Childminder in Halton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY441604 Inspection date 18/06/2012 Inspector Ron Goldsmith

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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 2012. She lives with her partner and two children, aged two and five years old. The family lives in the Runcorn area of Cheshire, close to local facilities and transport links. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years at any one time, of whom, two may be in the early years age group and of whom, one may be under one year.

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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 health, safety and welfare are generally well met. The childminder is determined to improve her knowledge, which is enabling her to identify key areas for further development to make improvements for children. Children are making sound progress in their learning, although, self-evaluation and learning and assessment systems are not sufficiently well developed. Learning is supported by strong attachments between the childminder and children that help them to feel safe, happy and contented. The childminder works suitably with parents, although, they are not yet fully informed of children's progress. Wider partnerships are beginning to be established to help support children's care and education. Most records and required documentation are in place to support children's welfare and individual needs, although, two statutory requirements have been overlooked.

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further?

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

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further?

 display the registration certificate at all times when childminding (Documentation) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 24/06/2012

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further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum, with particular regard to the garden (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 24/06/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 develop self-evaluation systems to identify areas for development and further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 improve outcomes for children  develop further the observation, assessment and planning system to support children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

Children play in a mostly safe, secure environment because risk assessments identify most hazards, inside and outside the home. These include equipment and activities. However, gaps in the fencing on the decking area means that children, although, well supervised, can access an unsafe area. The childminder has a confident understanding of her role and responsibility to support children's care, which is underpinned by effective policies and procedures, covering all aspects of the provision. She demonstrates a sound knowledge of safeguarding issues and the procedures to follow, should she need to. The childminder ensures that children are closely supervised during their play and on walks.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses resources suitably to support and promote children's learning and development. However, observation and assessment is not yet sufficiently well linked to planning the next steps in children's learning. In addition, the registration certificate is not displayed. This is a breach of requirements. Systems to evaluate the quality of the provision are not fully effective in assessing the strengths of the provision or all the areas for future improvement. The childminder promotes some understanding of diversity and difference in society by planning a few activities that help children begin to learn about other cultures and people. For example, through books and small figures, children begin to grasp ideas about disability and cultures as the childminder creates opportunities for them to talk about differences.

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the early years provision

The childminder values each child and recognises their uniqueness by providing appropriate support to meet their individual needs. She is flexible in adapting routines according to how the children are feeling or in responding to parental demands. Suitable links with other settings the children attend are still being developed and the childminder recognises how important this relationship is to ensure continuity in children's care and education. She is developing positive relationships with parents, liaising closely with them about their children's routines and care needs, taking account of their views. This supports her in caring for children according to their parents' wishes and contributes to their well-being and development. There are some general strategies in place to ensure that parents receive useful information about the setting, such as sharing of the policies and procedures at the initial meeting. Parents sign to acknowledge that they have been

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the early years provision

given this information and therefore, have a good understanding about expectations of both parties at the beginning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of children's individual needs. Good settling-in sessions help the children in building close bonds with the childminder. The children are happy and smile with delight as they walk, crawl or toddle around the setting, supported by the childminder, who praises their achievements enthusiastically, saying 'you are clever' and using simple words that she encourages them to learn and repeat. As a result, children respond to praise and encouragement, developing increased confidence and self-esteem. They feel safe and secure with the childminder, readily seeking cuddles and reassurance from her when they need it.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. They understand what is acceptable behaviour because the childminder provides clear explanations about the consequences of their actions on themselves and others. Children from a young age show sound awareness of good hygiene practices, holding out their hands to be washed before or after finishing their snack. The use of disposable wipes and cleaning surfaces helps to prevent cross-contamination. Food provided by the childminder is healthy and nutritious and children eagerly enjoy fresh strawberries and grapes, with water. Children keep well hydrated, regularly helping themselves to their own cups.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making satisfactory progress in their learning because daily discussion with parents is assisting the childminder to be flexible by providing toys and activities that relate to their interests. As a result, children willingly take part in activities. They respond well to the childminder's interaction and her engagement in their play to provide sufficient challenge. For example, the very youngest children enjoy crawling through the play tunnel and the childminder closely supervises them as they accomplish this with obvious delight. Babies enjoy the sounds that counters make as they rattle them together and respond positively as they bounce on a small trampoline, held securely by the childminder. They show an independent interest in looking at books. Children show curiosity in the world around them and the childminder is keen to explore improvised learning opportunities as, for example, she points out a spider to them in the garden. The

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and outcomes for children

childminder generally facilitates children's learning by using effective and open questions. Children enjoy physical development and movement as they improve their control, co-ordination and strength in outdoor activities. 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 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Certificate of registration, Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 24/06/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Certificate of registration, Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 24/06/2012

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