Childminder in Lancashire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 307821 Inspection date 16/10/2008 Inspector Shaheen Matloob

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 October 1999. She lives with her husband and two grown up sons in a through terraced property which is situated within the Burnley area of Lancashire and is close to the town centre. Local amenities, such as shops and a park are schools are close by. There is a secure area to the front and side of the house where children can play outdoors. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the house and the bathroom on the first floor, the bedrooms are inaccessible to minded children. The family have two dogs which are kept outside whilst children are present.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at anyone one time. She is registered on the early years register and on the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group, who attend a variety of sessions, and three children in the later years age group, providing out of school care. She walks and uses her vehicle to take and collect children from one of the local schools. The childminder also attends the local childminder support group weekly and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time at the setting and skills gained help them to become independent and make progress in their learning and development. Their welfare is safeguarded successfully and positive relationships with parents ensure that the needs of children are met appropriately. Questionnaires address some aspects of continuous improvement alongside training attended by the childminder. Documentation relating to some aspects of health, safety and learning and development require developing or devising. All children are valued and encouraged to co-operate with each other and have respect for each others feelings.

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further?

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

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further?

 Keep records of information requested from parents regarding children's dietary needs  observe children effectively and devlop observation and assessment records to clearly show children's progress and identify the next steps in their learning, in relation to the learning goals.

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further?

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

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further?

 keep a record of risk assessments carried out and carry out a full risk assessment for each type of specific outing undertaken 24/10/2008  keep a record of complaints and any subsequent action taken (also applies to the compulsory and voluntary 24/10/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 part of the Childcare Register)

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provision

Policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the EYFS are organised and readily available for inspection. Required documentation is mostly in place with the exception of written risk assessments for specific outings. Record keeping systems are generally used well to manage and meet children's needs in partnership with parents. However, Information requested from parents about food and drink is not recorded. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment and strives for improvement, in order to provide good care and education for children in her care. She has attended some training courses and workshops, including addressing the action regarding first aid training since the last inspection. The information gained from such training has a positive impact on the overall provision. Suitable arrangements are in place to monitor and evaluate the provision and to make sure that improvements are made where necessary.

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provision

The childminder works well with parents of children. Questionnaires used every six months take on board parent's comments about the setting, valuing their contributions as parents in their children's care and learning. She liaises with other professionals and with the local nursery and school to ensure progression and continuity of care. There are good aspects to the partnership with parents. Introductory visits offer opportunities to share policies and procedures as well as allowing parents to share information about their child's care routines and development before the placement commences. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the child's learning by continuing the activities children enjoy at the childminder's. Written records, photographs and daily verbal communication keep parents suitably up to date with their children's achievements and progress.

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provision

The childminder ensures that children are protected effectively. Systems for arrival and departure mean that children are only released in the care of named adults and are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder recognises her responsibility to protect children in line with relevant safeguarding legislation. She works with parents to safeguard children, providing a copy of the child protection policy and keeping appropriate records, such as significant issues. Parents are made aware of the complaints procedure, however, there is no complaints record in place as required by the EYFS.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children in the care of the childminder gain fundamental skills for life through play and daily routines. They enjoy their learning and make appropriate progress across all areas of learning and development given their capabilities and starting points. Planning is very flexible and responds to children's ideas and interests and what they are capable of doing and enjoy. The childminder gathers information from parents and uses informal observations of children to plan activities and ensures that activities involving children are fun and help children make progress with their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development. However, as observations are informal and records are not kept, these do not effectively contribute towards planning and assessment records. The childminder is in the process of developing assessment records although, these are in the initial stage and do not contain sufficient information about children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

developmental progress or identify the next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy opportunities created for them to develop language and literacy skills. The childminder talks to children about those things which interest them and listens and responds to their ideas. Children use phonetic knowledge to write the first letter in their name. They confidently recite the alphabet and are able to recite the letters in their name. They use musical discovery toys to reinforce their knowledge of letters and number. Children have a close relationship with the childminder and relate well. Children talk about how they like coming to the setting because they like the other children who attend. They show care and consideration for babies as they help to change nappies, hold their dummy and interact with them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that all areas of the home are clean, safe and well maintained in which risks to children indoors are minimised. Whilst the childminder carries out visual risk assessments outdoors, these are not recorded in writing as required by the EYFS. Children learn to take care of themselves and know how to stay safe as the childminder points out potential hazards. For example, she points out to children that it is unsafe to have small pieces when babies are present. Children are very clear about road safety and recognise that they must wait for the green man before crossing the road. The organisation of resources and toys allow for independence and are set out attractively inviting children to play and learn and create an accessible and stimulating environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children understand and adopt healthy habits, such as hygiene and physical exercise. They know that hand washing prevents germs getting on their food and making them poorly. Individual towels and clear sickness procedures contribute to sustaining good levels of hygiene and prevent cross infection. Children make healthy choices about what they eat and drink. Healthy and nutritious meals alongside independent access to fresh drinking water promote their healthy growth and development, and ensure that children remain hydrated. Children clearly explain how water is good for them and how 'sweets give you holes in your teeth. Children are consistently well behaved as methods of behaviour management mean that children understand right from wrong. They make good use of the community to promote childrens social skills, develop their confidence and enjoy learning about people who help them, such as visiting the local fire station.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 24/10/2008  make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 24/10/2008

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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 24/10/2008  take action as specified in the early years section of the report 24/10/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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