Childminder in Halton

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 14/01/2013 16/03/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children are offered a range of activities and experiences that support their learning and development well.  Children form strong attachments to the childminder and her assistant. This helps the children to feel secure and safe.  The childminder and her assistant have a good relationship with parents and other providers, which helps to support the needs of the children.  Children are well supervised in their play, which helps to keep them safe both indoors and outside.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Children's extended learning is sometimes inhibited as the childminder occasionally over-directs their play.  New ways of gathering more information from parents to support evaluation are not yet fully consolidated.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at regular intervals throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the main room used for childminding and made observations of the children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed a range of relevant documentation as well as the children's learning records.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2008 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, 12 and 16 years in a house in Widnes. The whole of the ground floor, two bedrooms on the first floor and the rear garden are used for childminding. The family has two dogs and a bearded dragon as pets.

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Information about the setting

She visits the shops and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools.

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Information about the setting

There are currently nine children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 extend and consolidate the ways in which information is gathered from parents with regards to evaluation

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 allow children more time and space to explore their own learning.

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who attend

The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge and understanding of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. The learning environment is bright, well laid out and encourages children to explore and play. The childminder plans activities to facilitate children's learning and development. Toys and resources are age-appropriate and the children benefit from safe and free access to them. For instance, there are dolls, different sized blocks and inset puzzles that are easy to hold and control. As a result, young children's independence is well supported. Mathematical development is supported effectively. For example, young children like to join the large blocks together, they find that when they join tubes together and suddenly pull them apart, they go 'pop' and this creates lots of laughter. They eagerly share this experience with the childminder. She uses this opportunity to extend children's vocabulary and counting as she counts 'one, two, three'

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who attend

and says 'pop' as the children pull them apart. Children continue with the game, interacting with the childminder and counting, 'one, two, three' and 'pop'.

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who attend

Very young children are learning to communicate and vocalise their needs through the support and encouragement, which they receive from the childminder. She sits on the floor with them, warm smiles and eye contact help them to feel secure, as they play together with a range of toys. Their creativity is encouraged as they engage in a planned painting activity. They use the sponges and paints to make hand prints to go with a poem for their parents. They look with interest when their hand becomes covered in paint. The childminder talks about the colour, then encourages the children to use their other hand in a different colour. While this is an interesting activity, over direction by the childminder impacts on children's own exploration and learning.

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who attend

Consistent observation and assessment ensure that children are monitored in their development across all areas of learning. The childminder makes accurate assessments of children's starting points and uses this information to plan for their next steps and further progress in their learning and development. Information gathered when the children start the setting and good communication with parents offers the opportunity to inform the childminder of children's needs and any concerns. Talking with parents on a daily basis, offers the opportunity to share ideas regarding their children and to ensure that relevant information is shared to promote their development. Parents regularly look at the children's learning file. The childminder uses these opportunities to share information and explain about the children's learning and how it links to the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder has a good understanding of and gives children's safety a high priority. Children develop a good awareness of how to be safe, for example, regular fire evacuation helps them to understand what to do. The childminder talks about things being hot and encourages the children to be aware that meals may be hot and to blow on the food to help cool it down. Children's behaviour shows that they feel secure in the setting and in their relationship with her and her assistant. For example, they invite them to look at the bearded dragon and talk about him. They show that they do not like the look of the insects he eats as they pull faces at the childminder. Children watch intently as he moves, then laugh as everyone copies his movement.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder and her assistant are consistent, calm and good role models for the children. They give clear, age-appropriate explanations about what is acceptable behaviour. Children respond positively to requests, for example, to help tidy up before lunch time, working together to clear the table and put the toys away. This promotes co- operation and supports them in developing their independence. Gradual settling-in sessions helps children to get to know the childminder, other children and the environment. Children are learning about their local community and wider world through a varied range of resources and regular visits to the park, garden centre and shops where they help to buy fruit and vegetables for the setting.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder promotes the good health of children through preparing home-cooked healthy meals and snacks. She talks to the children about how vegetables make them healthy and ensures that they have regular access to water throughout the day. The childminder recognises the importance of being outdoors and being physically active. For example, children are encouraged to put on their wellingtons and go splashing in the puddles, or use the slide and swings at the park. This support of using challenging climbing equipment helps to develop their understanding of taking risks safely.

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provision

The childminder's arrangements for safeguarding are strong. She has a good understanding of the procedures to follow and has all the relevant details for reporting a concern should the need arise. Comprehensive risk assessments for the home and for outings, as well as good supervision, ensure that children are safe and secure at all times. All the required documentation for the safe organisation of the setting is in place and shared with parents. This ensures that children's welfare is consistently promoted.

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provision

Regular monitoring of planning and assessment ensures an accurate understanding of children's progress. The childminder and her assistant work positively with parents, so that they are effective in meeting the needs of their children. For example, she has recently completed the two-year-old progress check and shared this with parents. In addition, parents spoken to on the day commented that they are very happy with the childminding service and that their children are keen to attend. The childminder has good relationships with the local nurseries and schools. This supports children to prepare for their next stage in their learning as they get to know the surroundings and staff.

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provision

The childminder is committed to offering a quality service to the children and their families. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards developing her service and practice. She continues to update her knowledge through attending courses, accessing the internet and regularly meets with other childminders to share good practice. She accesses advice and support from the local authority on a regular basis. The childminder ensures that her assistant attends all relevant courses, including first aid and safeguarding. She supports and encourages her to undertake her own professional development to help improve her practice and further support the setting and improve outcomes for the children.

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provision

The childminder evaluates her practice and offers a range of clear evidence as to the need to continually improve her provision and how she achieves this. Parents' views are collected through verbal feedback to help identify her strengths and areas for improvement. However, plans to consult parents using questionnaires have not yet been fully consolidated.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY380480 Local authority Halton Inspection number 821537 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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