Childminder in Halton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY331167 Inspection date 12/11/2009 Inspector Sheila Iwaskow

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 2006. She lives with her husband, who is registered as her assistant, and three children in the Brookvale area of Runcorn in Cheshire. The house is close to local schools, shops and parks. Her children are aged 11, eight and two years. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding; this comprises of a playroom, lounge, kitchen and toilet. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, no more than two of which may be in the early years age group. When working with her assistant, the childminder may care for a maximum of three children in this age group. There are currently seven children on roll; of these six are in the early years age range. Children attend on a variety of placements. The youngest child is 10 months and the oldest is eight years. The setting is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is available to care for children both on a full and part-time basis. Children are collected from local schools and nurseries. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

The childminder is kind, caring and provides a homely environment for children. Activities provided are age related and children are happy, confident and busy. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and inclusion is well promoted. Friendly relationships have been established with parents. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to continuous improvement of her childminding practice and recognises where key areas for further development within her childminding practice lie.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 link assessments to the elements of the framework to help track children's progress towards the early learning goals  invite parents to contribute to children's observational records.

p.4

the early years provision

The safety and protection of the children is given high priority by the childminder. All adults living in the house have undergone relevant checks with Ofsted to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure their suitability to care for children. Children are well supervised and effective arrangements are in place to cover an emergency situation. The childminder has conducted a detailed risk assessment of her home and through polices and discussion she is able to demonstrate how she keeps children safe on outings. The childminder's home is secure and all necessary safety features are in place to prevent children from coming to harm. All aspects of documentation required for the safe and efficient running of the service are in good order and organised to respect confidentiality.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is committed to meeting children's individual needs and has accessed a wealth of training to keep her child care practices up to date. Through discussion and by completing her self-evaluation form she is able to critically analyse her practice, identify her areas of strength and those for further development. Furthermore, she meets regularly with other childminders to share ideas and examples of good practice. A recommendation made at the last inspection has been met. The childminder now has a secure understanding of procedures to be followed should she be concerned about a child's welfare. In addition, she has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder works well with parents to promote security and consistency in children's lives. Parents receive good quality information about the service provided and are happy with the care their children receive. Verbal and written feedback at the end of the day helps parents understand how their children have spent their time whilst in the childminder's care. Observational records are shared with parents, however their contributions are not invited. Nevertheless, the childminder offers parents ideas and suggestions on how to develop children's learning at home and good links with other providers of the EYFS that children attend have been established. Valuable information, such as the complaints poster, registration certificate and menus are clearly displayed on notice boards in the playroom as sources of information for parents.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder organises her day to meet the needs of the children in her care. Good use is made of space and the layout of the childminder's home creates an enabling environment for all children. Toilet facilities are located on the ground floor and patio doors in the lounge and play room give children free-flow access from the house to the outdoor play area. Examples of children's art work, letters and numbers are displayed in the playroom, giving children a sense of belonging within the setting and creating an inviting learning environment. Resources are of good quality, clearly labelled and are stored within children's reach to allow them to make informed decisions about their play. Children clearly enjoy playing with toys that appeal to their interests.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a range of activities which cover all areas of their learning. Planning takes into consideration the interests of the children and systems to monitor children's progress are developing well. Starting points are identified informally in consultation with parents and through general and focused This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities the childminder makes written observations and takes photographs of children's achievements. Next stages of children's learning are identified to inform future planning. However, assessments are not securely linked to elements of the framework to help track children's progress towards the early learning goals. Activities are adapted to allow all children to participate. For example, as older children makes shapes with play dough the childminder sits with younger children and encourages them to feel the differing textures of the play dough and plastic

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a caring, warm approach and develops positive relationships with children. Consequently, children are settled in her care. Self-help skills are developed from an early age as children are encouraged to feed themselves and tidy toys away. The childminder responds positively to babies' babbles and facial gestures. Sorting objects according to size, completing number puzzles and identifying shapes as they play helps to develop children's mathematical skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy listening to their favourite stories and reciting rhymes. Older children are encouraged to identify initial sounds and name objects beginning with each particular sound. Children learn to value and appreciate difference by accessing resources that reflect equality of opportunity and taking part in age- related activities which raise their awareness of the cultures and beliefs of others. The childminder recognises the importance of valuing linguistic diversity and of ensuring that children are not stereotyped. Regular outings to toddler groups and play centres in the local area are popular activities with the children. An interesting range of creative opportunities, using a variety of media, allow children to develop their imaginations and artistic talents. Older children have access to a computer to develop their awareness of technology and younger children enjoy pressing buttons on electronic toys to activate music. Younger children are well supported

p.6

and outcomes for children

as they develop balancing and walking skills. Children enjoy playing outdoors where a pleasing range of resources are available to allow them to develop their physical skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's health is fully protected as the childminder's home is spotlessly clean. Good nappy routines are followed and from an early age the childminder teaches children the importance of sharing and taking turns. Sensible house rules are displayed, helping children to understand the standard of behaviour that is expected of them in the childminder's home. Children receive healthy meals and snacks. Drinks are within easy reach of the children, ensuring that they remain hydrated throughout the day. Children's safety is assured as they are appropriately restrained in highchairs at mealtimes and in car seats when travelling by car. Furthermore, children are made aware of the importance of not talking to strangers and of the potential dangers of the road. In addition, fire drills are practised with the children, helping them to become confident of what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency evacuation.

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 2 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