Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY340495 Inspection date 20/05/2010 Inspector Michele Anne Villiers

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 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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

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 and two children aged seven and 13 years in the Huyton area of Knowsley, Merseyside, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding, with the exception of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. She has a pet cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years. She also offers care to children aged over five years, and is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and takes them to toddler groups on a regular basis.

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 make good progress in their learning and development because of the enthusiastic support given to them by the childminder. Interesting and challenging activities are provided, and children are extremely happy and confident. Most safety measures are in place, with good security systems. The childminder works closely with parents and others to ensure the children’s individual needs are met. She monitors her provision well and the planning for continuous improvement enhances the children’s achievements and well-being.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further minimise the risk of hazards in areas where children play, in particular the outside play area, and clearly identify these in risk assessments  build on the systems used for obtaining initial information about the children's achievements, in collaboration with parents, and link to the areas of learning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, and she has attended relevant training to help safeguard children. Systematic risk assessments help to minimise any potential hazards; however, there are some safety risks outside, such as a broken trampoline, and some sections of broken fencing. All visitors are monitored and adults living in the home are suitably vetted. Self- evaluation is conducted well to identify future targets for improvement, and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 previous recommendations have been met in order to further safeguard children; for example, safety matting has now been placed outside under swings and climbing frames.

p.4

the early years provision

Children play in a stimulating, vibrant environment that is conducive to their learning. The childminder has successfully implemented the Early Years Foundation Stage, which has a positive impact on the children's progress. The home is utilised fully with good consideration given to the children's needs, in order to provide an inclusive environment. For example, child-size furniture and low-level toy storage units help to foster the children’s independence.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents receive good quality information and have opportunities to contribute to their children's progress reports and daily records. Letters and thank you cards evidence their satisfaction, with comments, such as 'very friendly’, ‘good atmosphere’, and ‘creative activities’. Well-established links have been forged with other provisions that children attend, helping to ensure good continuity of care. The childminder has attended several training sessions and uses her skills to improve outcomes for children, evidencing her keen commitment to continuous improvement.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children receive extremely good support from the childminder. The designated play area is rich with imaginative wall displays, toys, posters and photographs. Outdoor play and physical exercise are part of the continuous provision, this has a positive impact on the children’s health and well-being. Good planning ensures activities are well balanced, with excellent consideration given to children’s interests to further reinforce their learning; for example, children are taken on a train journey following their interest in trains. They play in tents, in order to become familiar with the expectations of camping prior to going on a family holiday.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy their play and develop an extremely strong sense of belonging. They form close relationships with the childminder and behave very well. They help to tidy away, and automatically mop up spilt paint with a child-size mop. The childminder encourages children to express themselves through language, and their literacy skills are fostered particularly well. Children develop a keen interest in books and participate in the 'book crawl scheme' at the library; they collect stickers after each visit and eventually a certificate. Many opportunities are provided for mark-making. Children write lists and notes, and make their own named place mats for meal times. ‘Fluffy bunny’, a toy rabbit, is an integral part of the setting, who loves listening to stories read by the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

During play children use their mathematical skills. They calculate how many legs a spider may have, and paint recognisable numbers, such as three, to represent their age. Excellent opportunities promote the children’s understanding of the world in which they live and respect for their environment. Outside, they compost waste materials, make a wormery, and grow fruit and vegetables. They access a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 wide range of programmable toys, and become familiar with information and communication technology, safely using computers. Books and toys reflecting positive images of race, culture, gender and disability enable children to become aware of, and respect differences.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Healthy lifestyles are adopted through good personal hygiene, healthy eating and varied robust physical exercise. Children know how to keep themselves safe and learn about road safety during safety awareness week. The childminder monitors the children’s progress through observation and records her findings in individual ‘learning journeys’ and ‘memory books’, detailing their achievements and next steps. The children’s initial profiles are based on parents completing ‘all about me’ documents, although these are not always fully linked to the areas of learning. However, the childminder's extensive knowledge about the children, and the provision of varied activities help the children to progress well and develop skills for the future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

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 1 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