Childminder in HaltonOfsted inspection, 3 Nov 2009

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY290674 Inspection date 03/11/2009 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and one year in the Hough Green area of Widnes, Cheshire close to shops, schools, parks and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have two guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children on a part time basis on the Early Years Register. This provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends the local adult and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a recognised qualification in early years.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where all children are valued and respected. The children make good progress in their learning and development as they are well supported by the childminder who provides a range of stimulating activities. Parents are fully involved and included in all aspects of their child's care. Very positive relationships are established but some information is not appropriately maintained. Beneficial working relationships have been established with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure continuity for children's welfare and learning. The childminder has clear procedures in place for the continual improvement and quality of care, learning and development provided for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure records, such as individual dietary needs are only accessible to those who have a right or professional need to see them.

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the early years provision

The childminder prioritises the safety of children in her care. She ensures that all their welfare needs are met through her comprehensive pack of policies and procedures. These are reviewed in response to any changes to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness and ensure that all requirements are fully met. All adults in the household have completed the necessary checks to ensure they are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 suitable to be in close proximity to young children. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate so she can administer the appropriate treatment in the event of an accident and fully understands her responsibilities in relation to the reporting of any child protection concerns. Robust risk assessments are undertaken for her premises and all outings. In addition, a monthly check list is completed and daily visual checks are made.

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the early years provision

The childminder has successfully addressed both recommendations from the last inspection and she continues to seek ways to improve the overall quality of care and education she provides for children and their families. She regularly attends local training courses, such as health and safety in the home and food safety to increase her knowledge and experience. She evaluates her strengths and weaknesses which enables her to clearly identify her key priorities for improvement.

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the early years provision

Highly effective partnerships are established with parents during the flexible settling-in period. Parents comment that they are very happy with the quality of care. They write that their 'children are settled and content' and notice they 'come on in leaps and bounds'. Many opportunities are provided to share information, for example, through daily informal discussions and diaries, questionnaires, newsletters and children's assessments. Parents are actively involved in their child's learning journey towards the early learning goals. The childminder works in partnership with other providers of the EYFS through regular meetings to share information about individual children's progress.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the EYFS. This provides a firm foundation for children's learning. Starting points for each child are established with parents completing 'Getting to Know Me' documents. Observations are clearly linked to the six areas of learning and purposeful next steps for children's individual development are identified. These are clearly linked to the early learning goals and used to inform future planning in order to provide appropriate challenges. A summary of children's progress highlights their progress towards the early learning goals. Children's individual learning journeys are recorded through photographs and work examples in their profile. This is regularly shared with parents and they are invited to record their comments.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are linked to children's interests and current topics which include multicultural celebrations thereby ensuring a balance of adult and child-initiated opportunities. An extensive range of good quality resources are organised in low- level shelves and boxes. Consequently, children develop confidence and self- esteem as they make their own decisions and initiate their own play. They set up a fruit shop, invite the childminder to see what they are buying and how much it is costing. Communication and language skills are continually promoted and extended through skilful use of open questions to encourage thinking and listening. Children enjoy rhyming songs, such as five speckled frogs and twinkle, twinkle. Regular visits to the library and reading stories, such as 'Eat Up Gemma' This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 further enhance children's love of language.

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and outcomes for children

Regular visits to toddler groups provide opportunities for young children to socialise with their peers, join in group activities and explore different challenges. They learn to share, take turns, play cooperatively and consider other people's feelings. Outings to the park and playing in the garden ensure that children benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Children dig, search for bugs, climb and manoeuvre the wheeled toys. They learn about the world and their environment as they help to care for the family pets and enjoy a visit to the local fire station where they can climb into the engine. Following on from this, they dress up as fire people, read stories and practise the evacuation procedure so they understand what to do in the event of an emergency.

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and outcomes for children

Good hygiene routines promote a healthy environment where children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal care. Individual hand towels are provided and posters are displayed reminding children to wash their hands. They learn the importance of caring for their teeth. Personal routines are followed for sleeping children and they are frequently monitored. Children are offered a choice of healthy snacks and meals and confidently help themselves to their accessible drinks. Although individual dietary requirements are respected these are displayed and as a result confidentiality of information is not maintained. Children's safety is assured as they are appropriately restrained in car seats. They are aware of the importance of following the correct procedures to cross the road as they confidently discuss the Green Cross Code. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

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

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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

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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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