Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 322279 Inspection date 14/01/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

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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 assesses 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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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

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 1988. She lives with her husband and adult son in a suburb of Liverpool. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. First floor rooms are not used except for access to the bathroom. The premises are easily accessible. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's home is within walking distance of local amenities, such as parks and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum six children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for three children who are within the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the Liverpool Childminding Network.

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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

Children are lively, confident and well cared for by this dedicated and experienced childminder. The childminder ensures all children make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Inclusive practice is assured; every child is welcomed and treated with equal concern. Effective partnerships ensure children's needs are met and information is exchanged. The childminder shows a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement by reflecting on her practice to improve outcomes for children. Most of the required documentation is in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the risk assessment to include assessments of risk for all outings and trips.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has completed safeguarding training and has written procedures in place to support her practice. Children play safely within this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children well. Good attention is given to all aspects of safety within the home. Daily safety checks and risk assessments are in place. The childminder uses a range of safety equipment to minimise hazards to children, for example, finger guards are fitted on doors and a fixed fireguard is in place. Whilst the childminder makes sure children are kept safe on outings, she has yet to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 update her risk assessment to include all outings undertaken with the children. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan and all the required fire

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the early years provision

control, and smoke detection equipment is in place. Children's records for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place and well managed. The childminder has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which underpin her childminding practice and are shared with parents.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from being cared for by an experienced childminder who is very committed to all the children in her care. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and is able to support children's learning well. She is well organised and makes good use of her home and resources to enable children to take part in a variety of enjoyable activities. Children's independence is promoted well and children enjoy choosing toys and resources they want to use. The childminder ensures the environment is fully inclusive, the uniqueness of each child is recognised and their individual needs are effectively met. This helps children to develop a sense of belonging and helps them to feel secure. The childminder helps children to understand about the society in which they live through a range of outings, activities and the use of resources reflecting positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is successful and valued by the childminder. She has developed a strong and effective relationship with parents and there is a good two- way flow of information. Children's records contain detailed information to ensure they are well supported, and this is documented on an 'All about my child' form. This information helps the childminder to establish each child's starting points in their learning and development. Parents are kept very well informed about children's progress and attainment which is recorded in individual observation folders, and detail a lovely record of children's enjoyment and achievement. Thank you cards and positive feedback from parents, indicates that they are very satisfied with all aspects of the childminding service.

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the early years provision

Commitment to improving the childminding service is evident through the childminder's attention to addressing the recommendations set at the previous inspection. This improves outcomes for children's well-being and safety. The childminder has started to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form to focus her priorities for further development, for example, partnership working. The childminder continues to update her knowledge of childcare practice by attending training courses.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very content and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. Children make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage because the childminder has a good understanding of the framework and is fully committed to implementing it successfully. A good quality learning environment is provided which helps to enhance children's progress and sustain This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their interest. Children are able to play at their own pace and freely access an extensive range of toys and equipment. The childminder has given good consideration to planning and delivering an entertaining activity programme both indoors and through outings. Planning is flexible and develops through observations of each child's interests and preferences.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered very effectively. The childminder is a positive role model and her interaction with the children is very good; she chats easily to the children and is genuinely interested in what they say and do. This helps build positive relationships and promote children's self- esteem and confidence. Children's literacy and communication skills are developing well. The childminder has created a cosy area where children access a variety of picture and story books. All children have access to mark-making resources, such as paint, sand and foam. Children's understanding of numbers and problem solving is fostered during daily routines and activities. They talk about colours, shapes, count socks and pegs, and play matching games. Children's creative skills are enhanced as they access a vast range of materials. They manipulate dough and express themselves well, through painting, art and craft activities and role play.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to use their imagination as they play. They use torches as they play in the den, and enjoy dressing up as rabbits and police officers. Good provision is made for children's physical development and they get pleasure from playing in the garden. They use a range of equipment, for example, cars, sit and ride toys, balls and a climbing frame and slide. Special thought is given to promoting babies and younger children's developing skills across all areas of learning. Children learn about the wider society and explore the local area, with regular visits to the library and park where they enjoy feeding the ducks. Children have good resources which help them to develop an understanding of technology, such as a keyboard, guitar and electronic books. Overall, children are developing good skills to support their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children in learning good behaviours and develops their understanding of right and wrong. She has a calm, consistent approach and encourages children to share, take turns and develop positive friendships by explaining that 'We are all friends here'. Good procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection, including effective procedures for hand washing at appropriate times and the exclusion of sick children. Appropriate action is taken if a child becomes unwell and parents are kept informed of their child's condition. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a first aid box is easily accessible. Good priority is given to successfully developing children's awareness of keeping themselves safe. For instance, they talk about road safety and benefit from practising the fire evacuation procedure. Children's health and well-being is effectively supported, and they have opportunities to rest and sleep according to

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and outcomes for children

their individual needs. Children eat well and healthily. The childminder provides a range of home cooked nutritious meals and snacks which children enjoy. She encourages children to drink plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated throughout the day. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 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

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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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