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 EY316940 Inspection date 04/08/2009 Inspector Cynthia Walker

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and child aged four years in Brierfield, Nelson and is within walking distance of the local amenities. The children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the house and bathroom and child's bedroom on the first floor. A rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for seven children. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Child Care Register. She is a member of the local childminding network and holds a level 3 qualification in children's care and development

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a happy, welcoming environment in which children's welfare is effectively promoted. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and make good progress in their learning through interesting activities which keep them actively engaged. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the children's backgrounds and needs and recognises the uniqueness of each child. Effective procedures are in place to evaluate the provision for children's welfare, learning and development and plans for the future are identified.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the methods for analysing the children's observations to identify the future learning and how this is to be achieved.

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provision

The childminder is effectively maintaining the documentation which is required for the safe and efficient management of her provision. She has produced a wide range of policies and procedures which are reflected in practice, for example, behaviour. Detailed risk assessments reflect the childminder's home and the outings the children are involved in and ensure effective action is taken to manage and eliminate risks to children. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues which enables her to appropriately safeguard the children in her care.

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provision

The childminder works closely with the local authority advisor to maintain the quality of her provision. She has used her monitoring documents to review her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practice and reflect her strengths and weaknesses. Targets for the future are clearly identified and include improving her evaluation process and maintaining her general paperwork. Questionnaires and a comment book for parents and carers reflect their views on the quality of her provision which state that the childminder enhances children's learning and provides a stimulating environment. The childminder has a positive attitude to training and has completed her level 3 qualification in child care and development and attended a variety of short courses.

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provision

Parents and carers receive effective information about the care the childminder provides through a comprehensive information pack including all her policies and procedures. Detailed diaries for the younger children and access to the development files every term ensures that parents and carers are well informed about their children's achievements and progress. The childminder has established links with local providers delivering the learning programme to ensure children receive continuity of care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the learning and development requirements and confidently enables children to be active learners both in and out of doors. Children's assessment files include regular observations which are linked to the areas of learning supported by photographs of the children's involvement in activities. The children's future learning is identified in the planned observations, however, this does not consistently reflect how the childminder is to move individual children to their next stage of development. The childminder has a sensitive understanding of the individual children's learning, for example, improving children's recognition and understanding of numerals which is reflected within the weekly plans. The childminder plans a variety of interesting activities which stimulate children's interest and helps them progress in their learning. There is a good balance of adult and child-led activities to enable children to make

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

independent choices about their play and learning. The childminder creatively organises her home which encourages purposeful play and exploration and encourages children to be active in instigating their play and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder skilfully supports and extends children's learning as she effectively interacts and encourages participation in a good range of activities. Children play harmoniously together at activities, such as, play dough as they make colourful pretend ice creams. They become actively involved in planting individual seeds and the childminder introduces language including 'expanding' as they observe changes to the pot and compost. Colourful and interesting butterflies displayed on the window reflect the children's involvement in observing the life-cycle of a butterfly using pupae which they had hatched. Children are effective communicators and actively contribute to discussions at activities and explain that they enjoy coming to the childminder because of the craft activities and going to the park. The childminder encourages children to recognise numerals and reinforces this by counting the stars on the cake to establish the numeral. A wide range of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

interesting photographs demonstrate children's involvement in a broad range of activities, such as, going to the allotment and making a mosaic, looking at books or baking. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is providing good quality care for the children and has an effective understanding of the welfare requirements. Children's involvement in making interesting fruit kebabs for their snack encourages them to make healthy choices about what they eat. Discussions after completing the fire evacuation procedures help children develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe. The use of a nursery rhyme tape in Welsh reinforces additional language skills and encourages children to learn about each others backgrounds. Access to large equipment in the park, playing in the garden and using a tunnel or dancing in the home encourages children to be active and understand the benefits of physical

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activity. Children behave well in response to the calm and consistent intervention from the childminder. Gentle reinforcement of the ground rules within the home as she encourages the children to work as a team and to get things done. 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

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