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 308452 Inspection date 24/06/2009 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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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 registered in 1996. The premises are in the Great Harwood area of Blackburn, Lancashire close to local amenities. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and nine years. There is a family dog at the premises.

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Description of the childminding

She is registered for a maximum of six children on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children on roll attending before and after school places, full day places and part-time places after nursery school. There is provision for school holiday care.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to a lounge, a dining play lounge and a bathroom on the first floor. Children do not access the bedrooms or the rear yard.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed all required training and is a member of a local childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Systems are well organised to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning environment to meet individual needs. Children are fully included and are well supported, having access to all facilities, activities and outings. Partnerships with parents are positive to meet children's needs and to help them feel secure and confident. Parents are fully informed about the organisational policies and procedures. Some steps are taken to identify strengths and weaknesses and evaluate the provision through self- evaluation. However the system to maintain continuous improvement and the development of the service is limited.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the systems for planning and observational assessment to meet with children's individual needs as they progress towards the early learning goals  develop the system for self-evaluation to promote continuous improvement and the development of the service.

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provision

The childminder works effectively to provide good quality care and education for children. She has an understanding of some identified strengths and weaknesses and is beginning to self-evaluate her practices. The childminder has responded positively to the recommendations from the previous inspection. She has made the bathroom cupboard inaccessible to the children and has protected any low glass. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She records all about me information on children in order to meet their needs. Children's safety and well-being is now enhanced. The childminder has a very positive attitude to training and has completed various training courses to promote the Early Years Foundation Stage framework She is part of a local childminding network and has good links and support for her childminding practice. There are some links with other providers, professionals and other carers to ensure

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provision

progression and the continuity of learning and care.

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provision

Documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are well organised and promotes all aspects of children's welfare. Children are protected and safeguarded owing to the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, health and safety procedures and there are steps taken to promote children's good health and well-being. There are very effective systems in place to manage and eliminate any risks to children. For example, all the areas of the house are safe and secure, arrival and collection procedures are followed, a detailed risk assessment is completed and any actions are identified. All necessary safety equipment is in place and children are made aware of safety aspects. They know to tidy away toys after themselves and to walk up and down stairs holding the banister rail.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents to meet children's needs and to help them feel secure and confident. Parents visit prior to care starting and complete all the forms. They also visit with their children to become familiar with the environment and routines. There are daily diaries to share with parents about children's routines and activities. There are contractual agreements with parents and they are fully informed of the organisational polices and procedures. Parents are informed of children's progress and development through photographs and observations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has good knowledge of the learning and development requirements. She fully 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 toddler groups, children's centres and through community activities. They make independent choices about their play and access the designated play area where toys and games are accessible. Children are really settled and comfortable and respond to the routines and rhythms of the day as the childminder ensures they can play, rest and eat according to their own needs and routines. The childminder plans activities to cover the six areas of learning and so supports children's social, creative and physical skills. These also develop children’s knowledge, understanding of the world, number and communication skills. Children participate in a variety of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities and learning experiences that are suitable for their ages and stages of development. The activities are planned according to children's initiations and their expressions of interests. She observes children and is implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage. She takes a photograph of the children and records any significant observations and is then linking them to the areas of learning and the early learning goals. Each child has a profile that is shared with parents and this This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shows how children are progressing. However, the planning and assessments are still being developed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their self-help skills as they take themselves to the toilet, wash their hands and try to dress themselves. They play socially with each other and meet with other children and adults at toddler groups and activity groups. Children develop their self-esteem as they are praised and encouraged. They learn about good behaviour as they tidy up after themselves and support each other during the activities. Children develop their communication skills as the childminder asks children what they want to do and encourages their speech through responses to noises and gestures. Children use different mediums to mark make and enjoy listening to stories. Children learn about the outdoor environment as they collect leaves and follow themes on transport as they go on a bus ride, walk to places of interest and go on the train. Children carry out craft activities as they learn about special events and celebrations. They develop their physical skills and learn about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

healthy living as they go to parks and playgrounds, walk to the library and attend activity sessions and music sessions. Children develop their creative and imaginative skills as they use paint, feel and explore different textures through glue and collage with different paper and materials. They problem solve, reason and develop their counting skills as they count beads, use construction toys, cause and effect toys and they count during everyday activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is fully committed to good quality care, which actively promotes the children's health and well-being. Children are protected and safeguarded because the childminder understands what she needs to do in the event of a concern. She has a written policy and procedure. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and has a record sheet for any concerns. Children are provided with a healthy balanced diet and learn about healthy lifestyles as they exercise at the parks and playgrounds. Children's behaviour is managed in a way that supports their understanding of what is right and wrong and in accordance with their individual ages and stages of development and understanding. There is a behaviour policy in place and the childminder talks to the children about respecting each other. Children know the house rules and are encouraged to take on responsibility for their own behaviour as they are asked to say sorry and to share

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and care for each other. 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

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