Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 314784 Inspection date 23/02/2012 Inspector Clair Stockings

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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 1986. She lives with her husband and two sons in Padgate. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range, and of whom, not more than two may be under one year. There are currently four children on roll. On the day of inspection of the childminder there were no children present.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's well-being is nurtured by the experienced, caring and committed childminder. Apart from one aspect, children's welfare is appropriately supported. She covers most aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework requirements within a suitable and inclusive environment. Mostly, children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development as the childminder has sound knowledge of the individual children in her care. She works in partnership with parents and other settings to support outcomes for children. The childminder's capacity to maintain continuous improvement is satisfactory and some worthwhile systems have been implemented to improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that a first aid box has appropriate content to meet the needs of children. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 01/03/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 extend planning to include the outdoor space to further enhance children's outdoor play experiences  extend the analysis of observations and assessment of individual children's achievements and identified next steps to inform future planning  extend the self-evaluation process to provide further opportunity for parents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to contribute to identification of the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates sound knowledge of the procedures to follow if concerned about the welfare of a child. This demonstrates her commitment to safeguarding children. However, currently the first aid box does not have appropriate content to meet the needs of children. This is a breach of a specific legal welfare requirement. Regular risk assessments are carried out and action taken promptly to remove any potential hazards. This means that children are able to move safely and freely both indoors and outdoors. They are also further protected as the childminder keeps suitable records, including accident, medication and attendance records.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises the environment appropriately. There is a selection of toys and resources which are mostly stored in low-level containers. This encourages children to freely access the resources, enabling them to make choices and to guide their own learning. The childminder promotes inclusion by planning activities that use positive images of cultural diversity. This helps to give children and all families a sense of belonging and being valued. The childminder checks that all children are fully included and integrated into her provision. She ensures that their specific needs are met through her organised practices and procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates developing awareness of her strengths and areas for further development. She continues to look for ways to improve her provision for the children and she sets herself some appropriate targets. However, currently the self-evaluation process does not fully provide opportunity for parents to contribute to identification of possible improvements. This limits the effectiveness of the childminder's capacity to improve the quality of provision for all children. The recommendations from the previous inspection have been successfully addressed. For example, appropriate resources are now available to meet the individual needs of children in attendance.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms close working relationships with parents and carers. She obtains detailed information about each child, such as their dietary and personal care needs. This means that parents' wishes and children's individual needs are broadly met. Parents speak warmly of the care provide by the childminder. A free- flow of shared information means that both parents and childminder are kept informed about most aspects of children's achievement, well-being and development. This means that parents and carers can become involved in their child's learning and each child is supported in making satisfactory progress. The childminder has formed some links with the local schools which the children attend in order to promote continuity of learning for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The organisation of the provision offers children suitable opportunities to play and learn through a range of broadly stimulating experiences. The childminder is knowledgeable about most aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage and generally uses this well to support children in their learning. Some systems are in place to observe and monitor children's progress. However, the childminder does not fully use the observations effectively to enhance all children's learning experiences and support their progress. The childminder plans appropriately for learning experiences indoors, although planning for outdoor play is less well developed. This means that children's play outside may not always challenge them fully.

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and outcomes for children

Children gain an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the world. They are able to participate in a suitable range of cultural activities and learning experiences. Children celebrate a broad range of religious festivals. This helps children to learn positive attitudes to diversity and difference. Regular outings to the local park, library and shops provide opportunities for the children to find out about and identify features in their local community and the wider world.

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and outcomes for children

Children's early writing skills are supported as they have access to an adequate range of writing resources. They have opportunities to develop their creative skills using paints, construction toys and role play. They are supported by the childminder to develop and apply the skills they need for future learning. For example, they have appropriate access to information and communication technology resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from regular fresh air and exercise during daily outdoor play. This gives opportunity for them to gain an understanding of the changes that happen to their bodies when they are active. Children are able to gain a positive awareness of healthy eating when making choices from the nutritious selection at snack time. Children have access to fresh drinking water and recognise when they are thirsty, so understanding their personal needs. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, thus gaining an awareness of the importance of personal hygiene.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about safety. They practise the emergency evacuation procedures so that they know how to respond in an emergency. Supported by the attentive childminder, children have opportunity to learn how to safely use a range of utensils and resources. 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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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