Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY360998 Inspection date 22/02/2012 Inspector Jacqueline Baker

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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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 10 years and seven years. They live in a house in the Padgate, Warrington close to shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. This includes the front room, dining room, study and kitchen. Additionally, the rear bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor are used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and the compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time, of which, three may be in the early years age range, including one under a year. She currently has five children on roll, three of whom are under five years of age.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a qualified and experienced nursery nurse. She attends pre- school groups on a regular basis and 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where overall, children make good progress with their learning and development. Children's welfare and protection is given high priority and the childminder is vigilant to their safety at all times. Good partnerships with parents, other providers and agencies ensure that generally all children's needs are successfully met. The childminder uses self-evaluation effectively and is committed to continuous improvement

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further?

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

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further?

 improve and develop links with other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote a co-ordinated approach to children's learning and development  develop further an environment that is rich in print to foster children's early reading skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder is knowledgeable about local safeguarding policies and has effective procedures in place to manage any concerns she may have about children in her care. Risk assessments for the premises and all outings are thorough and reviewed at regular intervals. This means that the children are well protected when This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 using equipment and making regular visits to the local area. The childminder checks for hazards every day which underpins children's safety. All other documentation is well organised, clear and stored securely.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this well to support the children in her care. She attends training in order to keep her knowledge up-to-date and this has a positive outcome for both herself and the children. The environment is well organised and offers a warm and nurturing atmosphere where children make good progress with their learning and development. The childminder makes good use of local groups and outings to further children's experiences. She is very aware of her strengths and areas for development in order to improve her practice. Actions taken are well-chosen, carefully planned and have a clear impact. For example, her review of assessment procedures has resulted in an improved process to record children's achievements and next steps.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms good partnerships with parents and carers and this means that children's needs are effectively met. Parents and carers are kept well informed about their children's achievements, well-being and development. For example, by daily discussions and sharing of individual learning journals. Effective relationships with other providers involved with the children are well established. However, a co- ordinated approach for planning children's next steps with partners is still to be firmly developed. The childminder values diversity highly and this is reflected in the resources in the setting. For example, games and toys depict positive images and help children to understand the society they live in. She has a good knowledge of each child's background and needs and this ensures that she can provide appropriate support and promote a nurturing environment where children thrive and learn. An effective equal opportunities policy supports her work and this

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the early years provision

means that all children are included fully in activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy spending their day with the childminder. They are happy, contented and make good progress with their learning and development. This is because the childminder provides plenty of stimulating opportunities for children to follow their own interests. For example, they become fully absorbed in their play as they build roadways and have great fun playing an imaginary game with the fire engine. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and uses this effectively to support children. She makes regular observations and assessments of their abilities and tracks their progress using the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of activities and take responsibility for choosing what they do. They show good progress with their numeracy skills as they sort coloured counters carefully into piles and count them. They enjoy looking at books and have access to mark

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and outcomes for children

making activities. However, the environment does not contain many examples of text to help children engage with and foster early reading skills, for example, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 labelling and signs. Children play and work alongside their peers successfully as well as being able to play independently, this means that children are becoming active, curious and inquisitive learners. They enjoy push-button toys and have opportunities to use the computer which means that children are well equipped with the skills they need in order to secure future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. They move around confidently and safely, being especially careful when climbing the stairs with the childminder. They readily come to the childminder for reassurance and enjoy a cuddle when tired or distressed. Well-established routines and good quality interactions help children to settle well and promote a good sense of well-being. Most children show good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. This is because the childminder supports children to develop good personal hygiene routines such as washing hands before meals and providing nutritious meals and snacks. Children enjoy taking part in a range of physical activities both in the setting and on visits to the local area. They ride bikes and play in the garden which increases their understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave really well in the setting because the childminder gives clear and sensitive explanations and sets appropriate boundaries. Children are building firm friendships and developing a respect for themselves and others. The childminder makes effective use of books and resources to promote diversity and this means that children are developing an understanding of different cultures and the wider world. 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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