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

p.1

Unique reference number EY293185 Inspection date 20/01/2009 Inspector Judith, Mary Horsfall

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 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.

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 2004 and operates from her home close to the centre of Bacup, Lancashire where she lives with her husband and children aged two and six years old. Children are accommodated on the ground floor and have use of the rear first floor bedroom. The bathroom facilities are on the first floor and there is an enclosed outdoor area.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for two children in the early years age group. The childminder also offers care for children in the later years age group providing out of school care; this provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions. The facility is open 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday all year round and is available on Saturdays if required. The childminder is studying for a Level 3 qualification in Children's Care Learning and Development. The setting receives support from the local authority.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are making effective progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder has a high level of understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are offered a broad range of stimulating, challenging activities which are linked to their personal interests. Organisation is generally of a good standard although the absence of an attendance register is a breach of legal requirements. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder takes time to explain to children about people in the wider world. The childminder demonstrates a clear ability and commitment to continually improve her practice, developing her childcare and educational services for children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure risk assessments include all aspects of the environment. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 keep a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance (Documentation) 10/02/2009

p.3

provision

Children benefit from the care of a well organised childminder who is committed to meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures, such as behaviour management, fire escape and complaints, are in good order and ensure the children are broadly safeguarded. Documentation is securely stored in a confidential manner. However, there is no register of attendance in place which is a breach of legal requirements. Relevant training has been undertaken and the childminder is committed to developing her knowledge by carrying out further training and working with support staff in the childminding network. A satisfactory self-evaluation form has been completed and the childminder has highlighted areas to improve her practice.

p.3

provision

The childminder is aware of the importance of working with parents and external agencies to ensure that children's individual needs are well met. Parents are given daily written or verbal progress about children's progress and welfare. When the children arrive each day, the parents share information about children's behaviour, sleep, daily food intake and activities undertaken at other settings to give the childminder more details about the children's routines and preferences. The childminder is conscious of the importance of cultivating links with other practitioners who work with children and has established systems to share relevant information. On admission, a welcome pack is given to parents to explain the childminding service and an outline of the EYFS. As the children begin to settle, parents' views are canvassed with questionnaires to gain their views. The childminder is aware of the needs of children with English as an additional

p.4

provision

language and the importance of learning key phrases and close liaison with parents.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage because the childminder has a clear understanding of most of the current requirements to promote children's care and learning. Activities covering the six areas of learning are provided and the childminder is aware of how to develop the children's education towards the early learning goals. For example, opportunities to teach the children during day-to-day events are well used to help them learn numbers, letters and colours. A broad variety of pursuits, such as baking, making play dough and story time, enhance children's abilities to learn and play. Detailed observation and assessment records demonstrate children's abilities and help move them on to the next steps for learning. Comprehensive tracking documents are used for highly effective observations and include notes on children's language usage and level of involvement.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into a friendly, child-centred house where their views and preferences are respected. There is a wide range of toys, craft materials and books which increase children's interest in the world around them. Stocks of resources are rotated to increase children's curiosity, whilst favourites are always available for the children. Children are given choices and asked what type of activity they wish to undertake from a range, such as playing with foam, reading a book or using play dough. Inclusion is incorporated into day-to-day actives as there are resources, such as books which cover issues, such as autism, physical disabilities and racism, which are used to encourage discussion with the children. Children enjoy trips to facilities outside the house, such as the local Sure Start centre, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 playgroups, garden centre and library, whilst during the summer holidays they visit

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

large regional parks, zoos and safari parks.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled, moving around the house with confidence as they sing songs whilst absorbed in their play. They are beginning to learn to co-operate with their peers as the childminder reminds them about the importance of taking turns and sharing. Children benefit from exercise, such as dancing, visits to a local play gym and regular outdoor play.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's safety is broadly promoted as the childminder is vigilant about safety issues. She reminds the children of safe practices, such as tidying up toys when finished with to avoid tripping over and has wrist bands with emergency contact details to be used on day trips. Risk assessments are in place but do not cover the entire house and contents. Children are well safeguarded should concerns about child protection arise. The childminder has carried out recent training in this area and fully understands her role in proceedings. An effective child protection policy is in place and parents have to sign to record that they have read and understood procedures. Medication, sickness and accident procedures are of good quality and ensure children are well protected. Children are learning about healthy lifestyles as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at appropriate times during the day and promotes a nutritious diet.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

p.6

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: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

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.

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8) 10/02/2009

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8) 10/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8