Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 318283 Inspection date 03/03/2011 Inspector Sarah Williams

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the Sale area of Cheshire. The minded children have access to the lounge/dining room. The small box room upstairs is used for minded children to sleep and toilet facilities are upstairs. The setting is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Registers.

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Description of the childminding

There is an enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, of whom two are in the early years age range. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals as the childminder provides activities and play resources designed to promote their early development. Children's care needs are met and they are seen as unique individuals. The partnership with parents ensures a two-way flow of information is maintained. However, some policies are not readily available. The childminder reflects on her practice but has not started to evaluate how she can target actions which will bring about the most improvement for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that children have a wide range of stimulating, age-appropriate activities which cover all areas of learning in order to help them make progress towards the early learning goals and develop skills for future learning  develop a system of self-evaluation in order to assess strengths and areas for development in order to make changes which will bring about improvements for children  implement a procedure regarding safeguarding arrangements for children, including what to do if there is an allegation against a household member.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities and has an understanding of how to protect children from harm or neglect. However, she does not have a procedure in place which meeets current requirements, such as what to do in the event of an allegation against a member of the household. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are kept safe and secure as regular risk assessments are undertaken and any identified hazards are dealt with to ensure the home, as well as any outings undertaken, are safe. The childminder has started to develop her understanding of diversity and inclusion and meets all children's needs. For example, children whose first language is not English are supported. Additionally, children have resources which reflect positive images, and they take part in some activities with a multicultural theme such as Chinese New Year. Where it is identified that external

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the early years provision

help is required to ensure children reach their full potential, the childminder has an understanding of where to turn for support.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are in place and mostly informal. For example the childminder verbally relates what children have been doing each day. New children are settled in over a couple of visits and their home routines followed where possible. A portfolio containing essential information is available for parents and includes policies and procedures to support the children's care and wellbeing. Parents are positive in their feedback, praising the flexible approach and homely care their children receive.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to be reflective but has yet to develop any form of self-evaluation to identify strengths and actions which will improve outcomes for children. Therefore, changes and challenges can be slow and have limited effect. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed, and some procedures and paperwork updated, resulting in a safer and more comfortable environment for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress in relation to their starting points. The childminder plans aactivities and experiences for children based on what she knows they enjoy. A selection of resources are set out at low level making them easy to access. Older children can ask for or select other items. The childminder talks to the children as they play, for example, helping a young child dress a doll and naming the garments as she puts them on, and joining in with the child's play with play food and kitchen equipment. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder and respond well to her calm and friendly approach, having a quick cuddle or asking for a drink. Children respond to simple rules to help them stay safe, for example, sitting carefully on a chair, and rules for behaviour such as sharing. All children attending practice an evacuation plan so they know what to do in an emergency.

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and outcomes for children

Children are given a balanced range of snacks, meals and drinks whist in the care of the childminder. Food is mostly provided by parents and stored safely until needed. Children are able to rest or enjoy a quiet time according to their needs, and sleeping babies are monitored. The recently refurbished garden is safe and equipped with a small selection of toys. A nearby park and playground provide alternative play and exercise options for children, and they enjoy walks to and from school as part of the daily routine, whilst benefiting from the fresh air. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children appear settled and confident and very much 'at home' as they play at the childminders'. Self-esteem is boosted as children are praised for completion of tasks and for positive behaviour such as sharing and speaking politely. They develop some important skills for the future by extending their literacy and

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and outcomes for children

numeracy skills through sharing books and stories.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is beginning to observe and record children's progress and some 'wow' moments but has not yet started a comprehensive development record which charts progress and shows next steps in learning. The childminder verbally reports to all parents at the end of each day about what children have been doing and how they have been.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has informal communication links for children attending other early years settings, such as a pre school or reception class. This helps ensure that important information is shared with all concerned and helps to ensure continuity of care. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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