Childminder, Out-of school day care in St Helens

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY338436 Inspection date 02/02/2011 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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged over 16 years in Rainhill in St Helens. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. The toilet facilities are situated on the first floor level. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage and attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the compulsory part and voluntary part 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's knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and its underlying principles is used effectively to support children's progress towards the early learning goals. The childminders 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 identify the strengths of the provision and areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 establish systems with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote continuity and progression is children's learning  review the hand drying provision to enhance the procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection.

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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. The policy clearly outlines her responsibility to follow procedures to protect children from harm. The childminder is well organised and maintains accurate records to support her in meeting children's individual welfare, learning and development needs. Children's safety is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protected through the childminder's ability to identify and eliminate risks through the completion of comprehensive risk assessments and the use of safety equipment.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to the continuous improvement of her provision. She self-evaluates the service and sets targets to implement improvements. The childminder undertakes training, carries out research on the internet and reviews her polices and procedures to ensure her knowledge and method reflects current good child care practice. The childminder has addressed the recommendations from the previous inspection. She has formalised the sick child policy by preparing a written document and she has developed a system to record complaints. She obtains written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. The children have free access to drinks which supports their understanding of the importance of staying hydrated.

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the early years provision

The childminder is strongly committed to promotion of equality and diversity, taking into account individual children's backgrounds and personal requirements. This practice helps to build children's positive understanding towards people who are different to themselves. The children enjoy experiencing activities planned to celebrate many religious and cultural festivals, for example a banquet for Diwali. The children recall with pleasure the different foods they tasted on this occasion. Each child is respected and valued as an individual. The children confidently make decisions, such as in the direction of their play and deciding what they want to eat. The childminder has a menu on display and the children tell her what they want to eat for their lunch and evening meal. In this inclusive environment children develop a strong sense of belonging which significantly impacts on their self- esteem. The childminder and children complete their own daily diary which are

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the early years provision

shared with parents at the end of the session. Together they agree what to record, such as the children's achievements and events of the day. This record forms part of the childminder's observation system to help her plan for the children's next steps in learning and development. The childminder aims to develop children's understanding of sustainability to protect the environment and the natural resources.She organises facilities for children to recycle items and they use recycled goods for art and craft work activities.

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the early years provision

Secure partnerships are established with parents. The childminder has developed effective communication systems which support her in meeting children's individual needs. The childminder provides parents with information about the organisation of the service and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents are involved in their child's learning and development. The recording systems showing children's observations, assessment and planning are shared with the parents. Parents have recorded that they are happy with the progress their child has made. The childminder has contact with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to the children. Information is exchanged to effectively support children's welfare and emotional needs. However, these systems do not cover the children's overall learning to further promote continuity and progression. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a trusting relationship with the childminder which is the basis for the good progress made in their learning and development. The childminder has developed personalised planning for children across the six areas of learning. She plans the next steps in their development, using the learning expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support their progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The children independently access the range of play materials which are set out at a low-level to help children make their own choices. They creatively use a variety of toys as their play ideas develop. For example, the small world play people are transported in the dolls pram and the interactive mouse is their pet. Children talk as they play showing their use of language for thinking and communicating. The childminder's involvement in the activities extends the children's learning. She asks the children questions, encourages them to count, uses mathematical language and refers to shape and colour. The children enjoy games, such as dominos and matching letters. The childminder knows these games promote different aspects of learning and development including social skills. The children have access to the computer and interactive games encouraging their understanding of technology. Children are developing skills and a positive attitude towards learning which will

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and outcomes for children

significantly impact on their future economic well-being.

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and outcomes for children

In play and through following safety procedures children learn to look after themselves. They recognise the need for safety and talk, unprompted by the childminder, about road safety procedures. Regular outings in the local community and to places of interest, such as the children's farm and the beach enhance children's understanding and enjoyment of the world around them.

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and outcomes for children

Good methods are used to encourage children to adopt healthy life styles. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through the familiarity of following routines, such as hand washing and cleaning their teeth. The sign above the wash basin reminds children in a child-friendly way to wash their hands thoroughly. However, individual towels are not provided to enhance the procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring individual dietary needs are catered for in terms of allergies and religious requirements. The fruit bowl is freely available to encourage children to enjoy these foods as a healthy snack or dessert. Children develop a range of physical skills and benefit from fresh air and exercise through energetic play outdoors. The childminder is a good role model for children's behaviour. She shows children respect in what they do and takes time to listen to what they have to say. She effectively helps children

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and outcomes for children

to develop their social skills and gives praise for their achievements. 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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