Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY281678 Inspection date 27/01/2011 Inspector Sue Riley

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and family of four children, in the Greasby area of the Wirral peninsular. There are facilities close by such as parks, schools and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children, of whom, four are in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog and a rabbit. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and preschool. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The childminder 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

A child-friendly environment is created to ensure all children are included and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children show suitable levels of self-esteem because the childminder knows them well and values them as individuals. The childminder has developed a close working relationship with parents, which helps her to understand children's individual needs and to achieve a consistent approach to the children's care. All aspects of children's welfare are suitably promoted which means that children are fully safeguarded. The childminder is starting to use the self-evaluation process to identify areas for improvement and this is being used to ensure that the provision for children is continually improving.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify current strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for children  ensure essential records and information is taken on all outings.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has implemented an effective policy and procedures which she shares with parents. The policy is clear in informing parents and carers of her responsibilities to ensure children are fully protected. Parents are reassured because the childminder provides information about how she is registered, the vetting arrangements for herself and other household members over 16, and about her experience and training. The childminder effectively maintains her records and policies and procedures are in place to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure the safety and well-being of all children. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and well organised. Systems are in place to review all policies and procedures to ensure they are kept up-to-date with current guidance. Records of risk assessments are in place for all areas of the home used for

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the early years provision

childminding purposes and the childminder makes regular checks to identify and minimise any hazards. However, when on outings with the children the childminder does not carrying sufficient information with her to fully safeguard them. Effective safety measures are in place with regard to the premises. The door to the house is kept locked and the gate outside in the rear garden has bolts fitted to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the premises, ensuring children are safe.

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the early years provision

Parent partnerships are promoted well through discussions to meet children's individual needs and parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's care needs, likes, dislikes, cultural and religious requirements. Equality for all children in the childminder's care is promoted and the childminder adapts activities to ensure they can engage and progress with their learning. The childminder exchanges information with parents daily as she talks and shares records about what the child has been doing throughout the day. Effective partnerships are in place with other providers that the minded children attend so the childminder is able to fully support children in their care and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates ambition, vision and drive to develop the provision further. She has started to develop a system of self-evaluation in order for her to demonstrate that she is effectively reflecting on her practice and identifying strengths and areas for development in order to maintain continuous improvement within her service. The childminder organises the environment effectively to ensure children have suitable areas for play and rest. She is aware of their individual needs and plans effectively to ensure toys and activities are accessible to all.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the learning, development and welfare requirements to promote children's learning and care. She has a good understanding of how children learn through play and how they develop. Children's welfare needs are met and they achieve as well as they can due to the childminder adapting activities to ensure they can all participate. The childminder records her observations of the children and plans activities so that she can support them to further their learning. The indoor environment is set up for children's learning and allows children free choice of activities and resources. The childminder has systems in place to ensure all areas of learning are covered for all children on a daily basis. Lovely warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder offers frequent positive support, praise and encouragement. For example, when a young

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and outcomes for children

child responds to a simple instruction of helping with the tidying away of the toys the childminder offers lots of smiles and verbal recognition. The child beams with pleasure as their confidence and self-esteem is raised.

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and outcomes for children

Children are taught about safety issues as part of the daily routine. The children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practice the evacuation procedures and are learning what to do in the event of an emergency. When out with children the childminder encourages them to listen for cars as well as looking for them, this helps children learn to keep themselves safe. For children who attend the local preschool the childminder is currently extending their theme of fairy tales as they are learning about stranger danger whilst following the story of 'Little Red Riding Hood'. The good health and well-being of children is encouraged. Children know what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They have plenty of fresh air and exercise, going on regular walks and enjoying play on challenging equipment at the local parks. The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks for children and encourages them to follow appropriate

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and outcomes for children

hygiene routines. For example, the younger children after having their nappies changed are encouraged to wash their hands as they see the older children following this good practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to understand boundaries, rules and limits and why they exist. They are learning to use their manners and are encouraged to share and take turns. Children follow house rules and show a strong sense of security which helps them feel safe within the setting. Children have opportunities to learn the basic skills for information communication technology through the use of the interactive toys. Younger children enjoy playing with the childminder and have fun as they roll the cars across the floor between each other. They also have fun as they sing songs and follow action rhymes, for example, 'Row, row, row the boat'. 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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