Beig, Collette Jane

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 EY296973 Inspection date 30/03/2009 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 2004. She lives with her husband and grown-up children in a small town in Lancashire. Local schools, shops and a park are within walking distance. The childminder is registered on the Early Years childcare register, and both parts of the childcare register for a maximum of six children under eight years. There are four children on roll all in the early year’s age range.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to the lounge, dining area and conservatory downstairs, with bathroom facilities provided upstairs. There is a rear outdoor area available for the children to play in. One dog is kept as a pet. Support and training are accessed from the local authority development consultancy. The childminder has attained a relevant early year’s childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and homely environment for children, who are all treated as individuals, and are well supported by her. Good relationships with parents ensure relevant information is shared. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she organises her home and resources well so that children enjoy a varied range of activities. All the required records, policies and procedures are in place to support the safe and efficient running of the setting. The childminder has addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection, has a realistic awareness of her childcare provision and uses self-evaluation and training as a means to improve her childminding service.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that over time all children cover each of the six areas of learning in sufficient breadth and depth.

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provision

Children are happy, settled and secure in the childminder's care. Her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage impacts positively on the children's learning as they enjoy fun and challenging experiences in the home environment. Some areas of learning, as noted in children's records of achievement, are given more weight than others which limits their overall progress towards achieving the early learning goals. The childminder works closely with parents to enable her to meet every child's individual needs and partnership in the wider context is effective. The childminder has an effective evaluation system in place, which identifies the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. This enables This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her to make continuous improvements to benefit the outcomes for all children.

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provision

The childminder has devised comprehensive policies and procedures and has all the required records in place to support children's needs efficiently. She liaises effectively with other childcare facilities that the children attend and has been informed of future topics and themes in which the children will be involved. Information is shared about children's current achievements and is used to inform planning to support their individual learning journey. Verbal reports, the sharing of daily diaries and individual folders containing photographs and examples of the children's work keep parents well informed about their children's development. Because the childminder asks parents about what their child is interested in and what they are able to do when they start attending the setting, she can provide targeted care and learning right from the start.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of constantly evaluating her provision to ensure she effectively meets the individual needs of all children. Self-improvement is a strength because the increased knowledge the childminder has gained through attaining a childcare qualification benefits every child for whom she cares. The childminder has completed thorough risk assessments of all areas of the home as well as for every outing she takes children on. This effectively ensures that children are kept safe. In addition, equipment is suitably located to promote children's well-being. The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding and understands the procedures to follow in line with current Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidelines.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are well met because the childminder ensures they learn about keeping safe, such as when out walking on footpaths next to the road. They access their own drinking cups independently when they are thirsty as they learn to recognise their own needs. Homemade meals are provided that are balanced and nutritious. Children undertake baking activities, for example, making Cornish pasties. They learn about where food comes from and how it is grown when they undertake planting activities in the garden and enjoy using the activity cards to identify the names of different fruit and vegetables, colouring them in on the wipe clean cards. They plant sunflowers and care for them as they grow tall, learning what they need to grow and children observe the changing seasons as they watch as the blossom appears on the pear tree outside. Children's behaviour is managed in a way so they understand expectations and rules. The childminder takes time to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

explain why children should share and toddlers are helped sensitively at times like potty training with the use of star charts and lots of praise. This means that children are being encouraged to consider other people and behave appropriately so they can make positive contributions and develop their social skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled. They play contentedly with self-initiated activities as well as enjoying group activities and play with the childminder. The childminder uses her experience and knowledge to base her planned activities on what children are interested in, so children learn through play. Fine motor skills are encouraged as children practise holding and using tools like crayons, paintbrushes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and glue-sticks us they make collages pictures and models using re-cycled boxes. Young children demonstrate their ability at using their spoons at mealtimes with a high degree of competence and accuracy as they become independent and self- reliant. Children use the laptop with the childminder as they decide the pictures they want to print, performing simple actions as they gain skills and experience using information technology equipment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's vocabulary is increasing due to the good interaction with the childminder. They frequently look at books and sing nursery rhymes together. Toddlers are learning to concentrate when undertaking simple colouring activities. They make choices as they select different coloured crayons and develop their hand-eye coordination skills. They are learning that words have meaning as they see their names written on their artwork with older children recognising the initial letter of their own name. They see different text, for example, Chinese writing during activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and make paper lanterns to take home. Children's home cultures and faiths are acknowledged and affirmed. This promotes children's feelings of self-esteem and provides excellent learning opportunities for all so that inclusion is promoted. Advance planning for the forthcoming festivals of Passover and Easter supports this approach. Children’s

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

early number recognition is fostered during everyday activities and pictures of number symbols displayed. The childminder counts aloud with the children to reinforce their early learning. Children are learning simple calculation when they sing action rhymes and talk about one more or one less in their home role-play calculation activities. Their physical skills are promoted when they attend sessions at an activity centre and the park where they can practice using steps, tunnels, swings and slides. They can also enjoy the blow up obstacle course the childminder has purchased and use the stepping-stones as they practice balancing and coordinating their bodies. In all these ways, children's future economic well- being is promoted. 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 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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