Childminder in Warrington

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY225160 Inspection date 07/07/2009 Inspector Susan Patricia Birkenhead

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, 10 and five years old. The family live in the Great Sankey area of Warrington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a large secure garden available for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll aged from 18 months to nine years old. Of these, three are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder has completed required basic childminding training.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder successfully promotes many aspects of the children's welfare in a welcoming, inclusive environment where they are happy, confident and secure. She shows a positive understanding of the EYFS requirements, which means children make good progress in their learning. The continuity of the children's care is well promoted through the good level of information exchanged and the positive relationships the childminder develops with parents and others. The childminder is very committed to continual improvement, and has some systems in place to monitor her practices and further promote better outcomes for children. Areas for future development relate to risk assessments and the systems for recording children's learning.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop systems to monitor and evaluate the settings practices and procedures  further develop systems to plan, observe and assess children's learning and development  further improve risk assessments to fully reflect all outings.

p.3

provision

The childminder effectively organises the setting to ensure the individual needs of the children are met, allowing them to eat, sleep and play in comfort and safety. Children can select from the wide range of resources, therefore enabling them to make decisions about their play and develop some independence. Risks to children are minimised through the use of necessary equipment and detailed written risk assessments, which includes a generic risk assessment for outings. However, specific risk assessments for places they visit are not in place. Nevertheless, the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 risk to children is considered minimal due to the childminder’s vigilance and the visual checks she completes. The childminder is generally very organised in her approach to record keeping. She uses professional systems to consistently record accurate information, and ensure children's welfare needs are met.

p.3

provision

The childminder has completed required training and has a very healthy attitude to the development of her service. She shows great interest in attending numerous training courses, therefore continually striving to promote better outcomes for children. She has successfully addressed the previous recommendations raised at the last inspection. As a result, documentation has been updated to include parental consent for emergency medical advice, procedures for the use of the trampoline, and a system for dealing with complaints. This further safeguards the children. Suitable systems for monitoring her practices are in place, such as the self-evaluation form which outlines strengths of the setting. The childminder welcomes parent’s views and is receptive to methods of good practice during discussions with other providers. She has a good understanding of the local safeguarding procedures following the training recently attended. She outlines

p.4

provision

clearly the procedures in the written child protection policy, and has access to a list of relevant contact numbers and reference materials.

p.4

provision

Effective relationships are developed with parents which are supported by the good level of information they exchange. Parents are made aware of the childminder’s positive practices through the detailed policies shared with them initially. Daily diaries provide details of the younger children’s day, and parents have access to the children’s observation files. The childminder recognises the need to maintain positive links with other settings the children may attend, to ensure a consistent approach to the delivery of EYFS. Parents actively contribute to the inspection by providing letters of support. They outline very positive comments about the childminder’s skills, how children are made to feel part of a ‘loving family unit’, and how well they 'progress in confidence and development within a safe environment'.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is sensitive in her approach to meeting the children's needs and shares her time equally between them. She develops a good understanding of EYFS through ongoing training, and uses relevant literature to reflect on her practice and consider alternative ways to challenge children's learning. Children are happy, confident and settle well because of the childminder's enthusiasm. She positively interacts, provides individual support and adapts activities to meet their needs, which contributes to the inclusive environment. Children are consulted about their play and activities are regularly rotated to sustain their interest. The childminder is developing a positive understanding of the areas of learning and provides a balance of adult and child initiated activities. Systems for planning activities are informal and mainly include routines and special events. Children's individual files are used to record and monitor their progress, but information is

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

not always dated or linked to the associated areas of learning. The childminder recognises children's individual interests and shows awareness of their next steps. However, systems for initially obtaining information do not include their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developmental starting points.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop secure relationships and good communication skills from a young age. They visit the local toddler group to socialise with others, and enjoy growing carrots and conducting simple experiments using water balloons. Children learn about number and develop a positive awareness of simple addition. They sort and match different socks and take great interest in the games the childminder creates, such as the lotto game. Children develop mark making skills as they write letters to post in the post box, and learn to recognise and write their name. They enjoy trips to the farm and the shops to buy resources or select fruit and vegetables, which contributes to their understanding of the wider world and future economic well- being. In addition, various resources and activities promote their understanding of peoples differences and special events, and this is an area that the childminder wishes to develop further. Children learn to express themselves creatively using a

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

variety of materials, including coloured shapes, feathers, and making robots from cardboard boxes. They take part in music and movement whilst attending toddlers, and develop their balance, coordination and spatial awareness as they play with the wheeled toys and the parachute. The provision of the many small world items contributes to their imaginary play.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to keep themselves safe because they learn about road safety during outings, and have regard for the evacuation plan on display. The children learn to share resources and show consideration for others through the skilful intervention of the childminder. For example, she anticipates potential problems and intervenes to reach a successful conclusion. The childminder regularly praises the children's achievements and as a result, their confidence and self-esteem develops well. Children benefit from the healthy diet they receive and the regular provision of drinks and exercise. Effective procedures, such as individual hand towels minimise the risk of cross-infection, and the written sickness policy further safeguards children's health. Children develop a positive understanding of personal health and hygiene through the routines followed, and the childminder maintains good levels of cleanliness around her home.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7