Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY280184 Inspection date 25/10/2011 Inspector Christine Stewart

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 12 years in Meols, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. On the first floor, the bathroom and twin bedroom/study are also used. There are enclosed gardens to the front and rear of the property for outdoor 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. There are currently four children who are in the early years age range, who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 19 children on roll. The childminder 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder, and they are making excellent progress in their learning. Children are valued for their individuality, treated with respect and all have equal access to the opportunities offered. The childminder's communication with parents is excellent and effectively supports children's well-being and development. Highly effective systems for evaluation ensure the childminder is aware of the strengths and areas for improvement within her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 developing links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote continuity of care and education.

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the early years provision

Children are well protected because the childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures. She has completed appropriate training and has in place comprehensive policies and procedures, including robust risk assessments, to safeguard children's well-being. There are well-maintained systems in place to record attendance as well as effective recording systems for medication administration, accidents and allergies. A valid first aid certificate and the childminder's own medical background enable her to respond effectively to any This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 accidents. The childminder has attended additional training courses to maintain a safe environment and promote children's good health. These include a qualification in Health and Safety in the Workplace and Food Hygiene. The childminder is registered with the local Environmental Health Department and has been awarded

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the early years provision

a 'high confidence rating'. The children are involved in making simple house rules to ensure their well-being.

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the early years provision

Children thrive in the extremely well-organised, stimulating and dynamic environment both inside and outside. The thoughtful organisation and use of varied, interesting and high-quality resources enables all children to choose what they do and be fully included in all activities. The childminder is passionate about striving for better outcomes for children, and her excellent commitment to the continuous development of her provision is evident. She is enthusiastic about regular training, which has a significant positive impact on the exceptional quality of care provided. She uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form and has established informal group meetings with other minders to continuously reflect on good practice.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are exceptional as the childminder discusses every aspect of their child's learning and development with them. They share extensive information through daily discussions and the written child's daily diary. The childminder offers outstanding support and guidance to enable parents and carers to be effectively involved in their child's learning and achievements. Parents' and children's views are actively sought through the use of regular questionnaires, discussions and their contributions in the learning journals. Parents have provided written testimonials for the inspection. These statements have expressed how they value and appreciate the childminder's support for them and for their child's welfare and education. Children also wanted to contribute to the inspection process. They gave the childminder a score of '41 out of ten' and say, 'I love coming here'. Partnerships with other professionals overall are well established and

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the early years provision

contribute to children's progress and well-being.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to implement it effectively. As a result of this, all children are extremely well supported in their learning and progress. A rigorous system of observation and assessment enables the childminder to plan specifically for the needs of each child. Starting points are identified when children start attending, and next steps are identified. This ensures appropriate experiences are planned, which enable each child to make excellent progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy moving freely between the inside and outside play areas. They can play quietly inside constructing a zoo with blocks or enjoy active play with the apparatus in the garden. Children's imagination is nurtured with exciting resources to support their learning. Fabrics stored in the sheltered garden space enable them to create tents and dens to further their creative play. They open a garden cafe making tea with water and serve everyone with a drink. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learn about volume and capacity as they fill and empty cups. They demonstrate an understanding of number as they calculate how many cups are required. Resources are plentiful and support learning well; for example, children have magnifying glasses and bug holders to use to explore in the garden and find minibeasts. The home-made laminated reference cards help to identify their

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and outcomes for children

minibeast and they use their writing skills to record their findings. Interest in books, poems and rhymes is promoted extremely well. Children are excited to share the story of a cow that was afraid of loud noises.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides excellent opportunities for children to develop care for and understanding of the natural world. For example, they hang out the feeders in the garden for the birds and the squirrels. The children know how to save fruit and vegetable remains until they have an opportunity to put these in the wormery. They discuss the importance of taking care of the environment and learn the value of recycling resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop healthy lifestyles as they move freely between the indoor and outdoor areas. They talk about why they need to wash their hands so they begin to understand the reasons for good personal care, not just the routines, to promote their welfare. Children help themselves from the fridge water dispenser to fresh drinking water whenever they feel thirsty. Healthy snacks and home-cooked foods are provided by the childminder to offer a balanced and nutritious diet. Children's awareness of healthy eating is fostered as they are involved in growing fruit and vegetables in the garden, which when ready they harvest and eat. The childminder helps children to learn to keep themselves safe. For example, she discusses stranger-danger with them, and they take part in regularly practised and recorded fire drills. The childminder is a good role model for children. She is calm, courteous and polite and establishes fair and consistent boundaries, which help

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and outcomes for children

children to feel secure and safe. 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 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 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 1

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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

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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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