Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 322331 Inspection date 12/10/2011 Inspector Jane Shaw

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool, Merseyside. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. There are currently five children on roll in full and part-time places, three of whom are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification in childcare, learning and development. She receives support from the local authority, is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Knotty Ash childminding network and has a Quality Assurance award. She regularly attends local toddler and children's centre groups and uses the local library.

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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 creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued for their uniqueness and individuality. The childminder knows each child well and successfully promotes their care, learning and development. Children are cared for in a safe and secure manner, and required records and documentation are well maintained. Positive partnerships with parents and carers and other early years professionals support children's care, learning and development effectively. The childminder demonstrates her clear capacity to improve through training and development, clearly identifying her strengths and areas for improvement through self-evaluation and reflection.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further systems to track children's progress across the six areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the indicators of abuse and what might give her cause for concern, and the procedures for dealing with issues. As a result, children are well protected. Written safeguarding policies as well as a number of other policies are shared with parents and carers, ensuring that they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are fully aware of her responsibility to protect children.

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the early years provision

Thorough risk assessments and daily checks of the premises and outings ensure children are safe at all times. Risk assessments are conducted on a regular basis; however, the record lacks some required details. Nevertheless, the impact to children is minimal as the childminder conducts checks regularly to ensure their safety. Regular fire evacuations ensure children's safety. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they are reminded to take care when using resources and equipment.

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the early years provision

Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. Space, time and resources are well organised to meet the individual children's needs. Children choose resources from the range available, some of which are stored at low level for self-selection. As a result, they are becoming independent learners. Good quality resources, opportunities and experiences, both within and away from the childminding setting, support children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

Effective relationships with parents and carers support children. They have access to policies and procedures showing what the childminder offers in terms of care and education, they receive daily feedback and have access to their child's developmental record at all times. They are invited to give their views on the provision through regular questionnaires. A questionnaire provided for the inspection was extremely positive, and feedback and comments show parents' complete satisfaction with the childminder, and the care and support their children receive. Beneficial partnerships with early years professionals and schools have been established, creating a complementary curriculum and continuity in children's learning. A fully inclusive environment ensures that all children feel valued and their individual needs are met. In addition, they learn to value others as they learn about people's similarities and differences through activities and resources.

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the early years provision

The childminder has implemented self-evaluation, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. She is committed to continuing professional development and enhancing her skills, knowledge and expertise through training. Self-evaluation, training and the addressing of recommendations raised at the last inspection clearly demonstrates the childminder's commitment to embedding ambition and driving improvement.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident and happy, and warm relationships with the childminder are evident. The childminder knows each child's individual needs and abilities, and respects and values their individuality. As a result, babies and children are content, settled and happy. The childminder has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements, resulting in children making good progress. Observations of children's development are completed and used to plan their next steps, however, the tracking of children's progress across the six areas of learning is an area for development. Planning is based around themes or celebrations throughout the year, and this is flexible and adapted to meet children's abilities, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interests and enjoyment. Each child has a developmental folder containing observations linked to the areas of learning, evidence of skill development, and

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and outcomes for children

Children show good levels of concentration and perseverance at activities, for example, as babies shape sort and push buttons. They are developing good relationships with one another as they cooperate, share and take turns. A variety of opportunities to make marks are available, and early language skills are developing well, for example, as the childminder engages in conversation, both verbally and non-verbally, with babies. Children have access to a variety of age- appropriate books and visit the local library regularly.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to match and sort using a variety of resources. The childminder uses mathematical language as she talks with children, and they enjoy various activities to promote their understanding of number. Children enjoy outdoor play as they use bats and balls, cycles, and a climbing frame and slide. They also take regular walks in the local environment. Children develop fine motor skills; for example, younger children push buttons and pull levers, while older children build and enjoy craft activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children grow flowers in the garden and enjoy regular visits to the local childminder group allotment, where they learn about looking after growing things. Children enjoy listening to music and playing musical instruments. A variety of craft activities develop their imaginative and creative abilities. Children have an understanding of their own environment as they are involved in recycling projects, and learn about in the wider world as they celebrate festivals, for example, making fortune cookies while celebrating Chinese New Year.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing an understanding of healthy lifestyles through routines and practices, for example, regular opportunities for outdoor play and walks. They learn about keeping themselves healthy through healthy eating and access to drinking water, and learn the importance of good hygiene routines. Children's behaviour is good, promoted through good role modelling and a positive behaviour management policy. Access to different activities and opportunities supports children's skills for the future. 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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