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

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Unique reference number EY101100 Inspection date 20/03/2009 Inspector Lorraine, Susan Fay-Cosgrove

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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 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, both aged over eight years. They live in an area close to the town centre of Oswaldtwistle. Minded children have access to the lounge, dining/playroom, kitchen, bathroom and rear yard for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Child Care Register. There are currently seven children on roll, one of which is in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has regular contact with other local registered childminders.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are made to feel safe and secure in a warm and welcoming environment. Children have access to a variety of activities and resources both indoors and out which assists them in their learning and development in all areas. Children are valued and respected by the childminder who knows them well and has a good understanding of their individual needs. The childminder displays a firm commitment to further training which enhances her provision. She ensures that parents are kept well informed of their children's care and education and actively involves them in her self evaluation process.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase resources which reflect positive images of other cultures  update the current safeguarding policy following the guidance set out in the publication 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused - summary' and include in more detail within the risk assessment record a safety check list for any outdoor play

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provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment in which children feel confident and secure. Children benefit from a good range of indoor and outdoor activities which supports their individual learning. The childminder displays a commitment in assisting children in making good progress. She has developed clear systems for observing, recording and monitoring children's progress through the early learning goals. Her policies and procedures are in the main reflective of her good practice. The childminder makes sure that children are kept safe through This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriately placed safety features within the setting and whilst on outings, for example safety harnesses are used on outings to ensure the safety of toddlers. There are detailed risk assessments in place, however risk assessments for outdoor play are not as detailed.

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provision

The childminder displays a firm commitment to further training and has attended numerous training courses to the benefit of the children and appropriate to her role. She has addressed the recommendations made at her last inspection and is proactive in improving her own service and evaluating her own practice. The childminder has strong links with other registered childminders and actively seeks the support and advice of the Local Authority development worker when required.

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provision

The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents and carers. The service she provides is fully inclusive and encourages parents to contribute to their child's learning and development. Parents are actively involved in the childminders self evaluation process and are kept informed of their child's routines, development and their time spent with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder displays a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is confident in helping children learn both in and out of doors. The childminder uses her observations to plan activities to meet the individual needs of children. Children learn about their environment as they enjoy walks in the local community where they feed the ducks and watch the birds. Children's learning is further extended when they return to the setting. They look at books and point out pictures of ducks and birds. Children enjoy the fresh air and develop their physical skills through visits to a local adventure play area. Children learn about the wider world and the lives of others through a variety of books, dressing up clothes and small world figures. However resources reflecting positive images of other cultures are limited. Children develop an understanding of words as they tell the childminder that 'dolly is under the cushion'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are respected by the childminder and are well behaved within the setting. They are included in a variety of activities which they are able to access readily. Children enjoy craft activities, imaginative play, puzzles and books. The childminder meets individual needs well as she provides a glue stick for children who don't like to get the glue on their fingers. The childminder dedicates her time to the children, she sits and encourages children to complete their collage pictures. Children's welfare and self esteem is positively promoted. The childminder talks to children in reassuring tones, in particular when children are 'shy' in the presence of the inspectors. Children develop a close bond with the childminder and are comfortable and confident in her presence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about number and rhyme, they count the number of ducks during the 'five little ducks' song and smile contently as the childminder repeats the song to them. The childminder actively encourages children's physical, social and economic wellbeing. Children learn the importance of hygiene practices, for example hand washing before meals and after nappy changing. They can easily This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 access drinks throughout the day and benefit from daily intakes of fresh fruit provided by the childminder and enjoy in taking part in physical activity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are kept safe and learn to keep themselves safe, for example, they learn to cross the road using the assistance of the 'lolly pop person'. The childminder ensures a safe environment in which children can move around safely and encourages children to keep the playroom free from hazards to prevent accidents. They are encouraged to help the childminder to clear the floor space when using the dolls pram and the toy shopping trolley.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are positively fostered. The childminder has developed imaginative ways in which she keeps parents informed of their children's progress and their time at the setting. All policies and procedures are made available to parents and are regularly updated to ensure that parents are kept up to date and fully informed. 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? 3

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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? 3 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

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