Childminder in Bolton

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY235705 Inspection date 03/04/2009 Inspector Anne Bennett

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003 and lives in the Harwood area of Bolton. The ground floor is used for childminding and includes the lounge, kitchen and dining area. Children use the first floor to access the toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder offers overnight care.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register to care for four children under eight years, two of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently five children on roll attending on a part time basis; three of whom are in the early years age group. The setting operates each weekday from 07.30 to 17.30. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in childcare and education.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a good knowledge of the children in her care and responds to them in a warm and genuine way so that they feel secure and valued. Planning and assessment processes are in the initial stages and do not currently identify next steps for children as they progress towards the early learning goals. A sound awareness of inclusive practice ensures that all children are valued as individuals and the environment and activities are available to all. Effective relationships with parents are established and maintained by regular communication and an open approach to partnership working. Self-evaluation is in the initial stages and the childminder is using the Ofsted self-evaluation form as a tool to support this process.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 consider ways to reflect more actively on practice  continue to develop planning and assessment processes in order to clearly identify next steps for children as they progress towards the early learning goals.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 conduct a risk assessment identifying aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, maintain a record of these particular aspects including when they have been checked and by whom and review at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 17/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

Records, policies and procedures are generally maintained appropriately. However, the requirement to conduct and review risk assessments has not been implemented in order to ensure that risks are identified and appropriate action is taken both in the home and on outings. Regularly practised and recorded evacuations effectively raise children's awareness of danger and how to stay safe in the event of a fire. Hygiene procedures are robust and there are clear processes in place for the collection of children from the setting. The childminder has a good understanding of roles and responsibilities in relation to child protection and has attended additional training to further support this.

p.4

provision

The childminder knows individual children well and creates an open, accessible and inclusive environment. Planning systems and individual record folders containing observations and assessments are developing in order to identify learning priorities and next steps in children's learning as they progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has an adequate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and has begun to engage in reflective practice, using the Ofsted self-evaluation form as a tool for regular review and plan for improvement.

p.4

provision

Well-established and positive relationships with parents are evident. Feedback cards and letters from parents praise the homely environment and state that they feel reassured that children are happy, settled and receive a range of fun and exciting activities. Parents receive written copies of all policies and procedures at admission and are openly invited to access their child's records and discuss aspects of childcare, learning and development. The childminder communicates with other settings, sharing basic information and providing a link with parents in order to support transitions.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the company of the childminder and make steady progress across all areas of learning and development. Individual scrapbooks are in place for each child, however, observations and assessments are limited and next steps in children's learning and development are not clearly identified or linked effectively to planning systems. An appropriate range of self-selection resources are available to children including books, dressing up clothes, small world people and animals, jigsaws and mark making resources. Children are offered opportunities to engage in exploratory, messy play with cornflour, sand, water, play dough, porridge oats and paint, within the setting and at local toddler groups. Toys are rotated regularly in order to maintain children's interest and the childminder is beginning to use resources to develop early reading and writing in different contexts, such as role play activities.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Selecting and sharing stories provides opportunities to engage in open conversation and children are encouraged to practise and refine initial sounds This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 when they request yoghurt for dessert at lunchtime. Children enjoy problem solving, moving and matching jigsaw pieces into the correct place and identifying different animals, leaves and colours. The childminder supports children to learn the names of different shapes as they work together using a shape sorter. Spontaneous events, such as sharing favourite nursery rhymes, provide a forum for children to talk about things that interest them and share their preferences. Clear boundaries and expectations, such as using 'kind hands and feet' and the use of please and thank you, encourage children to be considerate towards others. Children remind each other to take turns and be patient and they develop

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

confidence in themselves as their individual achievements are enthusiastically praised.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have plenty of space to move about freely and open access to an enclosed outdoor play area, which provides daily opportunities for them to develop their understanding of the benefits of physical activity. At lunchtime children are encouraged to practise and refine fine motor skills as they independently spread their own margarine on bread for sandwiches, with the childminder close by, ready to support and help if needed. Children use disposable cameras to take photographs of themselves and their surroundings and enjoy taking part in activities, such as growing sunflowers in the summer and baking. Regular trips to local places of interest and a visit from a fire engine raise children's awareness of diversity and difference and develop their understanding of the wider community. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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? 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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.

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR5). 17/07/2009

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early year section of the report (CR5). 17/07/2009

p.7