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 307901 Inspection date 19/03/2009 Inspector Ferroza Saiyed

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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 1998. She lives with her adult child in the village of Hoghton, which is on the outskirts of Preston. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, inclusive of lounge and kitchen. Bathroom facilities are on the first floor and there is an enclosed outdoor play area. The childminder cares for children each weekday throughout the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years of age of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age range. She is also registered with Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Child Minding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an understanding of children's individual needs, but does not provide activities which reflect their uniqueness. Children are beginning to make some progress as they have access to a suitable range of activities and resources to support most areas of learning. However, the childminder does not have a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to fully support children's learning and development. Partnerships with parents are sufficient though they are not fully included in the learning and development of their child. The childminder has made use of the self-evaluation form to maintain continuous improvement and identify areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase involvement with parents in supporting their children's progress so that learning is linked and extended within the home  develop knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals to provide opportunity for children to experience a challenging and enjoyable programe of learning and devopment  further develop equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice by making use of the training made available by the local authority and other sources  continue to develop the policies and procedures to include greater detail to ensure that all aspects of the requirements and guidance are included, such as the lost child policy.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation, assessment and planning for 24/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual children so their next steps influence purposeful play and learning in all six areas of learning.

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provision

The childminder organises her home to be welcoming for children and to enable them to access the resources and equipment, making choices about their play. Although she has some written policies and procedures, these are not regularly updated to clearly link to the Early Years Foundation Stage and current legalisation and practice. Documentation and consent forms regarding children's health and personal details are all in place and signed by parents. She has satisfactorily completed all recommendations made at the last inspection, which has improved the welfare of the children.

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provision

She works with parents to safeguard children and has updated her knowledge through attendance at training. Daily checks to the premises are effective in identifying and eliminating risk, and written risk assessments are in place, which are reviewed regularly.

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provision

Parents are valued, and informal daily discussions keeps them informed of their child's well-being and activities in which they have been involved. A flexible service promotes partnership working and ensures the needs of the children and parent are met. Parents are asked for information about their child at the beginning of the partnership, but they are not fully included in the learning journey, which does not support a holistic view of the child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Space is appropriately organised so children can move around freely and independently, and choose from a suitable range of resources. Although the childminder has begun to familiarise herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage, she is not fully confident at using it to effectively promote children's learning and development in all areas of their learning. The childminder recognises the importance of play and is beginning to develop a planning system to complete observations to promote next steps in their progression towards the early learning goals. However, she is not using these effectively to record children's learning or to plan the next steps in their progression towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children readily access resources and change activities as they laugh and talk about what they are doing. They make tea and ask if we want a cup of tea, becoming involved and engaged in their play. They make handprints for Mother's Day card and proudly show them to visitors and the childminder. Children are supported by the childminder as they lead their own play, changing activities and choosing equipment. This approach enables children to become independent and make connections in their learning. Children's literacy and language is extends because she encourages them to be interested in their play and activities. For This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 example, children are keen to show off their writing skills, as they write their name on their creations. She develops their language skills and vocabulary through talking, asking questions, songs and daily stories, which also encourages the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children's interest in books. The childminder makes good use of everyday activities to promote children's mathematical learning, for example, they count the number of houses and cake cases, when baking and recognise shapes in their everyday play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are appropriately safeguarded at the childminder's home as she has a suitable range of safety equipment and procedures in place. For example, by practising regular fire drills and discussing road safety to help children to begin to learn about keeping themselves safe. Meals are provided by parents but are stored as required to maintain them safely. The childminder has a suitable understanding of behaviour management techniques and gives regular praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour. There are some resources, pictures, and books which reflect positive images of diversity. However, she does not fully understand how to promote this aspect of her practice to helps children, learn to respect others and understand similarities and difference in this contemporary society. Children are developing many skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. For example, they are eager to use programmable toys and they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

become increasingly confident in using interactive resources. 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? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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 been 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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