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 EY299685 Inspection date 11/03/2009 Inspector Mary Wignall

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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 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 in UpHolland near to Skelmersdale. She was registered in 2005 and lives with her husband and two children of whom one is aged less than eight years of age. Children have access to the whole of the premises including a fully enclosed outdoor area. She is registered for five children, three in the Early Years Register age range. She currently has four children on roll. She is also registered on the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder supports all the children in her care using the knowledge gained in training courses to help them make steady progress in their learning and development. The full use of the premises with toys stored at low level means children make choices in their play in an inclusive environment. The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and set herself targets for further improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 keep a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises, their hours of attendance and ensure records are easily accessible and available for inspection by Ofsted (Documentation) 14/04/2009  take all reasonable steps to ensure hazards to children in the garden are kept to a minimum, particularly regarding the use of the trampoline and the checking for animal deposits.(Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to the both parts of the Childcare Register) 14/04/2009

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provision

The childminder has developed a useful set of inclusive policies and procedures. The sharing of these with the parents encourages partnership and consistency for the children. The record of children’s attendance is available though not kept fully up to date with some attendances not recorded. The childminder has a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of the required ratios and keeps within them. Systems are in place to obtain required information from parents and to have required documentation, although, these are not always fully effective. This results in some documentation, such as, children’s records not being easily accessible for inspection. Self- evaluation has involved discussing with the parents the methods of information they receive about their children's progress and the planning of bringing new toys and experiences to meet the children's needs. A parents’ notice area displays the

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provision

registration certificate and gives valuable general information about the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder presents toys well to the children. Good use of the premises and good quality toys means children move freely and with confidence as they find interesting and stimulating toys to play with. A risk assessment helps keep children safe indoors, although, does not effectively identify and minimise potential hazards in the garden. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues which helps protect the children in her care. She has relevant information at hand which she uses for reference, and works openly with parents sharing details of her child protection policy’. The childminder has completed basic and extended child protection training.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has good relationships with the children. She enjoys chatting to them and seeing them engaged in their activities. She talks to them clearly encouraging their language skills and developing good relations. For instance, as young children become impatient as they are changed she gives them toys to hold and talks reassuringly to them. The children settle and are changed quickly with minimum upset. The use of changing mats and the washing or sterilising of hands protects children’s health effectively. Older children access the bathroom independently accordingly to their individual needs. The childminder sensitively supervises them with gentle reminders in asking them if they have washed their hands to increase their understanding of good hygiene routines. The children benefit from the childminder's good understanding and commitment to a varied and healthy diet. Older children are offered choices to reflect their tastes and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

younger children enjoy good quality toddler foods.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has started to develop observation systems with some next steps planned for individual children. She has some useful information about some children’s starting points. Information from observations and parents is not yet linked to systems to plan personalised care and learning for each child. The childminder’s use of challenging questions encourages the children’s thinking. For instance, in playing puzzles or reading books she asks how many things they can see. She encourages the children to make connections asking them what a picture looks like referring to previous activities enjoyed together. The children show good concentration in self- chosen activities. For instance, they bring books for them to read together. They are familiar with the story, laughing at the fun parts and find the extending pages and large pictures exciting. Younger children happily explore the toys. They crawl

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

independently exploring the space happily pulling themselves up on the furniture. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder notices their achievement and offers meaningful praise. Stickers reward older children encouraging good behaviour and reinforcing house rules agreed with parents. As a result the children play well together. They press button on toys to make music and take turns to sing into toy microphones. They show concern being quiet when younger children sleep. Photographs show the children enjoying local parks and playgrounds and benefiting from the fresh air and sunshine. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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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.

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8 ) 14/03/2009

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8 ) 14/03/2009

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