Childminder in St Helens

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 323034 Inspection date 05/08/2009 Inspector Chris Scully

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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 registered in 1974. She lives with her husband in the Eccleston area of St. Helens, close to local schools, shops, parks and transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time of which not more than three are in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group. The childminder is able to offer care to children over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and takes advantage of walks to the local duck pond, park, libraries and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) well. Her home is a welcoming, child centred environment in which children receive safe and stimulating care. Observation and assessments systems are generally used well to identify what children can do. Parental partnerships are well established due to the wealth of good information, which is shared verbally and in writing. This sharing of information meets and reflects the differing individual needs of each child. Required records and documentation are in place, though there are omissions within risk assessments and self- evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for indentifying the next steps in children's learning so that they make as much progress as possible in relation to their starting points  enhance the systems for reflective practice, through self-evalutation to identifiy the settings strengths and areas for future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments for the home and outings clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken to 19/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 minimise any identified risks. (Documentation)

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provision

The childminder has robust systems in place for managing safeguarding issues, she is well aware of the action to take should she have concerns regarding a child's welfare. Clear procedures are in place should an allegation be made against her or a family member. Hence, children are protected from harm. She is vigilant about children's safety both in the home and when on outings, for example, she reminds children not to go too near ponds when feeding the ducks and provides explanations as to what may happen. Her home is safe and secure for children. However she has recorded when she carries out risk assessments nor any action she has taken to minimise any identified risks. She talks to children about the need to be safe when travelling in the car and helps them to understand how to cross the road safely, as result children learn to keep themselves safe. Issues from the last inspection have been effectively met, the recording of children's accidents and

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provision

consent for emergency medical advice is in place and the fire blanket is sited in the kitchen. In addressing these issues the childminder has improved upon the health, well-being and safety of children. All required records and documents are in place, are well maintained and are stored safely to ensure confidentiality. The childminder has begun the process of self-evaluation and has revised policies in line with the requirements of the EYFS. These are effectively shared with parents, thus they are fully informed about the type of care their child can expect to receive and the action the childminder will take in any emergency.

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provision

The childminder places a great emphasis on partnerships with parents. Good verbal communications means all are fully informed of children's progress and needs. Comments in parents correspondence to the childminder demonstrate they are very happy with the care their children receive and make reference to the progress they have made. Observations records are freely shared with parents so that they are aware of their child's progress. Children are able to take part in any of the activities provided and effective system's are in place to adapt these to meet the needs of younger children. Few opportunities are created for children to learn about the wider world within the home. However, Children have a strong sense of community and readily offer support to others, for example, fetching the blanket for babies who are going to sleep. Thus they develop an understanding of the needs of others. Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's

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provision

request and enjoy helping to tidy away resources at set times of the day. This is due to the childminder being a very positive role model to children. She readily offers praise and encouragement for their efforts and is rewarded with big beaming smiles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's understanding of how children learn is reflected in the way she successfully uses daily routines and spontaneous discussions to consolidate and extend their learning. Children make good progress towards the early learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 goals as she engages children well and has created an enabling learning environment. The regular changes to the continuous play resources provide children with renewed interest and stimulation in familiar activities. Frequent observations are undertaken to help build on children’s interests. However, the next steps in children's learning are not always identified, though due to the range of activities provided and childminder's commitment they continue to make progress. Within the playroom children enjoy a good balance of self-initiated and adult-led activities. The childminder knows the children very well and develops

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

good relationships, which means the children are happy and secure. This positive relationship is extended to the childminder's family, who have a very caring relationship with the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate caring attitudes towards their 'babies' as they hold them close to rock them to sleep. They chatter about the 'babies' needs explaining how they need their nappy changed. Consequently, children develop a considerate and caring approach towards each other. This thoughtful and effective approach successfully promotes children’s early citizenship. They enjoy the opportunities to sing favourite songs, such as 'Dingle Dangle Scarecrow' and ask the childminder to repeat these again and again. Regular opportunities to draw, mark make and count help children develop a curiosity and eagerness to explore. These are recognised as the early building blocks for attitudes towards learning and future economic well-being. The exploration of sensory activities, such as sand and water build upon children's knowledge, for example, talking about sand as it falls through their fingers. The childminder uses these experiences well to introduce new

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their play experiences with much enthusiasm. They happily build towers with blocks, attempting to stand whilst they place the next piece on top and giggling in delight as they tumble down. Children are eager communicators within the home. This is because the childminder actively encourages children to talk about what they think and like. She asks many open ended questions, for instance, whilst looking at the books, she asks the children about what fruit they like to eat. The childminder constantly responds to the younger children’s babble and words. She uses positive expressive body language and enthusiastically acknowledges the children’s communication. Thus helping children to feel valued and boosting their confidence to keep practising their developing speech. They engage in regular opportunities to share tools, explore creative materials and be physically active. This well rounded, exploratory environment and curriculum is

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

encouraging children to develop their independence and to explore and be active learners.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's dietary needs are met well, with all children encourage to sit at the table for meals and snacks. All of which are generally healthy and nutritious, thus promoting children's good health and development. Children are particularly fond of her shepherds pie and often request this. All children are able to independently access fresh drinks in order to keep themselves refreshed. Regular opportunities to use larger equipment, such as slides build children confidence and self esteem as they master various skills, such as climbing steps. The effective organisation of the room and provision of sturdy low level wooden storage boxes, supports younger This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children mobility. As they confidently use the units to practise their balance and use them to walk around the room. 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? 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: 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. (CR5) 19/08/2009

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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. (CR5) 19/08/2009

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