information about their children’s starting points. She observes children at play and is beginning to use this information to chart children’s progress and plan their next steps in learning. She has started to take photographs to illustrate the children’s enjoyment and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a fully inclusive environment for the children and their families. She provides a friendly environment where children are happy and settled. Resources are attractively stored in low level cupboards and crates and promote all aspects of children's learning. The childminder dedicates time playing and talking to the children developing warm relationships with them. Her effective questioning stretches the children during a planned activity. She knows the children well and is able to meet their individual needs. As a result, the children play well together and are eager to learn. Young children are keen to speak to visitors about activities they are participating in.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures there is a strong emphasis on children's social and emotional development. They are encouraged to feed themselves and mix with other children at the local group. Furthermore, they are encouraged to dress themselves and initiate their own ideas during activities. They show an interest in the local environment as they go on nature trails and visit the park. They also have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 access to a range of programmable toys and enjoy baking. They develop an awareness of problem solving and reasoning as the childminder introduces concepts of number, shape and size into their play. They use language well from an early age to explain what they are doing and to ask questions. Children enjoy reading with the childminder. They are encouraged to write letters holding a pencil, use sounds and spend time concentrating on a jigsaw puzzle. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder encourages imaginative play as children become involved in role play and dress up. Children have lots of opportunities to express their own thoughts and ideas using a variety of creative materials, such as in gluing and sticking. The children have fun playing in the garden and develop control and coordination as they walk, skip and run. They balance their bodies using the fixed equipment. They also have opportunities to manipulate play dough, promoting their fine motor skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder implements strategies to promote all children’s social, physical and economic well-being. The children learn about hygiene practices and personal care routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. They are well nourished and develop an awareness of healthy eating because the childminder provides healthy snacks and drinks are out at all times. She respects parents wishes as they bring their own food for the children. The childminder’s home is safe and secure. It is well equipped with equipment, furniture and resources and provides an enabling environment where children can thrive. Full safety procedures and risk assessments are in place for outings and the premises. The childminder acts as a positive role model to the children and they receive a clear message about what is expected of them. The children are polite and behave well. They become aware of sharing and taking turns from an early age.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

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