Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY230741 Inspection date 30/03/2010 Inspector Margaret Patricia Mellor

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 registered in 2003. She lives with her two children aged over 16 years in a suburb of Liverpool, close to shops, parks, school and public transport links. Children use the whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home for their care, play and learning. There is a secure fully enclosed area for outdoor activities. The family have no pets and it is a non-smoking environment.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range at any one time. She is currently minding three children in this age range. She is also registered to provide care for children aged over five years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to collect children from school and takes them to places of interest. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The children are cared for in a welcoming and homely environment, where they are happy and settled. They are making steady progress in their learning and achievement, and the childminder is beginning to use observations of children to plan and provide individual challenges for them. Good emphasis is given to promoting the children's health, and risk assessments, which help keep children safe, are sufficiently robust, however, safeguarding procedures lack some detail. Partnerships with parents contributes to creating an inclusive atmosphere that values each child's individual needs and preferences. The childminder is keen to promote better outcomes for children, and recognises that self-evaluation, which helps to drive ambition forward, is in its early stages.

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further?

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

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further?

 put in place procedures with regard to a parent failing to collect a child; and allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working or looking after children at the premises ( Safeguarding and welfare). 13/04/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to make observations and assessments of each child's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achievements, match these observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and use them to plan future activities  develop self-evaluation to include the views and thoughts of parents.

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the early years provision

The provision is managed sufficiently well, and all the daily, regulatory documentation is effectively maintained. Good hygiene practices, including the provision of children's individual towels, help to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Nutritious meals freshly prepared from mainly organic foods, daily routines and activities nurture the children's awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Actions raised at the last inspection relating to obtaining parental consent for emergency medical advice; maintaining the required information for each child; risk assessment and daily attendance records; ensuring persons aged over 16 years living on the premises are vetted; and maintaining a current first aid certificate, have been successfully met. Although significant improvements have been made and the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues there is a breach of the welfare requirements. There are no written procedures in the event of an

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the early years provision

allegation being made against any person at the premises, or a parent failing to collect a child.

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the early years provision

The childminder respects each child's unique qualities, this is reflected in her inclusive practice where all children and parents feel welcome. She has used existing knowledge to form an initial assessment of the children, which means that their individual care needs are respected, and they make steady progress in their learning in relation to their starting points. A portfolio of the childminding activities is available for parents to view, and ongoing sharing of information ensures parent are kept up-to-date with their child's activities, interests and achievements. Parents, themselves, comment in questionnaires about how satisfied they are with quality of provision offered. Links forged with the local playgroup are also complementing children's learning between provisions.

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the early years provision

Good thought is given to organisation, therefore children can freely and safely choose toys for themselves and initiate their own play and learning in the inviting and homely environment. The childminder is aware of some strengths of her provision, and since the last inspection has attended further Early Years Foundation Stage training. As a result she has identified the children's outdoor provision as a key area for future improvement. Although, the childminder is using self-evaluation to promote better outcomes for children she is not yet including the parents views or thoughts. Good consideration is given to the limitations of the planet's environment. Toys are sustainable, and the childminder teaches the children about the different coloured bins for recycling resources. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The children happily engage in their play in a warm, well-maintained and caring environment. They make decisions about their play, and delve into toy boxes to seek out favourite toys, which appeal to them. They show plenty of curiosity when exploring different textures as they create Easter chicks with collage, and pretend play, this helps them make sense of the world. The children's emotional needs are met very well, and the childminder is good at making sure each child feels valued. For example, she makes allowances for their different personalities, which is reflected in the children's confidence and sense of belonging. However, improvements made since the last inspection with regards to tracking each child's progress through observation, assessment and planning are in the early stages. Therefore, the children's progress towards their early learning goals is not maximised.

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and outcomes for children

Organisation of the day affords children good opportunities to pursue their own interests and initiate their own ideas through play. For example, children select bags, dolls and other play materials to go on a shopping trip, and use problem solving skills as they fit their chosen play materials into bags. Young children behave well, and develop the concept of sharing through the childminders sensitive interactions. Therefore, children play well alongside one another, and weekly visits to toddler group also provide worthwhile opportunities for them to extend their social skills. Respect for others is also fostered as children play with ethnically diverse dolls, and the childminder teaches them simple sign, such as, 'I see'. In the outdoor provision the children enjoy opportunities for exploration and discovery. They learn about growth through the flowers they plant, and especially relish hunting for ladybirds with bug boxes. The children become aware of their

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and outcomes for children

local area with visits to places of interest, such as the museum, which are enjoyed by all.

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and outcomes for children

During play children learn about number, shape and colour, contributing to their mathematical development. A spontaneously singing session starts, and children enthusiastically sing and do the actions to 'incy wincy spider'. The children show a obvious pleasure in books, and their early literacy skills are supported well. For instance, the childminder extends what children learn in playgroup as she sits with them encouraging repetition of sounds and words. As a result they begin to link words together, such as 'My Dad's in his car'. The children grow in confidence through the childminders kind words of praise for what they have achieved. They are polite, and happily take responsibility for their play environment as they help tidy away toys. Number rhymes, turning knobs to operate toys and taking photographs also builds on children's skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The children have an ample amount of space for active and restful activities, and child sized furniture enables the to sit in comfort with their friends. All the necessary safety equipment is in place to minimise hazards, which helps keep children safe from harm. The childminders gentle reminders about picking up toys so they don't trip, and following road safety procedures when out and about, helps children learn to keep themselves safe. The children become aware of personal This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hygiene through their daily routines and washing hands is an enjoyable activity for them. Fresh fruit and vegetables everyday encourages their awareness of healthy eating, and helping themselves to drinking water when thirsty promotes independence. Playing in the outdoors also helps children to learn to enjoy activities which promote a healthy lifestyle, such as running and climbing in the

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and outcomes for children

park. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: 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 (Arrangements for Safeguarding children) 13/04/2010

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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 (Arrangements for Safeguarding children). 13/04/2010

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