Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 314827 Inspection date 19/05/2011 Inspector Anne Drinkwater

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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 1993. She lives in the Great Sankey area of Warrington with her partner and adult son. The whole of the ground floor area of the childminder's house and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding and there is a small enclosed garden for outside play.

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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. She is currently minding six children in this age group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years old. In total there are 10 children on roll. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

She walks to local schools to take and collect children and has a recognised childcare qualification.

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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 is enthusiastic about her work and, consequently, offers a warm, welcoming and inclusive service. Children are happy and feel included at the home as the childminder knows them as individuals. She works closely with parents and the sharing of information means children's personal needs are met, promoting inclusion. All of the required policies and procedures are in place and well documented. The childminder is aware of her strengths and areas for development as she regularly updates the Ofsted self-evaluation form to ensure she is meeting her targets.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve further the arrangements for planning, observations and assessments so they can be used to incorporate children's next steps and assist in providing challenging learning and development experiences to all children  improve further the indoor and the outdoor environment so children can move freely between them and ensure younger children can freely access a range of natural materials.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding children. She has a good understanding of her responsibilities regarding safeguarding issues and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the importance of reporting any concerns without delay. Information is shared with parents so that they are aware of the childminder's role in protecting children. Effective vetting procedures are in place to ensure adults in the household are suitable to have contact with the children. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home environment where fire evacuation procedures are practised regularly and this helps children to understand how to stay safe in an emergency. Risk assessments are carried out to ensure that any potential risks to children are promptly identified and minimised.

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the early years provision

Children are comfortable in this family home where they benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is committed to the children in her care. They have opportunities to choose what they want to do from the selection of resources and activities and mostly follow their own interests. However, the childminder's routines for the day do not always allow children to move freely between the play areas and the garden, in addition natural resources to help younger children develop their senses are limited. The childminder has a positive attitude to inclusive practice and recognises the uniqueness of each child. She has a good knowledge of each child's background and needs which support their individuality.

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the early years provision

All parents are well informed of the childminder's written policies and procedures and there is a good two-way flow of information each day between the childminder and parents about their child's care and well-being, comprehensive daily diaries and the well documented children's portfolios ensure all parents are informed and involved in their children's welfare and learning. Parents through questionnaires state they are very happy with the care and do not feel the need to change anything.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively drives improvement through valuing the uniqueness of each child, ensuring equality through providing each child with the time, attention and resources they need to enjoy themselves in the setting. Children benefit from the childminder's vast experience of caring for children and she puts their well- being at the heart of what she does. She attends relevant training which she feels children will benefit from and has implemented the recommendations from the last inspection.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and confident in this welcoming and friendly home environment. They play happily together and mostly follow their own ideas and interests. Their developing independence, confidence and self-esteem is supported well by the childminder. She provides children with opportunities to take part in a range of play opportunities within the home and in the local community. She knows the children well and is fully aware of their individual interests, play preferences and achievements.

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and outcomes for children

The children's portfolios show a wealth of experiences covering all areas of learning which are well documented through photographs, written observations and samples of their work. Written observations of the children at play provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sufficient information about what the children can do, however, any identified next steps are not routinely included in her planning on a regular basis to ensure children are being challenged.

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and outcomes for children

Children have lots of opportunities to develop their social skills, they sit together for snacks and drinks, they select their own books and sit and share their stories, paper and crayons are available and children enjoy taking part in a range of creative activities. For example, they like to draw pictures, paint, explore gloop, manipulate dough and make cards for special occasions. They are proud of their achievements these are then displayed around the room. They can correctly name the shapes and colours. They enjoy counting with the childminder and some children count to 13 and divide the bricks into colours and shapes. They concentrate for long periods as they study their faces and then recreate it using fuzzy felts. She talks as she plays alongside them, using appropriate language and leaves time for children to respond. Children are developing develop good skills for the future and display confidence and self esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children walk to and from school each day and have opportunities to play in parks and the garden when the weather is good. Children are supported in developing their knowledge and understanding of their community and the wider world. Children engage in discussions about different cultural celebrations and festivals, such as, Chinese New Year, Pongal, Basant and Holi. This helps children to learn the importance of respecting others and their understanding of diversity.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content, secure and enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. Their behaviour is good and sensitively managed by the childminder. Appropriate behaviour is displayed at all times, such as, using good manners, respecting others and taking turns. All children are valued and the childminder helps build their confidence and self-esteem through praise and encouragement. A range of physical activities indoors, outdoors and the use of equipment at the local park increase their awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Children learn about safety through discussion as they play, for example, the childminder encourages children to tidy up as they go to ensure they know the routines and to avoid tripping.

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and outcomes for children

Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder ascertains relevant information relating to their individual needs and parents preferences. Healthy eating is prioritised and the childminder provides a range of healthy snacks and meals. Children are able to help themselves to drinks to ensure they remain hydrated. Children through example are encouraged to adopt good hygiene routines and positive steps are taken by the childminder to minimise the risk of cross-infection. 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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