Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 314925 Inspection date 25/10/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her partner in the Appleton area of Warrington. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding, this includes, access to toilet facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has two dogs.

p.4

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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. Currently, there are eight children on roll, four of whom, are within the early years age range. All children attend on various days and older children attend before and after school.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She also participates and supports fundraising events for charity based organisations

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this very welcoming setting. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and provides children with an outstanding range of activities and experiences. She promotes an ethos where children are welcomed warmly and she makes each child feel unique and special. Excellent partnerships between parents, providers and other agencies ensure children's needs are met and their protection assured. Plans for the future are well targeted though reflective practice and consequently, the capacity for sustained improvement is outstanding.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 develop further, professional knowledge and skills in order to enhance reflective practice.

p.4

the early years provision

High priority is given to safeguarding and protecting children. The childminder has a comprehensive awareness of safeguarding issues and she undertakes training to keep her knowledge of this aspect of practice up-to-date. She demonstrates an excellent understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to recording This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and reporting any concerns. The childminder implements a highly comprehensive range of policies and procedures which underpin her excellent practice. Children's safety is paramount and rigorous assessments of the indoor and outdoor environments effectively minimise potential hazards. All the required documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the provision.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a very professional and passionate approach to her work. She dedicates time outside of her childminding hours to maintain efficient and effective documentation with regard to monitoring and planning for children's learning and development needs. Through initial and ongoing assessment the childminder identifies what children can do, what they like to do and what they need to do to make progress. As a result, children are helped to build on what they know and make excellent progress. Children show a very strong sense of security and are very confident within the setting. They are relaxed and comfortable and it is evident that the childminder has a high regard for the children in her care. She places the promotion of equality of opportunity at the heart of her work and all children are valued and respected. She endorses a strong, inclusive ethos and has an exceptional knowledge of children's individual needs. Children learn to

p.5

the early years provision

appreciate diversity and develop respect for themselves and others by engaging in a wide range of activities and experiences to support this. The childminder is thorough in her consideration of children's backgrounds and resources available, reflect different cultures, disability, family structures and lifestyles. She confidently talks to them about differences and is able to answer any questions they may have. The childminder developed and the children participated in a big topic on "I am special", this involved the children being blindfolded, walking around the room, painting with their mouths and feeling what it would be like to be blind, the childminder also organised a visit to the opticians for the children, where they found out about eye tests, wearing glasses and held a contact lens.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnership with parents is exemplary. The childminder communicate very sensitively and effectively with the children and their parents through ongoing discussions and the use of daily diaries. Parents are kept very well informed about all aspects of their child's achievement, well-being and development. They are provided with regular opportunities to look at their child's highly detailed 'learning journey' folders, receive a set of photographs each month and a family year book which clearly reflects children's enjoyment and achievement. The childminder recognises the importance of partnership working with other agencies when necessary, to ensure early intervention is successful and children get the support they need. She works closely with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage which supports a consistent approach and a smooth transition for children to support their continuity of care and learning. It is evident from

p.5

the early years provision

parent's feedback in the comments books that they are very happy with the provision and what the childminder achieves with their children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has high aspirations for ongoing improvement and clear priorities that are driven by highly reflective and intuitive practice. She is an excellent role model to children and sets high standards which are embedded across all areas of practice. Rigorous self-evaluation procedures demonstrate an ongoing commitment to further enhance practice and she has identified the need to develop further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 professional knowledge in order to enhance reflective practice. She is committed to this development through ongoing training.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are extremely comfortable in this welcoming and caring home. The childminder has a very good understanding of the learning and development requirements and how young children learn and progress. The exceptional organisation of the educational programme reflects rich, varied and imaginative experiences across the six areas of learning. As a result, children's curiosity is captured and nurtured and they make significant gains in their learning. From the outset there is excellent, early assessment and monitoring of children's development and progression in relation to their starting points in their learning. To ensure the activities meet the needs of the children, the childminder has particular regard for each child's individual interests, taking her cues from children themselves. This enables children to be creative and active learners who make outstanding progress towards the early learning goals.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is highly effective in promoting children's personal, social and emotional development. Children are developing independence through daily routines, such as, putting their coats and shoes on and using the bathroom. They visit a wide range of groups in the local community and this helps develop their social skills and confidence. In the home the childminder gives them space to play, listens to them with genuine interest and helps them develop skills at their own pace. Each child receives the support they need to develop good speaking and listening skills to help them to achieve and participate fully. Children are encouraged to develop a love of books, they visit the library and the childminder enhances their enjoyment of a favourite story by making a 'Gruffalo' cave. From an early age children have excellent opportunities to practise their mark making skills, using gloop, paint, sand and play dough. Their imagination is allowed to flourish at

p.6

and outcomes for children

a pace to suit them and they happily play in the well-resourced role play area using their imagination very well, taking on different roles and characters. Children's creativity is fully supported with superb variety of resources for art and craft, music and movement, construction and junk modeling. Their awareness of problem-solving, reasoning and numeracy is fostered very effectively through a broad range of contexts. They play counting games, sing number songs, complete puzzles and weigh and measure ingredients during baking activities. Excellent resources help children develop their knowledge and understanding of technology, for example, using the computer and access to a wide range of electronic toys. Children have also had the opportunity to learn Makaton, they worked very hard. A range of activities are planned to help children make sense of the world around them and learn about the natural environment, they visit a farm, collect conkers

p.6

and outcomes for children

and leaves while out walking and learn about different festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as, Diwali, Chinese New Year and Saint Patrick's Day.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children develop an excellent understanding of keeping themselves safe through their play and interactions. They have discussions about road safety, practise emergency evacuation procedures and a visit from a police officer helps children to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understand about people in the community who helps to keep them safe. Children's behaviour is very good and the childminder is a very good role model. Children have excellent manners, they learn about sharing, taking turns and help to tidy up. Highly effective systems are in place to support children's welfare needs, including, information about individual dietary needs and parents' preferences. Healthy eating is prioritised and the childminder provides a range of healthy snacks and home-cooked well-balanced meals to meet children's nutritional needs. Excellent attention is given to children's physical development. They learn

p.6

and outcomes for children

about the importance of fresh air and exercise because of the outstanding focus on outdoor play and exploring the environment. They love to walk through the woods, visit the beach and parks, and use their senses on a 'barefoot walk'. Children play a full and very active role in their learning. They have excellent levels of achievements and demonstrate outstanding progress in developing the skills that will help them in the future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9