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 307910 Inspection date 16/02/2009 Inspector Debra, Elizabeth Mitcheson

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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 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 April 1992. She is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years and is on the Early Years, Childcare and Voluntary Registers. There are nine children on roll who attend for various sessions during the week. The home is near to the centre of Great Harwood, local shops, schools and parks. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 19 years of age.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children have access to a purpose designed play room, living room, dining room and kitchen. There is also a rear garden accessible to the children which is grassed and has a decking area. Toilet and washing facilities are on the first floor. This childminder is a member of 'Puddleducks' Network childminding group and has completed training courses in first aid, safe guarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage. She regularly visits the local playgroup and other local childminders.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is successful in promoting the children's welfare and learning. They feel at home in this safe, secure and welcoming environment where no child or their families are disadvantaged. Children thoroughly enjoy themselves and achieve good progress in relation to the early learning goals. Partnerships with parents are well established and links with other agencies involved in the care of the children are being developed. Effective steps are taken to evaluate practice and maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop observational assessments that clearly identify with the children's progress against the early learing goals  ensure that records in relation to complaints, health and safeguarding are in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), following recent training and sharing best practice through a local network group 'Puddleducks'. These provide the guidance and support she needs to deliver a programme of inclusive care and education. A child orientated environment awaits the children. It is clean, warm, welcoming and creatively organised by the childminder. This helps children develop their independence in managing their own personal needs and make their own choices of activities from a well resourced This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 designated playroom and rear garden used for outdoor play.

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provision

Self-assessment, although in its infancy, has influenced the evaluation of the childminder's current and future practice. For example, updating most of her policies in line with EYFS and awareness of needing to develop her observation, planning and assessment systems. She has responded well to a recommendation raised at the last inspection having introduced a daily diary to record young children’s daily routines which inform the parent about their child’s day. All required documentation, with the exception of safeguarding, complaints and health have been updated for the safe and efficient management of the welfare and learning of children. These include vetting of household members and an effective risk assessment to manage and eliminate any risks to children. For example, good supervision, security of the premises, outings procedures and all safety equipment is in place to minimise hazards both indoors and outdoors.

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provision

Children’s continuing care and achievements are assessed through observations, planning, assessments and daily discussion with parents. The effective working partnerships with parents and developing partnerships with other professionals are evident. An abundance of thank you cards and letters demonstrate the positive experience they and their children receive whilst attending this setting. During the visit parents commented on how happy they are with the service and are well informed they are on their child's progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This childminder recognises how play underpins all development and learning for young children. She incorporates this in her planning for indoor and outdoor activities which covers all six areas of learning and enables children to reach their full potential. The process of assessment of children is done initially through spontaneous observations which are recorded and then transferred to individual learning journeys. The observations are evaluated and the childminder thinks about the next steps for future learning and development. However, these are not clear in how they are measured against the early learning goals and acknowledged by the childminder as an area of development. All children's art work and drawings are stored in their files and there is an extensive range of photographs for parents to see. These cover all outings, activities and experiences that all children are participating in.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Most activities are child-led. A baking activity evolves from a discussion with the children on things they enjoy doing. They show great excitement and enthusiasm in their preparation of making 'hedgehog shaped bread rolls'. They wipe the table, wash their hands and collect all the utensils they require and recap on the methods they need to use to complete the task. They remind the childminder not to forget the yeast and put the oven on. This is a sociable activity that offers challenge and incorporates all aspects of learning. They laugh, joke and burst spontaneously into song as they follow their favourite tunes on the radio, that plays in the background. Physical skills are evident as they knead, stir and beat the mixture and reason with the childminder in relation to why and how the rising agent; yeast impacts on the bread making process. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children talk about their enjoyment of the outdoors and reflect on all the great trips out they have. These include trips to the local supermarket, discount store for craft material and aquatics shop. They delight in explaining how good it was to build a snowman in the garden recently and how they climb, ride and balance on wheeled toys in the garden. Children show sensitivity towards others and understanding of life changes as they reflect on their visits to the memorial park. They comment on how they use these visits to remember a close friend who has recently gone to heaven.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective relationships between the children and the childminder are evident. They are very well behaved and respond well to praise and encouragement. They are caring to each other and enjoy close contact with the childminder. Little ones climb onto the childminder's knee and snuggle down for a sleep after their busy day, while others demonstrate their imagination during an activity with small world characters and accessories that provoke discussion on diversity and difference. This also extends through books and celebration of festivals. For example, Christmas and Chinese New Year. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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