Aldred, Gillian

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

p.1

Unique reference number 308562 Inspection date 23/06/2009 Inspector Valerie Block

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and four children, two of whom, are over 16 years of age. Two children are 10 and 12 years old. They live in a house in Thornton-Cleveleys, which is within walking distance of local amenities. The main areas used for childminding are the lounge, dining room, and the kitchen. There is an upstairs toilet and computer area. There is an enclosed hard core area and back garden available for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years and is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Most of the children attending this service are under five years of age. There are five children on roll at present attending at variable times throughout the week.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The family have three pet dogs. The childminder attends children's groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a professional qualification in early years care and education. She is member of a Local Accredited Sure Start Network.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good as children have settled well and are making good progress in their learning and development. Self-evaluation, based on input from parents, advisors and children ensures that the childminder has a good understanding of her areas for improvement and regular attendance on relevant courses helps her to consider and improve her practice for the benefit of the children. The childminder has established good links with parents as well as other childcare and education providers to ensure coherence and continuity of care for children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 review the following policies to ensure clear information is given to parents; confidentiality policy and behaviour management policy  consider further ways to improve the learning and development programme, in particular the provision of ICT and continuous provision for all ages of children and to clarify children's next steps.

p.3

provision

Children benefit as the childminder is well-organised and maintains clear, up-to- date records and procedures which ensure children remain safe in her care. Many informative policies and procedures have been written and are available to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents. The confidentiality policy and behaviour management policy have some minor issues to address to ensure clarity. Written policies show an anti- discriminatory, inclusive approach at this welcoming setting. Although the childminder does not currently look after children with additional needs, she appreciates the importance of working in partnership with parents and other agencies to meet children's diverse needs.

p.3

provision

The childminder has used the self-evaluation tool well, making good use of parents' views, to clearly identify areas for improvement, such as planning to use a grassed garden to provide a continuous play experience for children. She uses training to good effect and receives regular advisory visits to support improvement in her practice. Recommendations from previous inspections have received good attention from the childminder for the children's benefit. This shows a good attitude to continual improvement.

p.4

provision

Children are safeguarded effectively as the childminder has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and what action she needs to take if a concern arises. She has the necessary information to hand should she need to act on any concern. Robust risk assessments help to ensure that children are kept safe, both in the home and on outings. Minor accidents are dealt with effectively as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a first aid kit to hand.

p.4

provision

Parents receive a good amount of information about the childminding setting and their own children's welfare and learning and development. They are very happy with the care their children receive. Links have been made with other childcare and education providers to ensure continuity of care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in this warm and caring environment and are generally making good progress in their learning and development. Children benefit as the childminder has a good understanding of the early learning goals and uses records of observation to assess children's capabilities and plan activities that, for the most part, address their next learning steps using her knowledge of their individual interests and development. However, assessment systems are not always robust enough to track areas where children need further support. The childminder organises the learning environment and the children's day well to maximise learning, for example children can choose activities and equipment easily and the childminder supplements her own resources with toys and books from libraries. Children are regularly taken to children's groups where they begin to make friends and make links to their community.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children persevere as they work on a challenging jigsaw that is more complicated than they are use to. The childminder is encouraging and supportive to children whilst they consider shape and picture matching. Children use positional language and develop problem solving skills as well as confidence in their abilities to complete this difficult task. Children enjoy being out of doors, learning to manoeuvre and share bikes and other ride-on toys. They play with balls and enjoy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 playing in a sandpit. The childminder talks to them about the texture of the sand and they consider why the wet sand will not run through the wheel like dry sand, so the children become investigative thinkers and their communication skills are promoted. The childminder considers the needs of babies when in a mixed age group most of the time, giving babies opportunities to join in activities and to have

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

their own activities alongside older children's activities. However, when outside there is no provision made for babies' activities.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has clearly established very positive relationships with the children and as a result, they are settled and emotionally secure. Children are developing a positive awareness of good health and hygiene practices as they wash their hands with soap and use their own special towels after toileting, knowing that they are washing away germs that make you feel ill. Children benefit from eating healthily at snack and meal times and have regular drinks to ensure they do not go thirsty. Children develop awareness of how to keep themselves safe as they learn about road safety as part of activities in child safety week. The childminder is patient with children and manages children's behaviour well. Minor disputes are quickly settled and children are beginning to develop an understanding and respect for others. Children develop good skills for the future as the childminder has a range of electrical toys and cause and effect equipment to help children become aware of

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

technology in our lives. However, the available computer is unused by children at present. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7