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 EY319738 Inspection date 20/05/2009 Inspector Margaret Baines

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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 husband and two young sons in the market town of Garstang near Preston. The whole of the property is used for childminding, apart from the master bedroom. This includes the lounge, kitchen-dinner, back room and cloakroom. The main bathroom, computer room and a bedroom are located on the first floor. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children, three of whom are in the within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at any one time. The provision is also registered by Ofsted on the Compulsory childcare register. The childminder currently has two children on roll who are within the early years age range. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development because the childminder confidently supports and stimulates children's interest in learning. She provides an organised and inclusive environment for children, where each child's unique and individual needs are known and respected. The childminder promotes children's safety and welfare in an effective manner. She liaises with parents to ensure effective links with home. The childminder has begun to complete her self evaluation and therefore, evaluate her practice. She is positive about continuous improvement and attends training and development offered by the local authority.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a system to record children’s achievements and identify the next steps in their learning  ensure that regular evacuation drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  provide a range of natural resources to develop young children's skills in exploration.

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provision

The childminder maintains records and has developed a set of written policies and procedures to share with parents. She has attended training courses to enhance her practice; for example she has completed a safeguarding training event and has a current first aid certificate. onsequently, this improves the care and education for the children. She has commenced the self-evaluation process and is beginning to consider how to improve her service. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children benefit from an inclusive service where parents and children are welcome. The childminder ensures that all children are provided with equal opportunities to enjoy the activities on offer. She keeps parents informed about their children's progress through regular discussions and daily written information. She also encourages parents to share with her aspects of their child's learning at home. The

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provision

childminder is prepared to liaise with other agencies when this becomes appropriate in order to ensure continuity in the children's learning and care. She is extremely supportive to parents and strives hard to overcome language barriers.

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provision

Children are safeguarded effectively because the childminder provides a risk assessment, which is effective in identifying and eliminating risks. She ensures that the children learn to keep themselves safe by picking up toys and taking care when running in the outdoors. However, she has yet to ensure that children practise the evacuation procedure on a regular basis and that this is recorded. The childminder ensures that the premises, equipment, and toys are suitable and safe and that children are kept safe on outings. The childminder also keeps children safe due to her up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the local safeguarding children procedures. Children's health and well-being are effectively promoted because the childminder holds an up to date first aid certificate and there are effective procedures in place if children become ill or have accidents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which is reflected in her practice. Children are provided with a satisfactory range of interesting and stimulating activities to help them make progress across all areas of learning. For example, the young children present thoroughly enjoy the tactile toys, the mobiles and the play mat. However, children do not have regular access to natural resources that promote their exploration skills. Toys are stored at a low level to enable children to initiate their own ideas and make independent choices. The baby box allows the child to reach and select toys that interest them. The childminder dedicates her time to playing and interacting with the children. The children delight in her interaction as they coo and gurgle with glee. Children get excited when they listen to the musical toys and are developing their dexterity as they grasp them gaining confidence. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder clearly has a warm and positive relationship with the children in her care. She ensures that she gets to know the children well, as she gathers information from parents about the children's likes and dislikes and any dietary or medical requirements to ensure that she is equipped to meet their individual needs effectively. She recognises that children are all unique. She is supportive to children with additional needs, for example children who may have English as a second language. She observes children as they play, however she has yet to develop a system to record children’s achievements and identify the next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy visits in the local area where they visit the park and local groups where they socialize with other children, learning to share and develop their social skills. Very young children enjoy sitting on the childminder’s knee as she reads a story or sings to them. Children also enjoy such activities as painting, drawing, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 model making, and music and movement. Children enjoy a variety of sensory experiences, although at present there are few resources made from natural materials to promote children's discovery. The childminder skilfully extends children’s vocabulary as she talks to children frequently and encourages responses. Problem solving and reasoning are promoted through a range of activities. For example, children may count the cars, the bricks and play games that promote an understanding of number. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

that print carries meaning and are developing a love of books as they handle them carefully and enjoy listening to stories. For example, the young children enjoy stories kicking their legs in delight. The childminder encourages children to make sounds to express themselves. Children have opportunities to learn about the wider world, explore, and investigate their natural environment because the childminder takes them for walks to the park.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about healthy eating as they enjoy for example, fruit and vegetables for snack. Parents provide lunches and the childminder provides additional healthy snacks. Children learn about good hygiene practices as they wash their hands after at appropriate times of the day. Children learn about keeping themselves safe; for example, they know they must not climb on furniture or run in the house in case they fall or trip. They learn from an early age to value diversity in others because the childminder shares our wider world through play in a positive way. The childminder effectively supports children to develop skills in numeracy, literacy, and information technology, which contributes positively to their future economic well-being. Consequently the children enjoy their time with this childminder as they develop their learning through play. 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? 3 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?

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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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