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 EY343544 Inspection date 11/12/2008 Inspector Denise Sixsmith

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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 has been registered since 2006. She lives in her family home with her mother and sister. They live in a residential area of New Longton, which is situated on the outskirts of Preston, Lancashire. The home is close to local amenities including shops, schools and a community hall. The whole of the downstairs is available to the minded children. The toilet and washing facilities are on the ground floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years when working alone or nine children under eight years when working with another childminder on the premises. There are currently four children on roll who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification and is registered on both the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a very welcoming environment where children’s individual needs are met appropriately. She shows a positive commitment to maintaining and improving her service through attending training courses to enhance her early years qualification. Consequently, children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder offers an inclusive setting, treating and respecting children as individuals. Clear records, policies and procedures are in place, however, the childminder's system for self-assessment is less well developed. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the risk assesments to ensure that each type of outing is included  further develop systems for reviewing, monitoring and evaluating own practice to help support ongoing improvements  review the documentation used to ensure that up to date information is in place in all instances

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provision

The childminder enjoys her work and has familiarised herself with the EYFS resource pack to enable her to develop a good understanding of how children learn and develop. She has actively sought out training courses and professional support to enhance her understanding and knowledge in this area. Consequently, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has developed individual files for each child to provide a photographic and written This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 record of their development and progress. The rooms used for childminding are well organised to create an environment where children can access resources of their choice as well as those set out by the childminder. The childminder shows a sound awareness of her strengths and areas for development, and has applied for a copy of the Ofsted self-evaluation form. However, she does not currently have a

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provision

The childminder is diligent in maintaining a current first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid box, so that children's minor injuries are dealt with effectively. Children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded because the childminder recognises her responsibilities in ensuring that they are well supervised and that she has appropriate knowledge and procedures in place with regards to safeguarding issues. The childminder is diligent in ensuring the premises are safe and secure for the children. However, the risk assessments do not include each type of outing and while most documentation is in place and accurate some is outdated. The childminder has addressed the recommendation made at the last inspection; there is now a system in place for the checking of the contents of the first aid box and children have access to individual towels to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Safety aspects have been implemented which ensure that children cannot gain

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provision

access to the shed and appropriate contact numbers are readily available for the safeguarding of children.

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provision

Children are cared for in a clean inviting home where good quality, well maintained equipment and toys are in place. The childminder ensures that children's individual needs are noted prior to them starting with her and that these are met on a daily basis. Parents are kept well informed of their child's achievements, day-to-day activities and events through regular verbal feedback, displayed daily plans and written diary information for the younger children. Parents spoken to value the service they receive and the fact that their children are settled and happy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and happy in the childminder's family home where they readily make decisions about what they wish to play with. The childminder nurtures their independence skills well. Children are able to move freely between the playroom, living room and messy play area with support from the childminder being readily and appropriately available. They are confident and polite towards each other and to adults and are developing their social skills well as they sit together at meal and snack times and share the variety of fruit available. The childminder manages behaviour so that children learn what they should do, and they respond positively to her realistic expectations and age-appropriate explanations. For example, she intervenes successfully to aid children in their play while helping them to begin to understand each other's points of view. Children readily help to tidy up, in particular helping to sweep up the flour from the floor around the flour tray. They

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

enjoy dress up and making up imaginary stories and join in with gusto as they play musical bells and sing Christmas songs while the baby chuckles and enjoys the show. All the children enjoy and are encouraged to value books and stories as they sit comfortable with the childminder and add their thoughts and ideas to the story. Children readily count during everyday activities and enjoy joining in number songs This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and rhymes. They learn from an early age to value diversity in others which enables them to grow up making a positive contribution to society. They visit toddler groups with the childminder where they engage in physical and messy activities and develop wider social interactions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that she gathers required information from parents about the children's individual needs and requirements at the beginning of a placement. Ongoing observations are made of the children identifying their progress and next steps using individual profiles and learning records. Children learn to stay healthy because the childminder encourages good hygiene standards and the children know that they wash their hands and use disposable towels to stop the spread of germs. They learn about healthy eating well as they help themselves to a snack consisting of chopped bananas, strawberries and raisins while they sit and chat with each other. Drinks are readily available to ensure children stay hydrated throughout the day and on outings. Babies are confident and relaxed with the childminder because she has developed a genuine bond and close relationship with them and their parents. 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 no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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