Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 306333 Inspection date 25/01/2011 Inspector Jean Thomas

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and child aged over 16 years in Bebington, Wirral. The childminder and her husband work together as registered childminders. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding. The toilet facilities are situated on the first floor level. The fully enclosed garden is not available for outdoor play until March 2011 due to safety work being carried out. The family have three guinea pigs. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age group at any one time. A maximum of nine children can be minded at any one time when working with another childminder, of whom, no more than six may be in the early years age group at any one time. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, of whom, all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She accesses local authority support and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and its underlying principles to effectively support children's learning and development. The childminder provides a welcoming and enabling environment where children's uniqueness is respected. She has developed effective systems to work in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. The childminder is using self-evaluation systems and reviews procedures to ensure that strengths and areas for improvement are identified.

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further?

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

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further?

 monitor children's play and learning opportunities to ensure they are balanced across the six areas of learning to support their progress towards the early learning goals  develop effective systems of communication with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to the children to promote continuity in their learning  develop the self-evaluation systems, involving all users, to reflect on practice and sustain continuous improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding issues. She has attended training and prepared a detailed written policy. This clearly outlines her responsibility to follow procedures to protect children from harm. The childminder maintains accurate records to support her in meeting children's individual needs. Children's safety is protected through the childminder's ability to identify and eliminate risks through the completion of risk assessments and the use of safety equipment. The childminder has prepared a comprehensive set of policies and procedures to support the effective organisation of the service provided. These have been reviewed to ensure they reflect her current practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to the continuous improvement of her provision. She considers her ongoing personal development is intrinsic to achieving this. The childminder is a qualified practitioner holding the National Vocational Qualification Child Care and Education Level 3. She is currently in the third year of studies for the Early Years Foundation Degree. In addition to this the childminder has completed training on the Early Years Foundation Stage, First Aid and Food Hygiene in catering. The childminder has met the recommendations from the last inspection. As recommended she obtains written parental consents to transport children and has prepared a pets policy for children's well-being. The childminder self-evaluates the provision to identify the strengths and areas for improvement. Although parents' and children's views are sought they are not used as part of a reflective and collaborative evaluation process.

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the early years provision

The dedicated playroom is bright and welcoming to children. Children confidently move around the registered areas of the home as their play ideas develop. The childminder has a wide range of play materials to offer children enjoyment and challenge in their play. The children's artwork is attractively displayed which further enhances their sense of belonging at the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to meeting individual children's needs within an inclusive provision. Each child is respected and valued as an individual. From an early age children confidently make decisions, such as in the direction of their play, choosing resources and deciding what they want to eat. The childminder responds to children's non-verbal communication as they make their food and play preferences known. Play resources and books are available to support children's understanding about the diversity of society. The childminder ensures planned activities are accessible to all ages of children if they wish to participate. The children learn about their local community as they enjoy regular outings to children's groups, the library and parks. The childminder aims to help children develop their understanding about not wasting the earth's resources through their involvement in activities, such as recycling and using recycled items in craft work.

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the early years provision

Secure partnerships are established with parents. Before children first attend the childminder gathers information from parents about what they already know and can do to inform the initial planning of activities. There are effective ongoing communication systems to ensure a good exchange of information, both verbally This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and through the sharing of records. These systems support the childminder in meeting children's needs and keep parents informed about their child's day. Parents have recorded highly favourably about the quality of the provision and the progress their child has made. The childminder has contact with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to the children. However, systems to share information to contribute to continuity in children's learning have not been established.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and confident, from an early age they eagerly engage in play of their choice. Children have ample time and space to choose their own games as they develop independence and self-motivation. This gives them the opportunity to practise and apply their learning in different situations. The childminder is aware of when to step back and allow children's ideas to develop and when to interact, to encourage or extend their learning. She asks questions and engages children in conversation to promote their language and communication skills. The children choose books to read. The childminder holds their attention with her lively story telling. They listen and follow the story and have fun when the childminder suggests that they add their own words to the story about a monkey's meal time. The children enthusiastically participate and show their understanding of healthy eating as they choose healthy options as the alterative to the story line.

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and outcomes for children

The younger children are starting to play 'make-believe' using the role play resources to act out situations they have experienced or observed. They show their developing use of problem-solving skills as they work out, through trial and error, which utensils will fit into the play microwave. The childminder uses her involvement in this activity to promote the intended learning objective to develop an awareness of number and quantities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder identifies the children's individual next steps in learning and development through observation and use of the developmental expectations in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder effectively uses the children's preferred play choices and everyday situations to extend and support their learning and development. However, it is less clear that the planning is analysed to ensure it is balanced across the six areas of learning to support children's individual progress towards the early learning goals. Children have good opportunities develop skills in communicating, literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology, which has a positive impact on their future economic well-being.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder values outdoor learning. She uses the local facilities such as parks and the childminder's drop-in centre outdoor play area to broaden children's play and learning opportunities. A healthy lifestyle is actively promoted. Children have daily opportunity to fresh air and exercise. The childminder provides nutritional meals and snacks. She is a good role model for children's behaviour. She effectively helps children to develop their social skills and gives praise for their achievements. She talks to the children about sharing and taking turns. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learn to take responsibility for their environment. From an early age they enthusiastically help to tidy up the playroom to ensure the toys do not present a tripping hazard. The childminder uses this as one of the activities to support children's understanding about learning to keep themselves safe.

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and outcomes for children

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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