Childminder in Warrington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY422973 Inspection date 31/07/2012 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years in the Great Sankey area of Warrington. The home is close to shops, transport links, a park and schools. Children have use of a lounge, kitchen and one first floor bedroom. There are bathrooms on the ground and first floor. There is a secure rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a small dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children under eight years, of whom, no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for four children who are in the early years age range. The childminder receives support from the local early years team 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 effectively promotes all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development. Children's individual welfare needs are met well because the childminder discusses these with parents and provides for them accordingly. The childminder also provides an effective and generally stimulating range of activities and play opportunities for the children in her care. Children's unique needs and interests are promoted well to ensure that all are included and they make good progress. All required records are in place. The childminder evaluates her practice, which enables her to identify gaps and maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 support children's understanding of the wider world by expanding the range of resources to reflect the diversity of children and adults within and beyond the setting  develop the information recorded in a fire log in relation to any problems encountered and how they were resolved, so that the safety of children is promoted.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is secured by the childminder, who has effective safeguarding procedures. There are relevant contact details and guidance documents in place, which are shared effectively with parents and used to ensure a clear understanding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the signs of possible abuse or neglect. The childminder keeps all required records that promote children's health, safety and well-being. Detailed risk assessments are implemented and ensure that children are kept safe and secure in the home and when on outings. The childminder has safety equipment in place, such as stair gates and socket covers. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure in place and the children regularly practise the fire drills. However, the records are not sufficiently detailed to include any problems encountered and how they were resolved, so that the safety of children is promoted. All necessary

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the early years provision

records are maintained for recording children's hours of attendance, medication, accidents and existing injuries and all parental consents have been obtained. Suitability checks are completed for all adults living in the house and identification is requested for all visitors, who are asked to sign in on arrival, which further enhances children's safety.

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the early years provision

Children develop independence as they select what they play with from a good range of resources, which are stored to allow them to choose. Daily routines ensure that children have plenty of opportunities to play and learn in a variety of ways, for example, playing in the garden in the newly built play house or going to a local group. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that each child's needs are met. Their sense of belonging is promoted as they are encouraged to self-select from the range of toys available, which are age- appropriate. However, resources and activities to promote their understanding of diversity are limited, which means that children are not fully able to develop their understanding of the wider world. There are currently children attending who speak English as an additional language. The childminder consults parents about familiar words in children's home language to ensure that she is able to support

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the early years provision

The childminder shares her policies with parents and they access these on her website. She keeps parents well informed about their child's daily routines and achievements. Learning journals for each child include photographs of them engaged in play and examples of their artwork. The childminder discusses children's interests with parents from the outset and shares the observations and assessments, which keeps them informed of their child's progress. Parents are encouraged to write in their children's learning journals and to regularly share information with the childminder through the use of daily diaries. Parents speak highly of the childminder and how happy their children are in her care. The childminder also liaises with the local school and other childminders, who share care of the children, to promote a consistent approach to their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has started to evaluate her provision and uses this as an ongoing system to continually improve the quality of the provision for the children that she cares for. She involves parents in the process through the use of questionnaires. The childminder shows a keen interest in developing her skills and knowledge further by using information gained at additional training and through discussing best practice with other childminders. She is currently on an early years diploma course and builds on her professional development through attending additional training. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and secure in the childminder's home and are familiar with the routines. The childminder meets the needs of the children well. She supervises them carefully and provides a safe environment, so that they are able to move freely and confidently around the home. The childminder provides healthy snacks and lunches for the children and follows a dietician's guideline to provide healthy and nutritious meals. Consequently, children appreciate the importance of eating a healthy diet, which includes daily fruits. Drinks are available throughout the day and their cups and beakers are easily accessible, so the children remain hydrated. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through regular routines. For example, they know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children enjoy playing outside in the fresh air and in the garden, so that they develop good physical skills. They behave extremely well in the setting because

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and outcomes for children

the childminder gives clear explanations and sets appropriate boundaries. Warm and trusting relationships are in place between the childminder and children and this helps them to learn to respect others. Children are making good progress as the childminder provides valuable support and interaction during activities, sitting at their level and engaging in their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children's communication, language and literacy skills are developing well and they show good levels of communication through the childminder constantly talking to them. Younger children babble and the childminder repeats words to encourage their language development. They enjoy listening to stories and like visiting the local library for the 'rhyme time' sessions. Children's creative development is also fostered well and they enjoy taking part in messy play activities, such as moulding with play dough and using paints. The childminder encourages children's imagination as they access role play materials. Children enjoy playing with the play kitchen as they pretend to make 'tea' for the childminder. They enjoy listening to music, singing and dancing to their favourite songs while holding a microphone.

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and outcomes for children

Good use is made of the local area and children regularly enjoy trips to parks, play areas and to groups, where they have opportunities to interact and socialise with other children and adults. Children explore their environment as they plant flower seeds, collect leaves and cones on their nature walks and feed the ducks. They are developing numeracy skills as they count the number of cups when they build a tower. The childminder also uses routines, such as counting steps when walking up and down the stairs, to help children develop their counting skills. Children learn to keep themselves safe when the childminder talks to them about road safety and why they must hold the buggy when they are out. 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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