Childminder in Liverpool

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 EY347778 Inspection date 13/07/2009 Inspector Jean Evelyn Thomas

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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 2007. She works with two other co-childminders. The service is registered to operate from the home address of one of the childminders. The whole ground floor of the setting is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age group at any one time, when she is working alone. When working with another childminder the maximum registered number of children continues to be six however the six children may be in the early years age group. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register. There are currently 11 children within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) on roll. The childminder takes to and collects children from local schools and nurseries. There is a cat and two guinea pigs at the setting.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder and her co-minders care for children in a welcoming, stimulating and inclusive environment where their individual needs are very well met. Children are making good progress in their learning and development, because of the childminder's and her co-childminders understanding of how to support children's learning. The childminder values the individual qualities of each child and works in close partnership with parents to establish continuity of care. The childminder and her co-minders have an accurate understanding of their strengths and weaknesses of the provision and take effective steps to improve their practice. The childminder shows continuing commitment to developing her professional skills through further training.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to build on good practice and further develop starting points information and planning to support children's progress towards the early learning goals  carry out a risk assessment on the uneven floor surface at threshold of the kitchen and ensure it does not present a hazard to the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the attendance record includes children's hours of attendance, names of the children's key persons and that previous attendance records are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times (Documentation). 27/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is experienced in child care and is committed to continuously improving the provision so that each child benefits from good quality care. Self- evaluation systems, such as the Ofsted format and parent and children questionnaires are used to identify areas for development to improve outcomes for children. The childminder has met the recommendation from the previous inspection by increasing opportunities for children to learn through using their senses.

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provision

The partnership with parents is strong with valuable sharing of information and positive feedback from parents. Regular information is provided for parents about the EYFS and their children's activities, for example, through, their learning journal, photographs and displays of work. Assessment records are available to share with parents and parental contributions are invited and recorded. The records show that parents are using the information from the childminder to continue learning at home. Information is obtained from parents when new children start about their welfare needs, which are followed to help children feel emotionally secure in their new environment. However, the childminder is not establishing the children's starting points regarding their learning and development to inform the initial planning. Systems to share information with children's other providers within EYFS are established to further promote continuity and

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provision

The childminder and her co-childminders provide a stimulating and welcoming environment for children. Children's independence is strongly promoted as they are able to freely choose from a wide range of resources, which are readily accessible both indoors and outside. Children benefit from regular outings to places of interest which supports their understanding about the world around them. Children are safeguarded through the childminders knowledge of procedures to follow to protect children from harm. Children are helped to keep themselves safe, for instance, as they complete the emergency evacuation procedure and follow safe practices on outings. The childminder is alert in her supervision of children. Written risk assessments are in place for the setting and places they visit on outings. However the potential hazard of an uneven floor surface area at the entrance of the kitchen has not been risk assessed. The childminder has produced written

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provision

policies and procedures, which are shared with parents. Most of the documents are maintained as required with the exception of the attendance record and the availability for inspection of the previous attendance registers. These are breaches in the requirements of registration. The childminder ensures confidential information cannot be accessed by unauthorised persons.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children eagerly make their own decisions and initiate their own play ideas in the well organised indoor and outdoor environment. Activities provide a good balance This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of adult directed and child initiated activities. The systematic observations and assessments are used to plan for children's next steps in individual learning based on children's interests. The long and medium term planning used to monitor the range and balance of activities linking into the six areas of learning are in their early stages of development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children share warm relationships with the childminder and her co-childminders. Everyone enjoys sharing fun and laughter in the caring environment. The childminder interacts well with the children and supports their play ideas. For example she brings out more kitchen utensils as children pursue role play in the garden and sits along side the children as they play with the medical kit and dolls showing the children how to use the equipment correctly. Children are confident communicators. In play they ask questions and develop enquiring minds. The childminder uses sign language which helps young children develop their early communication skills. All children have opportunity to become bi-lingual as they learn sign language. Books are freely available and children happily share books for pleasure. Children have many opportunities to make marks as they create patterns, pictures and older children are writing letters of their name. Children enjoy investigating and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

experimenting with different sensory experiences, such as mixing water with sand. Celebrating cultural festivals and accessing resources which reflect equality of opportunity help children to appreciate and value difference. The children have made their own number line from recycled pictures which reflect positive images of the diversity of society. Children concentrate well as they pursue activities of their choice and enjoy being challenged for example as they construct the rail track, complete jigsaws and try to build a tower of blocks. This has a significant impact on developing a positive attitude towards learning and their future economic development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a balanced diet of home cooked meals and healthy snacks to promote their growth and development. Drinks are available at all times and children learn to the importance of regular drinks on a hot day. Good hygiene routines are followed and children understand the importance of washing their hands to get rid of germs. Children's behaviour is good. Children learn to share, take turns and play together cooperatively with the childminder's discreet support. Children's efforts are regularly praised which helps children feel good about themselves. 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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