Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23/06/2014 08/09/2009

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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

 The childminder promotes children's emotional well-being very well. As a result, babies and young children settle quickly into their new environment and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. Effective safeguarding procedures ensure that children are protected from harm.  The childminder has good teaching skills and a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She plans purposeful play and a good variety of experiences, which support young children's progress.  Partnerships with parents are successful and ensure children get the support they need. The childminder provides parents with information about their children's general progress and they have opportunities to share comments on the experiences offered to their children.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 There is scope to enhance the childminder's use of her knowledge of children's next steps, to provide highly individualised learning experiences that enable children to achieve exceptionally well, given their starting points and capabilities.

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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

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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.

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

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Inspection activities

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

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2002 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and adult child in a house in Kirkby, Knowsley. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and the rear garden are used for childminding. The childminder attends a toddler group and activities at the local children's centre. She visits the shops and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. There is currently one child on roll, who is in the early years age group and attends for a variety of sessions. She operates all year round, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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

 enhance the use of the knowledge of children's next steps, to provide highly individualised learning experiences that enable children to achieve exceptionally well, given their starting points and capabilities.

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who attend

The childminder provides a wide range of activities, toys and experiences to ensure children are supported to make progress across all areas of learning. Babies and very young children are cared for in a welcoming homely environment where they are able to relax and feel safe in the childminder's care. The childminder demonstrates a clear knowledge and understanding of supporting children's progress and development through age-appropriate activities and experiences. She continuously interacts with babies, talking to them about what she is doing and asking them questions about what they can see and feel. This provides children with an early insight into communication and encourages them to respond in their own way. The childminder demonstrates her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage by providing activities, which are enjoyable to babies and enable them to make progress. The childminder effectively teaches children the basic skills they

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who attend

will need to be confident, independent learners as they get older and prepare for school.

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who attend

Young babies enjoy cuddles with the childminder as they move around the home, before spending some time on the floor mat to play. The childminder sits close to the children, in order to support them should they require it and to ensure they feel safe and secure. Babies spend time sitting upright in the ball pool, where the childminder encourages them to explore the texture and shape of the different coloured balls. She rolls and spins the balls on the floor, in order to engage and delight the children who then reach out to catch and hold onto the ball. Electronic toys with lights and sounds are provided, in order to teach children about cause and effect. As they learn to press buttons to cause a sound to play or lights to flash, they develop an early understanding of electronic toys and knowledge that their actions cause something to happen. Young babies are supported in all areas of their physical development. They spend time playing on their tummy, to

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who attend

strengthen their neck muscles as they hold their head up. This prepares them for crawling, which is the probable next stage in their development. Babies are also encouraged to spend some time standing upright, in the baby walker and with the childminder holding them, as they learn to put weight on their legs and get stronger each day. While building small towers with building blocks, the childminder demonstrates counting to three, before children then reach out to knock down the tower, which the childminder rebuilds. This supports children's understanding of early number and repeated patterns. Additional activities and experiences are provided at different times to allow children opportunities to learn about the world around them. Visits to playgroup support children's social interaction as they encounter children of different age groups and learn to interact with other babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

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who attend

The childminder has a development folder for children in which she has begun to record observations of children's development. Records are shared with parents and demonstrate the activities that children take part in and the general progress they are making. However, there is scope to enhance the use of information about children's development to plan highly individualised learning experiences, to support them in making even better progress.

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

Children visit the childminder's home for short visits before they start to attend. This gives the childminder the opportunity to develop close relationships with the children and their parents. Appropriate written consents and required information are recorded. Discussions take place regarding each child's individual routines, preferences and developmental needs. The childminder makes a record of these, which she is able to refer to when children attend without their parents. This helps children to make a comfortable and smooth transition from home into the childminder's care. It also ensures that children build secure attachments with her, which supports their emotional security and helps to build their confidence.

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

The childminder is a positive role model with regard to supporting children to learn about the importance of health and safety. Safety gates are in place and as children get older, wrist straps and walking reins are used to keep them safe when out and about. Appropriate behaviour is promoted, in order for children to keep themselves and others safe. Hygiene routines, such as washing hands after changing nappies and before preparing food, are followed by the childminder. She ensures that her home is clean and well maintained, in order to promote children's well-being. Appropriate procedures are followed with regard to the preparation of babies' bottles, which helps to keep them healthy. In addition, the childminder follows children's individual sleep and feed patterns to ensure their care needs are well met. She works alongside parents when supporting children through important milestones, such as moving onto more solid foods and

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

encouraging self-feeding as babies get bigger and more independent. Fresh air and exercise are a daily part of children's time at the childminder's home. Walks in the local area and time in the garden, help to keep children healthy and they develop an enjoyment of spending time outdoors. Play equipment for young children is available to support physical development as they climb, slide and ride on wheeled toys. Children's individual needs are respected and all children have equal opportunities to use the resources and activities provided. Through visits in the local area, children learn about diversity in the world around them. Some resources are in place, which promote positive images of diversity, such as jigsaw puzzles, books and dolls. The childminder has identified that as children get older, she will also encourage them to learn about important celebrations from various cultures to further promote their understanding of diversity.

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provision

Children are protected from harm as the childminder has a clear knowledge of the safeguarding and welfare requirements. She has written policies and procedures, which she shares with parents to ensure they are clear about how she cares for the children she minds. The childminder attends regular training and demonstrates a clear understanding of appropriate safeguarding procedures, which she will follow should she have any concerns regarding a child's welfare. A current certificate for training in paediatric first aid is in place and the childminder uses appropriate records for accidents and medication. Written risk assessments have been completed for the home and regular outings and the childminder checks all areas for safety before children arrive each morning.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides children with interesting activities and experiences, which promote their learning. She monitors the children's development to ensure they make good progress and she is able to demonstrate how this is done through ongoing good quality activities. Good relationships with parents are in place to ensure that children's care and welfare needs are known and catered for well. Also, good discussions regarding children's ongoing progress take place. Regular questionnaires are used to encourage parents to comment on the care their children receive. This contributes towards the childminder's self-evaluation process as she may use these comments to improve her provision for children. The childminder attends regular training, in order to keep herself up to date with all aspects of childcare and she has taken steps to meet the recommendations raised at the last inspection. For

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provision

example, she ensures thorough risk assessments of all areas are completed and she has developed the access to resources, which promote children's understanding of equality and diversity.

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provision

There are currently no minded children who attend other registered early years settings, however, the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of liaising with other settings, such as nursery and pre-school, when the time comes.

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 EY233362 Local authority Knowsley Inspection number 877431 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 1

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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.

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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, which are usually the childminder’s 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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