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 EY364481 Inspection date 04/03/2009 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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).

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 registered in 2008. She lives with her partner and two children aged 11 and four years. They live in the Belmont area of Bolton. All of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. Access to the premises is gained by taking several steps down from the pavement level.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered for a maximum of five children under eight years and has one child on roll.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are offered a wide range of play opportunities on a daily basis which helps them to make good progress in their learning. The childminder has developed good knowledge of the children in her care through implementing effective links with parents and therefore she is able to meet the individual needs of each child. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child in her care and ensures activities are based on their interest and abilities.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder shows a positive commitment towards promoting children's health and well-being through implementing effective policies and procedures. The childminder has completed a self assessment form which has helped her develop a sound understanding of her strengths and those areas which she feels could be improved, and has put an action plan in place to assist her in achieving higher standards of care and learning for children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop risk assessments for outings to provide clearer information for each specific outing  review the process for gathering observations and assessing children's progress in relation to the six areas of learning

p.3

provision

The childminder is suitably qualified; she holds a valid first aid certificate and is keen to develop her skills and knowledge of childcare and education further through attending additional training. She has put in place several well written policies and procedures which work in practice to promote children's health and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well-being. She also keeps detailed records for each child to ensure their individual needs are met appropriately and in accordance with parents' wishes.

p.3

provision

Detailed risk assessments are in place for the setting and for outings, although the risk assessments for outings lack clear information in relation to each specific outing, such as trips to the local park. The childminder is keen to promote safety for all children and has put in place safety equipment where required as well as seeking professional advice from the fire service. The childminder has made effective use of the self evaluation process to assist her in making continuous improvements to the service offered. As part of the self evaluation process the childminder has also created a wish list with regard to the provision of additional resources for children to extend the wide range she already provides.

p.4

provision

The setting is organised well to ensure children can see and access resources easily. Resources are stored in clear boxes at children's height. Children have sufficient space to move around freely and safely and therefore children develop a sense of belonging and gain confidence to make choices about their own play. Parents are provided with detailed information about the childminder, her family and how she operates. All parents are given copies of her policies and procedures to take away, she keeps a signed document which confirms parents have received these copies. Parents' views and opinions about the service are requested verbally by the childminder and she has received written feedback with positive comments. Parents also shared their views with the inspector during the inspection and these comments were also favourable. The childminder has put a complaints policy and procedure in place and this works in practice.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled with the childminder and separate from parents with confidence. The childminder exchanges information with parents on a daily basis, for example, when children arrive she asks if there is anything she needs to know about the children since she last saw them. The environment is warm and welcoming for both parents and children. The childminder creates a stimulating and interesting place for the children to play in, which is clean and well maintained with a good source of natural light. Adult and child sized furniture is provided to support children of varying ages in their individual stages of development. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through daily routines and from information given by the childminder, such as road safety during outings and stranger danger. She also points out potential hazards to children as they play, this helps to raise awareness with younger children. Themed activities also contribute to knowledge

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and understanding of safety, for example, children learn about 'people who help us' like the fire service. Trips to the fire station are followed up with activities that children can get involved in, which helps to reinforce what they have learned during their visit.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the support and interaction given by the childminder. She dedicates her time to playing with children and focuses her attention on meeting their needs. She encourages children to make choices and to develop their own interest whenever possible, for example, from a planned painting activity children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 become interested in water play, this is supported by the childminder who also takes the opportunity to reinforce information about good hygiene practice. Children are keen learners and show an interest in several different activities. Children engage with chosen activities and benefit from the interaction with the childminder, for example, they talk about what they are doing and exchange questions with each other and therefore children are developing language skills and beginning to extend their vocabulary. Through planned activities and those

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

initiated by the children, all of the six areas of learning are being included. The childminder demonstrates sound knowledge of child development and this is reflected in the play plans for children. She includes outdoor play in her weekly planning and offers activities to stimulate sensory development, such as smell and touch, for example, children are learning to grow some vegetables from seeds and from roots and exploring finger paints. Children also experiment with other media, such as dough, sand and water.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Written play plans are in place and the childminder makes formal observations of children at play. From these she identifies next steps in children's learning and has begun to make assessments of their progress. However, the process at present is complicated and does not show clearly exactly what children are learning or what they know and can do. The childminder is aware of children's starting points because she obtains this information from parents at the beginning of the placement and takes steps to ensure children have access to resources of interest to them, for example, children interested in wheels can play with cars, prams and other wheeled toys to explore and investigate. The childminder is sensitive to the likes and dislikes of children and gently introduces new activities and equipment to them, for example, finger painting. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

p.6

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 B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.8

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.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

p.8

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.8