Childminder in Sefton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY436697 Inspection date 12/06/2012 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

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 two and three years old, in Crosby which is an area on the outskirts of Liverpool. Children use all of the ground floor and the family bathroom which is upstairs. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years, of these no more than one child may be in the early years age range at any one time. There is currently one child attending who is within this age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The provision is also registered by Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to provide care for children aged over eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and networks with other local childminders.

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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 happy and settled in the care of the childminder and make satisfactory progress in their learning. She ensures the environment is welcoming and spends time supporting them in their play and learning. The childminder works in partnership with parents by seeking out their wishes and ensuring the individual needs of their child are met. Generally, children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded as systems are in place for the safe management of children. The childminder is in the early stages of reflecting on her practice, however, she is able to demonstrate not only her strengths but also areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the safeguarding policy to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against the childminder or another person in the house  develop the planning to include activities and experiences to help children to learn about the wider world, diversity and equal opportunities  develop the self-evaluation of the setting to improve the outcomes for children and invite parents to be involved in this process.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children. She is aware of her responsibility to report any concerns she has about a child and has the contact details of the appropriate agencies to liaise with. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 However, her safeguarding policy does not currently identify the procedures she would follow should an allegation of abuse be made against herself or a member of the household. Safety equipment is in place to minimise hazards and daily checks ensure that her premises are safe when children arrive. The childminder has completed risk assessments covering the different areas accessed by the children. She has begun to devise similar ones for when she cares for them in venues outside her home. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of keeping themselves safe. The childminder talks to them about road safety when

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the early years provision

they are out and about in the local community. She has procedures for the emergency evacuation of her premises, however, she has not yet practised those with the children cared for. Therefore, they may be unprepared should an emergency arise.

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the early years provision

Children are well settled and enjoy the range of outings and activities planned to meet their individual learning needs. The environment is organised with play equipment, set out in such a way that children are able to select their own toys and activities, thus promoting their independence. The childminder provides an inclusive environment where children can freely access resources and activities with no gender bias. However, while some resources are available which make children aware of other peoples differences, activities to expand this knowledge have not yet been included in the activities for the children. 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. The childminder works in partnership with parents and they are

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the early years provision

kept informed through verbal communication about the events of their child's day. Information about the individual needs of the children is obtained prior to care commencing.

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the early years provision

The childminder has informally begun to evaluate her provision and is aware she has not included views of parents or children in this process. She has undertaken the mandatory and additional training and is keen to update her knowledge of current childcare legislation and practices. This is by attending further training whenever possible. The childminder is aware of the need to develop links with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has begun to record children's progress. A learning journey for each child has been created. The childminder has started to track children's progress across all areas of learning and identify their next steps. A varied range of suitable activities for children to enjoy during their day are organised. The childminder provides them with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated play experiences. Established routines are in place to help children feel secure and planned activities are flexible and changed to meet the individual wishes and interests of the children present. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder promotes children's linguistic skills by providing opportunities for them to explore language through songs and stories and there is a varied selection

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and outcomes for children

of age-appropriate books and resources available. Children have opportunities to introduce them to technology as they take turns to access the electronic games and applications tablet. They also enjoy using the light up microphone as they practice their vocabulary skills singing out their favourite rhymes and songs. Children have opportunities to develop their creative skills as they access a varied range of art and craft resources. Shape-sorter puzzles and construction toys help children develop their problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills. Role play resources are available and children enjoy 'making a cup of tea' for the childminder and taking their doll for a walk in the pushchair.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit daily from the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and become aware of their local community as they go to and from different venues. They enjoy the wider open play spaces in the park but equally enjoy their football games in the garden. They think it is 'cool' as they are able to back kick the ball and equally enjoy learning to catch and throw both the larger and smaller sized balls. Their outdoor play area is safe as it is decked, grassed and fully enclosed. They eagerly watch and wait for the sunflowers that have been planted to see how tall they will grow. Their sense of smell is further developed as they examine the lavender bush at close quarters. Indoors there are tomato plants growing and once ready children will then be able to taste their home grown produce. Established daily routines for outings, snacks and meal times are in place and social skills are developed at snack and lunch times. The children freely chat with the childminder while enjoying

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and outcomes for children

their food and drinks. Children's health is promoted as the childminder has effective systems in place to obtain all required consents, record accidents and administer medication. She is qualified to administer first aid, which means she can respond appropriately in the event of an accident. The childminder offers a choice of healthy snacks to meet children's dietary needs and to respect parental preferences. She is a good role model for the children's behaviour and offers them lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts. 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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