Childminder in Liverpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY427494 Inspection date 13/02/2012 Inspector Rachel Deputy

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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 partner and two children aged one and three years old in the Knotty Ash area of Liverpool, close to local facilities, schools and transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the property.

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Description of the childminding

There are contingency plans in place to call on another registered childminder in the event of an emergency or sickness. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be within the early years age range. When minding with an assistant, the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom no more than four may be in the Early Years age range. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in early years 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are relaxed and happy within the childminder's home. The environment is welcoming and inclusive and children are treated as individuals by the childminder. Her understanding of the learning and development requirements is generally sound, which enables children to extend their learning and make sound progress. Emerging partnerships with parents suitably promotes the continuity of children's care. Safeguarding regulations and duties are met; however, not all required written parental permission relating to medical treatment has been sought. The childminder recognises the importance of self-evaluation and effective behaviour management, although her approach to these areas is in the very early stages.

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further?

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

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 29/02/2012

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further?

 develop an awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development.(Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 30/03/2012 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 use assessment to plan the next steps in a child's developmental progress and regularly review this approach.

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the early years provision

Adults living and working on the premises have been appropriately vetted and documentation is in place to support this. Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedures and is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She has a written safeguarding policy, which fully complies with current guidance and she has attended training. The childminder has the contact details of the appropriate agencies to contact should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a procedure to follow in the event of a fire or emergency and children have participated in fire drills. Children talk about the process of evacuation confidently showing their understanding of its importance. Safe practices and detailed risk assessments of the childminder's home and outings, which are regularly reviewed, ensure risks to children are effectively minimised. This means that children are able to move around the childminder's home freely and safely. The childminder has a first aid qualification and is able to respond to a minor medical need, such as a cut or bruise appropriately. However, written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future has not been obtained. This is a breach of the welfare requirement, which has the potential to compromise children's safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is able to use it to adequately support children's learning. However, observations are not currently used to identify children's individual next steps for learning so some key learning opportunities are missed. The suitable provision of activities and the organisation of the environment appropriately contribute to the development of children's future skills. The toys and equipment are thoughtfully presented in low level storage. This promotes children's independence as they freely select from a range of good quality equipment. The childminder adapts activities to meet children's individual needs. She is able to recognise a learning opportunity and encourage child-initiated play. For example, she encourages children to discuss patterns they have made during block play. This supports children's mathematical thinking.

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the early years provision

The childminder evaluates her practice and identifies ways to improve. However, systems for self-evaluation are in the early stages and the childminder recognises this as an area for development. Partnerships with parents and other agencies are in their infancy although the childminder recognises their importance and is able to seek support from external agencies. This means that the childminder is able to meet the individual needs of children. Written policies give parents an insight into This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 how their child's care is organised and verbal feedback is given daily.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an effective equal opportunities policy which supports her practice well. The environment is inclusive and welcoming with the children's artwork attractively displayed. The childminder knows the children well and uses this knowledge to meet their individual care needs. For example, she recognises when children are becoming tired she knows how to settle them. This means that most children feel safe and secure within the childminder's home because their needs are being met.

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and outcomes for children

Children mostly settle well and are generally happy and secure in the childminder's care. The childminder provides a suitable balance of adult-led and child-initiated opportunities. The childminder appropriately interacts with children during play to support, extend and challenge their learning. Children's early communication is promoted as the childminder talks to them about what they are playing. For example, when playing with animal puppets the childminder interacts with the children asking them questions about which animal they are and what sounds they can make. Individual observations are suitably developing to reflect children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children visit their local children's centre and take part in physical activity sessions. The children are supported by the childminder as they learn to balance on beams and climb. This helps to develop their physical skills. Babies enjoy using the soft play area as they begin to learn how to negotiate their way over and around objects. This increases their confidence and helps them to become more mobile. In the garden, children have daily access to balls for throwing and catching, a digging area and a trampoline. Children talk enthusiastically about these sessions showing an emerging healthy attitude towards physical activity. Children practice sound hygiene routines, they sometimes need prompting to wash their hands but they are happy to do so once reminded. The childminder provides a good range of healthy and nutritious meals for the children and sensitively supports parents with dietary requests.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder reads to children and encourages interaction, which gains their interest and supports the development of their literacy and communication skills. Children's learning of number and shape is supported through discussion. For example, they are encouraged to count the coloured bricks as they tidy away and select the squares and rectangles which they are beginning to recognise. Children have opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world as they visit local areas of interest such as the museum. Children develop an understanding of technology from a young age. They access programmable toys with buttons and flaps, helping them to notice cause and effect. Children are introduced to different texture when exploring their creativity. For example, they paint freely and create models using recycled materials.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has incorporated a range of toys and equipment into the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment that challenges children's thinking and extends their understanding of the wider world. For example, in the book area there are books about sign language, which develop children's understanding of differences in special educational needs and disabilities. Children generally behave well when they are engaged in activities. However, some children need to be prompted frequently to share and take turns; this sometimes has a negative impact on the learning and well-being of other children. The childminder attempts to manage challenging behaviour and remains calm and patient at all times, intervening whenever unwanted behaviour arises. Whilst the childminder does not use corporal punishment or raise her voice to the children, some of the techniques used by the

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and outcomes for children

childminder are ineffective and the inappropriate behaviour is only managed temporarily. The childminder recognises this as an area of development and is working with parents to improve behaviour. 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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