Singleton, Karen Ann

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 EY311157 Inspection date 12/03/2009 Inspector Joan, Patricia Flowers

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, six and one year. The home is located in Leyland, Lancashire. Local shops play areas and schools are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding and toilet facilities are provided at this level. There is an enclosed rear garden area available for outdoor play. The family has two dogs, three cats, two rabbits, and tropical fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early year’s age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She is also offering care to two children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from a local school and attends toddler groups and community activity groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). Training and support is accessed from the local authority Sure Start development consultancy and she is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child’s individual needs so promoting all aspects of their welfare and learning. Children are safe and secure at all times and enjoy learning about their local area and the world around them. Self-evaluation is being used to identify priorities for future development resulting in a service that is responsive to the needs of every child who attends. There is a strong commitment to continuous improvement and inclusion features in all aspects of practice. She works with parents and others to ensure the needs of all children she cares for are met.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the system for assessing and monitoring children's development, by clearly showing, what each child has achieved and what their next steps are towards achieving the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has completed Ofsted's self-evaluation form and understands that this is a working document that underpins her quality childcare service. She constantly monitors her service, including asking parents and children for their feedback. The childminder strives to increase her knowledge with regard to childcare by attending a wide range of training including enrolment on the level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Childcare, Development and Learning, Baby Signing, Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements workshops. Her linking with other childminders’ in the network complements this. She has addressed the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. An example of this is her revised complaint and safeguarding policy and procedure. This improvement means that better information for parents is provided and overall the outcomes for children’s safety have been strengthened.

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provision

The childminder has established good relationships with the parents. She speaks to them daily about activities their children have participated in, as well as completing diaries for the younger children. Consequently, parents are fully informed, which promotes continuity of care. Parents are also encouraged to further their children's learning at home, for instance, through continuing with activities that have been undertaken with the childminder. The childminder is making strong links with other groups that the children attend, and with the school, so children's learning experiences can be maximised.

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provision

Children play in a safe, secure and clean home environment where their welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a detailed child protection policy and has up- dated her training in this area. She undertakes regular written risk assessments within the home and for all outings, this ensures hazards are quickly identified and minimised. A fire escape plan is written and practised by the children so they learn about their own and other people's safety. The childminder uses a good range of documentation to ensure the safe management of the provision and all required parental consents are in place.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises her home to provide a child-friendly environment in which children have space to play. A wide range of toys and resources are stored to allow independent access. Children can therefore make choices to suit their interests. Parents share information at enrolment about their children's likes and dislikes and their development, so allowing the childminder to build a picture about them. The childminder uses this information to plan activities based on children's interests and what they can do already. She spends time getting to know them and keeps a record book for each child with photos and examples of art and activities that children have completed as a record of their progress. This area is to being developed further to align more closely with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the early learning goals. Physical activity is encouraged and children access the secure garden on a regular basis, using the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

decking area when the grass is wet. They play with small-wheeled toys and enjoy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 playing with the sand in the sand tray outside. The childminder also takes children to parks and indoor play centres where they can use larger equipment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is calm and attentive, helping to foster their self-esteem through praise and interest. She laughs with the children, joining in the dancing activity to the song 'Ten in a Bed'. Children are creative as they swirl coloured ribbons and use shakers in their artistic interpretations of the music. They beat the drum in time to the song 'This Old Man', developing early literacy skills through play. Babies enjoy exploring activities on the floor activity mat and have many opportunities to handle objects like rattles and pull along toys as well as the different themed treasure baskets, all of which stimulate their curiosity of the world around them. Regular visits to toddler groups and the library for story time, and the Rhythm and Rhyme group, allows children to socialise with others in a group situation. They have access to a range of imaginative toys in the home and are able to have free choice from what the childminder has set out for them each

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

morning. Children created colourful collage pictures and made tulip and daffodil pictures after seeing these growing outside. Young children count aloud by rote from ten to one confidently during songs and can state their age. Positive behaviour strategies such as praise, explanation and encouragement are used and children understand what is expected of them. They learn about the wider world through activities like the language cube that translate words from French to English and enjoy trips to Blackpool Zoo and managed nature parks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing an understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet as they sit together to share nutritious meals, such as, homemade stew for lunch and soup with homemade crusty bread for afternoon tea. They go with the childminder to buy food and baking ingredients at the shop so their learning is enriched. Fresh drinking water is encouraged and is available at all times and children can choose fruit at snack times. The childminder has undertaken food hygiene training to ensure food is appropriately prepared. Children's health is promoted well. They learn about the importance of personal hygiene and because each has their own flannel, towel and toothbrush, cross infection is minimised effectively. 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 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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