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 307778 Inspection date 31/03/2009 Inspector Ferroza Saiyed

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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 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.

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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 1992 and lives with her husband in Stalmine which is a semi rural area near to Poulton le Fylde. The family pets are a cat and a rabbit. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the home, and the bathroom and toilet on the first floor. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.00 to 18.00 for 48 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

Registration is for a total of five children, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in the early years age range. She also cares for children aged over eight years. This provision is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Childminding Sure Start Network in Fleetwood. Training courses are attended and advice and support is gained from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. Membership is also retained with the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are extremely happy within the very well organised setting where their uniqueness is recognised and inclusive practice is ensured. Children have excellent opportunities for them to progress in their learning and development. The childminder is developing planning and assessment systems to ensure they receive a broad and balanced range of activities. Partnership with parents is strong in most areas, and their opinions are sought and valued. Reflective practice identifies strengths and areas for improvement. However, she has no robust systems in place for regular self- assessment and evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve observation and assessment systems to support children's learning across all areas of learning and include parents in the learning journey  use a quality improvement process as a basis for how these processes can extend effective practice and help improve outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder implements effective procedures for organising her provision. All required policies are in place, up-to-date and stored to promote confidentiality. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 This is combined with effective systems to record children's details, medication, and accident records to ensure that children remain well protected. Detailed risk assessments and regular checks of equipment further help to safeguard children. As a result of relevant training, the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, including procedures to follow should she have any concerns. Committed to development, she attends regular training to further develop her practice and works very closely with her local childminding network. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed positively; as a result, children's care and learning have been enhanced. She has a clear

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provision

understanding of her strengths and areas for improvement; however, she has no robust systems in place for regular self-assessment and evaluation.

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provision

Children benefit from positive relationships between parents and the childminder. Parents are invited for introductory visits where they sign to say they have received copies of all relevant policies and procedures. Consequently, they are well informed about the service that she provides. The childminder has effective procedures in place to gather information from parents, for example, likes, dislikes, comforters and routines. However, parents are not actively involved in their child's learning which means they cannot contribute to their child's learning and development. The childminder understands the importance of working closely with other organisations to promote continuity of care and learning for children, but there are no children in the early years age range present who attend other settings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children take part in a wide range of fun activities at the childminder's home. The space is organised effectively so that they can freely access a wide range of resources and displays of their artwork in the kitchen help to promote a welcoming atmosphere. Fully involved in the children's activities, the childminder encourages them to name colours, count, and begin to identify letters. Clearly settled and confident in their surroundings, the children happily interact with visitors, talking about what they enjoy doing and about pictures they have painted. Children benefit from lots of opportunities for creative development, they enjoy sponge painting, dressing up and making and exploring play dough. The childminder interacts well with the children; she sits on the floor with them and constantly engages in their play. Constant chatter helps young children to develop speech and vocabulary. For example, when a child completes her picture she says 'brilliant',

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the childminder gives praise on her use of words. Children understand how books work and sit at story time contributing to the storyline as they shout out what happens next. They understand books have meaning and fully enjoy 'The hungry caterpillar' story, becoming animated as the story progresses.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A variety of planned activities promotes children’s physical development and also provides opportunities for them to socialise with their peers. The children attend regular toddler groups, go for walks to the park, trips to the zoo and the sea life centre; all allow children to discover new environments and promote stimulating experiences. Therefore, children are able to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. This also provides them with challenging opportunities to develop This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 social and intellectual skills. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards inclusion and is committed to working with parents to ensure that she is aware of children's individual needs. This is supported by a good range of resources and activities, including books, to help raise children's awareness of diversity and learn about the world around them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

By embracing the new framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage, she uses her experience and present knowledge to ensure individual learning and development needs are met. Children make good progress in all areas of learning and planning is in place to ensure all areas are equally covered. She knows the children well and is able to confidently talk about their development and next steps in their learning. Children have individual files in place which include colourful photographs and observation sheets which are linked to the areas of learning. She uses discussion with parents to identify starting points; however, she has yet to fully implement this into the recording systems for the children’s learning journey.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is effectively promoted. Practising regular fire drills and discussing road safety helps children to begin to learn about keeping themselves safe. Children are taught extremely well about staying healthy, as they enjoy very healthy and nutritious snacks and home cooked meals. The childminder is vigilant in reminding them to wash their hands at appropriate times, and separate towels reduce the chances of cross infection. The childminder interacts positively with the children, providing lots of praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour. There is a wonderfully calm, caring atmosphere in which children are rewarded with praise. Hugs and cuddles are in abundance and the children appear very settled, enjoying secure attachments to the childminder. This promotes a sense of belonging. Children are developing many skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. For example, they are eager to use programmable

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

toys and they become increasingly confident in using interactive resources. 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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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.

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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.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since last inspection.

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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.

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