Childminder, Out-of school day care in Wirral

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19/06/2013 Not Applicable

p.1

early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable 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

p.1

This provision is good

 Children are provided with a wide range of interesting and age-appropriate activities and experiences.  Children's health and safety are a priority and appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place.  The childminder has a clear understanding of each child's individual learning and progress.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because

 There is scope to increase the frequency of the written observations and assessments of children's learning, to ensure that children's ongoing progress is tracked over a shorter timescale and provide a more focused insight into children's individual development.  Children's understanding of the importance of drinking regularly is not always fully supported because they are not able to access water independently whenever they wish.

p.1

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

p.2

Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.2

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.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector undertook a tour of the premises.  The inspector observed children's play and learning.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector reviewed documentation and discussed children's learning with the childminder.

p.2

Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2012. She lives in Hoylake, which is an area on the Wirral peninsula. The childminder lives with her partner and three children aged 10, 12 and 14 years. The areas used for childminding are on the ground floor and children have no access to the areas upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden at the rear of the house which is used for outdoor play.

p.3

Information about the setting

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently six children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age range.

p.3

Information about the setting

The childminder is able to take children to and collect from local schools. She and the children visit local places of interest and others further a field. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

p.3

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

 enhance children's independent access to their drinks at all times, in particular, by considering the needs of the younger children who may not be able to indicate when they are thirsty

p.3

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

 consider increasing the frequency of the written observations to clearly track the progress children make within a shorter timescale and, therefore, plan activities which support children's progress for specific stages of their development.

p.3

who attend

Children are provided with a wide range of activities and experiences which support their development across all the areas of learning and help prepare them for their future learning and the move onto school. The childminder has a good understanding of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, and she ensures that children's individual interests and preferences are catered for. Children select from an interesting range of age-appropriate resources and a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children move around freely and independently select from the variety of resources available.

p.3

who attend

Children sit with the childminder as they complete jigsaws and puzzles. They learn about shape and space as they discover how to make the correct pieces fit. The childminder supports children to recognise shapes by name, find different coloured objects and develop their language skills as they repeat simple words. Children develop their language and communication as they listen carefully to what the childminder asks them and they attempt to respond with new words, such as animal names. Later children explore with modelling dough and develop their small physical skills as they squash, roll and shape the dough. The childminder encourages children to be independent and try by themselves, while always being ready to support them if needed. Outdoors, children push the toy pram around the garden and interact with the baby doll. Their imagination is encouraged as the childminder supports them to act out everyday tasks in their role play, for example,

p.4

who attend

cuddling, feeding and talking to the baby doll. Children also enjoy large physical play as they use the swing, slide and trampoline under direct supervision from the childminder. At different times, children also enjoy a mix of activities and experiences, such as visiting playgroups and local areas of interest, including recreation parks. They have many opportunities to be creative and develop their early writing skills as they make marks with paints, pens, chalks and play in sand and water.

p.4

who attend

Each child has a development folder which contains detailed written observations of children's progress. The childminder assesses children's development when they first start to attend and uses these starting points to plan activities to extend children's learning. Currently, written observations are in place for each month and provide a summary of children's overall progress. However, the childminder does not track children's progress over shorter periods of time through ongoing spontaneous observations, and this impacts on making sure she is fully effective in precisely focusing on children's individual development when planning future activities.

p.4

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

Before children start to attend at the childminder's home, she has detailed discussions with parents regarding children's individual care needs. The childminder records all necessary information and gathers appropriate written consents from parents. Individual routines and preferences are known and catered for, such as medical or dietary needs, and the childminder has a personal knowledge of each child she cares for. Children attend for visits before they attend full time. This helps children to settle-in and aides the transition between home and the setting.

p.4

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

Children are developing a good understanding of health and safety. For example, children are encouraged to eat a range of healthy foods and snacks, such as, cereal, fresh fruit, sandwiches, pasta and yoghurt. Drinks of cordial, water and milk are offered to the children at regular intervals, however, they do not have continuous free access to their own drinks of water. This means that there may be occasions where younger children who are unable to ask for drinks become thirsty. The childminder has a vegetable patch in the garden and children help to care for, pick and eat vegetables, such as carrots and tomatoes. This supports them to understand that food is grown and its link to healthy eating. Children take part in regular physical exercise, such as walks in the local area and visiting parks, where they climb, run and slide. Routines are in place to support children's understanding of hygiene, such as washing hands after using the toilet or nappy changes

p.4

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

and before eating. Children's individual routines are respected, such as sleep times, and the childminder helps children to progress, for example, by reducing the amount of time children use a dummy.

p.5

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

A fire evacuation procedure is in place and children take part in emergency evacuation practises. The childminder keeps a record of the fire drill practises and children begin to develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe in an emergency. The childminder manages children's behaviour appropriately, and reminds them of the need to put away toys after use so that nobody harms themselves by standing on toys.

p.5

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

Children learn about the wider world through discussion and activities. Resources, such as books and dolls, spending time in the local community and celebrating various cultural festivals help children to learn about diversity. Children's individual needs are respected and all children have equal opportunities to access the resources and activities provided.

p.5

provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides children with interesting activities and experiences which promote their learning and development. She has a thorough understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements. Policies and procedures are in place and are given to parents during the admissions procedure. The childminder maintains all required documentation. Relationships with parents are in place to ensure that children's care and welfare needs are known and catered for and discussions regarding children's ongoing progress take place regularly.

p.5

provision

The childminder has established partnership working with the local nursery, where some minded children also attend, in order to share information about children's care and learning. Examples of activities have been shared, and the childminder ensures consistency in children's learning. In addition, children's transitions from the childminder to nursery are smooth as children are prepared for the changes in their routine.

p.5

provision

The childminder helps to protect children from harm by ensuring her home is safe. Thorough risk assessments are carried out and she uses equipment in the home and on outings to protect children from harm. For example, socket covers, fireguards and cupboard locks are used to minimise risks to children. The childminder holds a current certificate in paediatric first aid and maintains a record of any medications administered or accidents that occur.

p.5

provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to continuous improvement. She has completed a written self-evaluation record and uses this to identify areas for development. Her targets for future improvements include attending further training to increase her own knowledge and understanding of childcare initiatives, and increasing general resources.

p.5

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

p.6

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 action. 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.

p.7

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Setting details

Unique reference number EY441354 Local authority Wirral Inspection number 822028 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

p.8

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection not applicable

p.8

Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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.

p.8

Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.9

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,

p.9

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’.

p.10

Type of provision

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

p.10