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 308105 Inspection date 22/04/2009 Inspector Janet, Elizabeth Singleton

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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 1993. She lives with her adult son in the town of Clayton-le-Moors near Accrington. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders home is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor level. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play, which is both a lawn and flagged area. There is 1 cat kept as a family pet.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight, of whom no more than three can be in the early year age range. She is currently minding three in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to eleven years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has links with other childminders in the local area.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sufficient understanding of the learning and development requirements to enable her to plan for children to play in a safe and secure environment. However, there are limitations in the observation and assessment procedure and future planning for children's next steps which means their future needs may not be appropriately addressed. Children are engaged in most activities and make some choices in their play, choosing resources and developing their independence. The childminder builds appropriate relationships with parents as she shares information regarding her childcare practices and seeks information regarding children's routines and personal details. This approach assists her in providing an individual service for each child. She is mostly aware of her strengths and weaknesses and recognises the need to continually assess her practice and plan for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation and assessment process to fully identify children's learning and development needs in order to plan for their next steps  develop the planning system to clearly identify how you provide experiences to progress children towards the early learning goals  ensure all documentation relates to the welfare requirements  develop effective partnerships with parents to actively involve them in their child’s learning and development.

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provision

The childminder organises her home to be welcoming to children and to allow them to make some choices about their play. Flexible daily routines enable a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 balance of indoor and outdoor play to take place, including attendance at childminder groups and walks to the local park. This approach allows them to experience a varied range of activities. Overall, policies and procedures are in place but are not used effectively to plan for and monitor children's progress towards the early learning goals. Some documentation does not link to the welfare requirements, for example, the complaints procedure. The childminder ensures the safety of the children by having all necessary safety equipment in place, for example, fire equipment and safety barriers and talking to them about keeping safe therefore developing their understanding.

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provision

The childminder is aware of the need to evaluate her service in order for her to identify areas for improvement, for example, she has identified the need to attend training on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Information is sought from parents to assist in identifying children's individual and personal needs. They are invited to settle their child and the childminder provides time for daily discussions regarding what their child has done whilst with her. However, they are not encouraged to be involved in their child's learning and development regarding the sharing of information from home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a secure relationship with the childminder who supports them as they play. She has an awareness of each child's uniqueness regarding their age and stage of development, recognising how they are emotionally different and behavioural expectations vary. The childminder verbally demonstrated where children are and how she progresses them in their learning and development, but does not link sufficiently to the early learning goals within the EYFS framework. This is in order for the clear identification of, and planning for children's next steps in their overall learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children remain occupied and motivated as they use their creative skills drawing pictures at the easel, chatting about what they have drawn and showing pride in their work. They learn how to take care of equipment as they discuss covering their felt pen to stop it drying out and the consequences of this happening. They attend the local childminder group as they build their social skills mixing with other children. Children take part in and enjoy singing and dance activities as they develop their physical and creative skills. They count cars and name the colours as they go for walks in the local park, finding out about the natural world. They delight in playing dominoes, naming colours and comparing numbers as they laugh and show their determination to win.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates her commitment to meeting the needs of children and satisfactorily promotes their well-being. She has appropriate systems in place to manage accidents and for the administering of any medication. She has a sound knowledge of safeguarding children and is aware of the process to follow should she have a concern. Children are reminded of the need to say please and thank- you and of the safety rules, all of which assist in the management of their behaviour. They access their drinks and enjoy home cooked food with fresh fruit for their lunch. The childminder ensures that her home is relaxed with enough This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 equipment to support the children's play in order to promote their overall welfare, learning and development. 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? 3 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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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