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 EY369240 Inspection date 08/10/2008 Inspector Wendy Fitton/Janet Singleton

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 lives in the Clitheroe area of Lancashire close to local amenities. She lives with her husband and two sons aged five and eight years. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

Children have access to a lounge, family room, dining area, downstairs bathroom and a rear garden. There is no access to the first floor or the study. The childminder has completed relevant training in childminding practice and first aid. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a very warm, welcoming and child-centred environment where children are safe and secure. Children enjoy their time and make good progress in their learning as they are provided with a range of experiences and activities to support their all round development. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided as the children are really well supported and have access to all facilities and activities. There are effective systems in place to ensure children's needs are fully met through liaison with parents at induction meetings and when children are settling in. Partnerships with parents are positive and the childminder ensures parents are fully informed on a daily basis of their child's individual learning and welfare information. The childminder identifies some of her own strengths and weaknesses but has not considered her own self evaluation of practice or continuous methods for improvement.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 improve the system for the self evaluation of practice and continous improvement  review the process for risk assessments

p.3

provision

The childminder works effectively to provide good quality care and education for all children. She has some understanding of her identified strengths and weaknesses; however, there is no system in place for the self evaluation of practices and continuous improvement. Documentation which is required for the safe and efficient management of the provision is well organised, reviewed and promotes aspects of children's welfare. There are organisational policies and procedures, records of children's needs, accident and medical information, attendance details and information for parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are protected and safeguarded owing to the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and health and safety procedures, and steps are taken to promote children's good health and well-being. There are some written procedures in place for risk assessments, but these do not clearly

p.3

provision

demonstrate the actions taken to eliminate any risks. The childminder has a very positive attitude to training and has completed various workshops for the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

p.4

provision

Parents and carers receive comprehensive information about the setting which includes organisational policies and procedures, information notices and posters. Each child has a scrapbook of photographs, observations and information for parents relating to their children's achievements and progress. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child during induction and settling in visits. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children receive appropriate care to meet their individual needs and interests. She speaks with parents on a daily basis to share routines and practices to keep them informed of their child's progress.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has sound knowledge of the learning and development requirements. She supports children's learning through planned activities and experiences both home based and within the local community. Children visit the park and socialise with other adults and children at the music group and toddler group. They have access to a range of resources and equipment to interest and motivate them to become active learners. They make independent choices about their play, and the environment is planned according to the children's own interests and development stages. Children are really settled and comfortable and enjoy their time playing. They respond to the routines and rhythms of the day as the childminder ensures children can play, rest and eat according to their own needs. The childminder plans the activities to cover the six areas of learning and so supports children's social, creative and physical skills and develops their knowledge

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and understanding of the world, numbers and communication.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their social skills as they meet with other children at the music group and toddler group, they become independent as they choose toys and respond to praise and encouragement as they learn to crawl and walk. They enjoy looking at books and playing musical instruments, and extend their speech and language through talking to and listening to the childminder. The childminder encourages the children to learn about and explore the outdoor world as they play in the park, play outside in the garden and have first experiences of different textures of wet grass, sand and treasure baskets. Children experience role-play when they dress up and play with dolls and prams. The childminder observes children during their play and takes photographs of the various activities. She links her planning to the interests of the children and includes the six areas of learning. Each child has a scrapbook and this holds the observations of children during their

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

play and photographs. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's learning and liaise with the childminder about any development needs or to share This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 experiences.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is committed to good quality care which actively promotes the children's health and well-being. She has good knowledge of safeguarding children and the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns. The childminder helps children to stay safe in the environment and allows them to explore their own space safely and promote their awareness of dangers. Children know about the importance of good hygiene and have adopted healthy habits when they wash hands after nappy changing and use their own hand towel. They are provided with healthy foods and learn about the importance of fresh air and regular exercise. Children learn to respect and understand differences. They look at books that show positive images of families, cultures and disabilities. The childminder plans her activities to ensure all children are fully included and that they are able to participate at their own pace. 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

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.6

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? Good

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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 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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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