Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY430994 Inspection date 10/01/2012 Inspector Dorothy 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 2011. She lives with her two children aged over 18 years in Kirkby, Liverpool. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are situated on the first floor level. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age group at any one time. She is currently minding four children who are within the early years age range and two children after school one evening per week. The childminder offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at Level 4. She is registered on the compulsory part and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She accesses Local Authority support and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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 children make good progress in their learning and development and are relaxed and happy because the childminder provides a safe, secure and stimulating environment. The childminder shows passion and enthusiasm for her role and is committed to promoting equality and diversity. She knows the children well and engages with parents and other professionals to support their development and as a result, their welfare needs are appropriately met. The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and looks to constantly improve her resources indoors and out, as she seeks to provide a wide variety of experiences to promote learning within and beyond, the setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance outdoor provision to cover all areas of learning and development for example numeracy and creative development  increase the range of natural resources and materials available to the younger children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and well protected in the setting because the childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She is well informed about child protection and has contact details available. Children are kept safe whilst in the childminders care because she supervises the children well. She regularly reviews and updates her risk assessments which cover all areas of her home including, the garden. This means that children are well protected when using equipment and resources and are able to move around the setting with ease. Children are also further protected because the childminder keeps good records including accident, medication, attendance and fire drills.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and successfully supports children to achieve as much as they can. The environment is well organised and there is wide range of accessible resources for children to choose from. This means that they enjoy their experiences and make good progress in their development. The childminder constantly reflects on her own practice and consults with parents, children other childminders and the network coordinator to identify and address areas for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good relationships with parents and carers. She encourages visits and gathers useful information about each child, such as, independence, likes and dislikes, as well as their dietary and personal care needs. She gives good daily feedback. This means that parent's wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met. Parents can become involved in their child's learning and as a result, children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has very good relationships with local schools and sure start settings. This means that transitions are handled well and children move easily between settings.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives sensitive and positive support to children with special educational needs and or disabilities. Children are learning to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others because the childminder challenges any discriminatory comments.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder offers well-planned learning opportunities for children to enjoy, in and away from her home. Children are happy and comfortable in this homely and welcoming environment. They develop trusting relationships with the childminder and are familiar and secure with routines because the childminder is careful to meet their needs. Children move freely and safely around the setting because the childminder ensures the environment is safe. For example, children are aware of where they can go in the setting and know how to use activities and resources safely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder encourages children to think, discuss and find out more about their interests. She is good at communicating with children, encouraging sustained conversations and respecting their thinking time when reading or enjoying activities. She engages in baby babble and singing with younger children and

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and outcomes for children

models good speech patterns when speaking to older children. This supports their language and communication skills well. Planning, observations and learning journals indicate a wide range of opportunities for children to problem solve, make marks, patterns and create using a range of materials.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good knowledge of the wider world through trips to the local shops, museum and park and they celebrate birthdays and festivals as they arise. Children enjoy opportunities to play outside in the garden where they plant bulbs and dig for worms, however, some aspects of their development are less well promoted outside.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder values good health and safety. She offers a varied menu of healthy options, such as, casserole, fruit, raw vegetables, dips and water. As a result, children are beginning to learn about healthy eating. Children develop an awareness of safety issues and how to keep themselves safe. This is because the childminder carefully explains why things may be dangerous and fully involves them in assessing risks.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making steady progress towards the Early Learning Goals because the childminder regularly observes what they can do, records progress and identifies next steps for learning. The childminder uses this information to plan activities that meet children's individual needs and interests. Children choose to engage in role play, counting rhymes, puppet play and jigsaws. They giggle when counting by rote and missing out numbers and they ask adults to join in with puppet play. As a result, children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and are developing skills for their future.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is excellent. This is because the childminder has house rules which she shares with parents and children. She models courteous behaviour and offers a high level of praise and encouragement. 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 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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