Childminder in Wirral

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY319618 Inspection date 08/02/2012 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 2006 and lives with her husband and three school age children, in Upton, Wirral. The premises are within easy reach of public transport, shops, parks, schools and community resources. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the property. There are contingency plans in place to call on another registered childminder in the event of an emergency or sickness.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. At the time of this inspection there was one child on roll in the early years age group. The childminder also offers care to children over five years. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. Children are taken to and collected from schools and pre-schools. The childminder has achieved a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Care and Education. She is supported by the local authority and the family has a cat.

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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 effectively supports children's well-being and development. Good 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?

 continuing to enhance links with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote children's 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in place to record attendance as well as effective recording systems for medication administration, accidents and allergies. The childminder has maintained a valid first aid certificate and has achieved Safety in the Workplace status at level 2. This enables her to maintain a safe environment and promote children's good health. 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 organized stimulating environment. The thoughtful organization and use of varied, interesting and quality resources enables all children to self-select and be fully included in all the activities. The childminder is passionate to strive for better outcomes for children and her excellent commitment to the continuous development of her provision is evident. She is enthusiastic about regular training and she uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to very good effect to review and evaluate her service and practice for ongoing improvement.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is established and the childminder discusses all aspects of their child's learning and development with them. They share lots of information through daily discussions and the child's daily diary. The childminder offers good support and guidance to enable parents and carers to effectively be involved in their child's learning and achievements. Parents' views are generally sought through the use of discussions and their contributions in the learning journals. Parents have provided references which express how they value and appreciate the childminder's support to them and their child's welfare and education. Partnerships with other professionals overall are well established and 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 effectively implement it. 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 individual child.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy the balance of activities offered indoors and outside. They are absorbed playing with the small world play developing their imagination as they sort the farm animals into the stables and 'groom' the horses' tails. Children's imagination is nurtured with exciting resources to support their learning. A make-shift den in the play room enables them to further their creative play whilst learning about cause and effect as they explore how to operate the torch inside the den. The childminder chats constantly to the children to encourage conversation. She asks appropriate questions to make them think and introduces and explains any new words. Children can access a wide range of books and participate enthusiastically in the story of the little girl and what she can do in her wheel chair. As a result, children are making very good progress in their communication and language and beginning to work things out for themselves.

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children demonstrate an understanding of number as they count in their everyday play. For example, they count how many toy dinosaurs they find buried in the sand and how many pieces of fruit they have threaded onto the skewer for tea. Children begin to gain awareness about sustainability as the childminder involves them in helping to sort household items into the correct recycle bins and make use of materials for junk modelling. They pot strawberry seeds to initially start off on the window ledge and later transfer to the garden. Outings are an integral part of the service and help children learn about their local community. They visit the local urban farm and learn about animals and their habitats and enjoy physical play at the park or at the indoor soft play zone. They develop awareness of the wider world through books, resources and celebrations of festivals. Resources are

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and outcomes for children

The children's health and well-being are well promoted. The childminder explains to them 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 their own water bottles to fresh drinking water whenever they need hydrating. Healthy snacks and home cooked foods are provided by the childminder to offer a balanced and nutritious diet. Children are given opportunities to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder 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 for children to feel secure and safe. Children flourish in the excellent care provided and the positive experiences help them to develop skills for future

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and outcomes for children

success. 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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