Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 306230 Inspection date 14/01/2010 Inspector Elizabeth Margaret Grocott

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1992 and lives with her husband and their two adult children in Wallasey on the Wirral peninsular. The playroom, kitchen and hall on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a secure garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder's home is accessible, with the exception of the bathroom on the first floor as there is no lift.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There are currently six children attending who are all within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder goes to local schools and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care and outcomes for their learning are positively promoted. Activities personalised to children’s individual needs, interests and abilities successfully encourage them to undertake a broad variety of experiences and develop new skills. The childminder uses reflective practice to evaluate her service and is in the early stages of identifying areas for development. A thorough risk assessment of the premises and outdoor area keeps children safe with written risk assessments of outings being developed. The childminder has a good understanding of the EYFS and assessment procedures are developing to clearly monitor children's progress.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for every outing, which includes an assessment of required adult:child ratios. The assessment must be reviewed before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and Welfare). 14/01/2010

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 use assessment to plan the next steps in a child’s developmental progress and regularly review this approach  develop self-evaluation to identify the setting’s strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's safety and well-being as she has a secure understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures. She is clear about the possible indicators of abuse or neglect and has robust systems in place for recording concerns and existing injuries. Carefully maintained risk assessments are well implemented and maintained to guarantee a safe and secure environment for children; however, risk assessment of outings are in their infancy. The childminder and her family have undertaken the necessary checks to ensure their suitability to be around children. This further protects children's welfare.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established systems for ongoing reflection and monitoring of her practice, although evaluation of her provision is not yet robust in terms of how it will improve outcomes for children. This enables her to reflect on what she does well and make plans to develop any areas of weakness. A wealth of colourful, well- maintained resources provides children with a good choice to help develop their play and learning. The childminder has made some improvements since the last inspection. For example, by ensuring that smoke alarm's are all in full working order with the help of the fire service. This helps to safeguard children. She has attended several EYFS training sessions to help develop her knowledge and understanding of child development and improve the outcomes for children. This demonstrates her ability to continuously improve.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has developed strong, fully inclusive, partnership working with parents and carers. They are provided with clear and concise information about the childminding service. Information about children's individual needs and starting points are gathered from parents prior to the start of care. A 'learning story' book is developed which is shared with parents and carers at regular intervals. This details a child's achievements and developmental progress across the six learning areas during their time in the childminder's care. The observations are illustrated with photographs and are beautifully presented. Good communication between childminder and parents ensures consistency for the child. Parents’ satisfaction about the service is reflected in their very positive feedback.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a wealth of knowledge about how children learn best and she endeavours to support them fully in their developing skills. She has a clear understanding about EYFS and the welfare requirements and children make very good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder continually praises children for their achievements giving them confidence in their own abilities. For example, during a painting activity, a young child is having difficulty in getting the block paint onto the brush and wants the childminder to do it for her. The childminder carefully demonstrates the technique, urging the child to copy. When the child has success the childminder warmly offers praise, and the child This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 looks pleased with herself. The childminder continually supports language development by repeating what children say, demonstrating that she understands

p.5

and outcomes for children

and modelling correct pronunciation. She asks children about what they are doing in order to make them think.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Even the youngest children are encouraged in shape, number and letter recognition during practical activities, such as mealtimes. Children know that the shape they cut out of the play dough is a circle and goes 'round and round'. They choose their favourite colour from a selection of papers before they start to paint. They develop their coordination by dipping the paintbrush into the water pot, wiping it on the side to remove excess water then into the paint. They explore what plain water looks like on paper, before paint is added and correctly name the paint colours on the palette. Children are encouraged to look at books and enjoy favourite stories cuddled up on the childminder's lap. They make connections as the story progresses. It is about a nurse and children get up and select the doctor’s bag from the accessible resources. A stethoscope is brought out and used to listen to everyone's heart beat. Children enjoy craft, making items connected

p.6

and outcomes for children

with different festivals and cards for parents. They enjoy using their imagination and playing in the garden, building large muscle groups.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their learning as they make steady progress in all areas of their development. The childminder encourages independence, helping children develop skills they will need in the future. For instance, she persuades younger children to feed themselves with support where needed. Healthy eating is promoted as the menu provided is home cooked and has a good balance of nutrition. Children hungrily tuck into ‘Scouse’ followed by yoghurt for their lunch and enjoy a plate of grapes and banana at snack time. There are drinks available throughout the day and these are offered frequently to younger, less able children. All children are encouraged in good hygiene practices. For instance, they wash their own hands at regular intervals throughout the day and noses are wiped regularly to prevent cross infection. Children behave well. They respond positively to requests from the childminder, for example, at tidy up time.

p.6

and outcomes for children

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

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

Stage

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8