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

p.1

Unique reference number 308082 Inspection date 04/02/2009 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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 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.

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). This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered for 17 years. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 12. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children on the Early Years register. There are currently three children on roll attending full time and part-time places.

p.3

Description of the childminding

She lives in a three bedroom terraced property in the Nelson area of Lancashire, close to the town centre and the M65.

p.3

Description of the childminding

Children have access to all downstairs areas which include two lounges, a downstairs toilet, kitchen and a rear garden. Children do not access any upstairs areas.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has a nursery nursing qualification and a Level 3 qualification in childcare and education. She is an accredited childminder and part of the local approved childminding network. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm, welcoming, homely and child-centred environment where children are safe and secure. Children really enjoy their time and make good progress in their learning. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided as the children are really well supported and have access to all facilities, activities and their needs are met. Relationships with parents are positive and the childminder ensures parents are fully informed about their individual children and the overall organisational procedures. The childminder identifies some of her own strengths and weaknesses. She has started to develop a system through her local childminding network to evaluate the quality of the provision in liaison with parents. However, this system is in the early stages and does not fully highlight the plans for continuous improvement and update of policies and practices for future development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of procedures and practices to promote continuous improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder has effective systems in place to meet the needs of individual children. She has taken positive steps to respond to a previous recommendation highlighted at the last inspection, which impacts on children's safety and well- being. For example, she has amended the child protection policy in line with local safeguarding procedures. The childminder can identify some of her own strengths and weaknesses and has started to self-evaluate her practices through the local network of childminders. However, this system is in the early stages and does not fully highlight the continuous improvement of procedures and practices for future development.

p.4

provision

Records, policies and procedures are well maintained for the safe and efficient management of the setting to promote children's health and safety. The childminder follows detailed health and safety procedures and understands her role and duty to safeguard children. There are effective systems in place to manage and eliminate any risks to children through detailed risk assessments of all indoor and outdoor areas. The childminder has a positive attitude to training and updating her knowledge and skills to meet with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

p.4

provision

Parents and carers are provided with detailed information about the childminding service which includes organisational information and procedures. Parents are encouraged to share all relevant information in order for the childminder to provide appropriate care and an agreed contract is in place. Parents are encouraged to settle their children and attend an induction meeting to discuss all needs. There are systems in place to ensure parents are involved in children's progress and development through individual learning files, daily diary sheets, photographs and observations. Parents are fully aware of the complaints procedure and the childminder ensures that parents can access the contact telephone numbers.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements. She supports children's learning through planned and spontaneous experiences both home based and within the local community. Children visit the park and socialise with other adults and children at the toddler group and local children's centre. They have access to a range of resources and equipment to interest and motivate them to become active learners. The learning environment is planned and enables the children to relax and play. Children are really settled and comfortable and respond to the flexible routines to meet their needs. The childminder plans the activities to cover the six areas of learning and so children's progress is monitored as they develop through the early learning goals.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their social skills as they meet with other children and adults at the children's centre. They play together cooperatively and are encouraged to share, take turns and be kind and helpful to each other. Children become This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 independent as they help to tidy up toys and make choices about what they want for their lunch. They enjoy looking at books and photographs and listening to their favourite stories. Children use everyday number and shape language when making jigsaws, building and constructing with bricks and the train track. They develop their imaginative and creative skills as they explore different materials and mediums during their craft activities. For example, they handprint a fish and change this to a jelly fish as they add different materials to make legs. Children develop their physical skills as they use the large equipment for climbing, sliding

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and manoeuvring. Children enjoy the outdoor world and look for leaves and worms and discover about growing plants and vegetables. The childminder observes children during their play and takes photographs of the various activities and outings. She clearly links her planning to the interests of the children and includes the six areas of learning. She records everything that the children do and say, links the activity to an early learning goal and then plans for future learning from the observations. Parents see their children's artwork and the childminder goes through the observations and gives them detail about their child's development.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is committed to good quality care which actively promotes the children's health and well-being. She has a sound knowledge of safeguarding children and the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns. The childminder helps children to stay safe in the environment and outside. Children are aware of not going behind the television, they learn about stranger danger as the childminder tells stories about dangers and safety. They know to hold hands and the pram on outings, look for cars and the green man at the crossing. Children are aware of the importance of hand washing before food and are provided with a balanced diet. They have daily fresh air and walk daily. Children learn to respect and understand differences and diversity through discussion and the use of dolls and books. Children's behaviour is managed consistently and the childminder works to positive strategies so children understand the difference between right

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and wrong. 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? 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?

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 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.

p.7

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.

p.7

Detail of the complaint/s

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint that required the provider to take action in order to meet the Welfare Requirements. Ofsted received information relating to Welfare Requirements; Safeguarding and Promoting Children’s Welfare (Safeguarding). An inspector visited the provision on 7 October 2008. Two actions were raised under Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare and Suitable People. An actions response was received. Ofsted are satisfied that the provider is now meeting the Welfare Requirements in these areas and therefore, remains qualified for registration.

p.7

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.

p.7