Childminder in LiverpoolOfsted inspection, 15 Feb 2012

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY432170 Inspection date 15/02/2012 Inspector Gillian Sutherland

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 previously registered in 1985 and registered again in 2011. She lives with her adult daughter in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed outdoor area for children's play at the rear of the property. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools. The childminder has a dog.

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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. When working with an assistant, she may care for a maximum of 12 children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than six may be in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, most of whom 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.

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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

Children are very happy and settled in this welcoming and homely environment. The childminder provides a safe and inclusive environment, where children access a wide range of age-appropriate activities and resources. Consequently, children are making good progress in their learning. An effective partnership with parents contributes significantly to ensuring the needs of the children are met and continuity of care is promoted. The childminder has begun to evaluate the service she provides, although, she has not yet included parents' and children's views into that process.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the self-evaluation of the setting and provide parents' and children with opportunities to be involved in that process  review the documentation used to ensure it fully complies with current guidance.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded through procedures that are robust, carefully managed and fully understood by the childminder. Children are protected as the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to be followed. The childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and takes action to minimise any dangers in the home and outdoor play area. She continually monitors the safety of the home, outings and appropriate risk assessment documentation is maintained. All of the required records and documentation are in place and shared with parents. However, the complaints policy has not been revised to include the changes of telephone numbers and contact details for Ofsted. The policies do not indicate the date of when they were devised or the date when they will next be reviewed.

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the early years provision

There is a good range of toys, equipment and materials available, which are stored within easy reach of children to promote their independence in self-selecting toys. The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity in her practice to ensure children develop an understanding of the way other people live. The posters and resources portray positive images of children and families from different cultural backgrounds and those with differing abilities. Planned activities, include celebration of a variety of seasonal and cultural festivals, including Chinese New Year.

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the early years provision

Prior to care commencing, the childminder obtains information about each child, such as, their favourite toys, preferences for sleeping arrangements and individual dietary requirements. This ensures that the individual needs of each child are met and parents' wishes addressed. The childminder is not currently caring for any children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she has a secure understanding of the value of working with other professionals when the need arises to ensure she is meeting children's particular needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a well organised setting, where they are provided with a wide and varied range of good quality resources. Toys are easily accessible to children, who are able to initiate their own play as they self-select those that they want to play with. The skilful childminder engages them in conversation as they participate in their chosen activities. She offers them praise and encouragement, thus, raising their self-esteem. Children's communication and sensory skills are well promoted as the childminder engages them in a varied range of activities. Story sacks are used at story times and younger children develop their sense of touch as they look through textured picture books and also access the varied contents of the treasure basket. Lots of programmable toys are available for the younger children and activity rings and mats ensure that the very young ones can learn how to reach out and grasp the rings or feel the crinkle corners.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of healthy eating and the benefits of eating five portions of fruit or vegetables each day. Depending on the ages of the children being cared for, they are able to look through the 'special recipe file' and can choose their favourite lunch or snack. They are able to help prepare their snacks by spreading their chosen topping onto their choice of crackers by using the 'safe' This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 plastic knife. Drinks are given regularly to the younger children and are freely accessible at anytime to the older children.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their walks to the local parks and running about in the wider open play spaces or accessing the sturdy climbing equipment and swings. They like to go for walks through the tunnel under the railway and make the loudest noises as they wait and listen to hear their echo. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they participate in good road safety practice as they go out and about with the childminder to places of interest. Back at the house they practise fire drills and follow simple instructions, thus, ensuring they can safely evacuate the premises in the event of a fire. A record of when these have taken place is maintained.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sound knowledge of learning and development and provides a range of activities and resources, which cover all areas of learning. The childminder plans activities in line with children's interests and has started to observe and monitor their progress towards the early learning goals. The completed written observations combined with pictorial evidence will be kept in their 'learning journey' files and these are accessible to parents at anytime. 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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