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 308152 Inspection date 15/01/2009 Inspector Margaret Baines

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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 lives with her husband and adult son in the family's semi-detached house, which is situated in the Bowerham area of Lancaster. The home lies close to Bowerham Primary School and St. Martin's College. Children have the use of the through lounge/dining room, and there is an upstairs study where the computer can be used by older children. An enclosed rear garden is paved for all weather play. Children also use the upstairs bathroom. The childminder has been registered for fifteen years; she is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently there are eight children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association and the bay childminders network. She receives support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children’s welfare and learning and she provides a safe and inclusive environment. Systems are in place in relation to planning and assessment. However, these are in the very early stages of development. There is in place a good working relationship with parents; they are kept informed of their child’s daily routine, care and learning through discussions at the end of the day. The childminder has yet to complete the self assessment. However, she is aware of areas for continuous improvement and has attended training to assist her in this process.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the self assessment record  further enhance the learning environment by labelling storage boxes .

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provision

The childminder is an experienced childcare practitioner and she has a high regard for children's well-being as she attends training to further develop her childcare practices. All required documentation is in place. The childminder has reviewed and developed a full range of written policies and procedures to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Consequently, these work effectively to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. She has a valid first aid certificate ensuring she has up-to-date knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident or minor injury. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement, although she has yet to complete the self evaluation form. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is organised and knowledgeable in her approach to children's

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provision

development. She ensures they have a good range of experiences in all areas of learning. Routines are flexible so they reflect the children's ongoing interests and ideas. The childminder is committed to her own self development through regular training. For example, she is currently completing a distance learning childcare qualification and attends training offered by the local authority.

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provision

The sharing of information with parents and carers is achieved through daily discussions. Parents are also encouraged to read and add to the children's learning journey records. This pro-active approach is effective in enhancing and supporting children's needs and promotes continuity of care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The good range, balance and variety of activities successfully promote children's learning in this home. The environment is organised effectively, therefore supports and extends children's development. However the storage boxes at present are not labelled, therefore restrict children's choices on occasions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing the confidence to explore as they learn in a safe and secure environment. Children use the living room which is set up for their needs and enables access, selection and choices. There includes within the resources a good selection of natural resources. There are opportunities for the children to be active learners through their contact with other children and people when they attend local groups. They have opportunities to use their ideas and access to good resources enables them to make connections and develop these effectively. For example, children build with the construction toys, they enjoy the good variety of puzzles and they use their imagination well with the small world resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with experiences and support which help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others. For example they are learning, respect for others, social skills and a positive disposition to learning. The childminder offers effective support for children’s emotional well-being to help them to know themselves and what they can do. Positive relationships develop between the childminder and the children, therefore children feel happy and secure in this home. This is reflected in their behaviour which is managed in a caring sensitive way, ensuring children's concerns and needs are fully supported.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures children have access to a good range of visual images, for example, there are posters on the walls and children enjoy the lovely book area where they select books and enjoy stories as they enjoy quiet time with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have ongoing opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills which are seen as important. For example, the childminder enthusiastically to the children, waiting for responses and confirming her approval. The children use a wide variety of resources for expressing their understanding, including mark making, creative activities, model making, books, story telling and music. Children can fix and make things which supports their problem solving skills well. For This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 example the two children present enthusiastically completed several jigsaws from the good selection available. Children have resources to enhance their understanding of mathematics as they count, they recognise shapes and enjoy a variety of games which promote this aspect of their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder also uses every day activities to promote numeracy and problem solving effectively. The childminder provides a secure and safe environment for the children in her care. She uses a risk assessment to monitor safety. She has attended child protection training. All equipment, resources and toys are checked and maintained to ensure their ongoing quality and suitability. Snacks and nutritious meals are provided as well as drinks through the day and these promote healthy choices for the children. For example children enjoy wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables within the nutritious meals. Daily access to outdoors and fresh air fully promote the children's health and well being. Children have access to a range of equipment both large and small which support and extend their physical skills very well. For example, the children visit local parks and play in the rear garden. Consequently, this develops children's large muscle movements. Children visit the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

local area and places of interest and have access to positive information and resources that reflect our wider world. 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 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 that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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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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