Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 14 May 2009

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 EY386434 Inspection date 14/05/2009 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 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 2008. He lives with his wife who is also a registered childminder in Kirkham, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes except for the front lounge. There is a garden to the rear of the house accessible from the playroom. The childminder walks children to the local toddler groups regularly.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. Registration is for a maximum of six children under eight years and when co-childminding he is able to look after a total of six children under five. Currently there are three children on roll, all of which are in the Early Years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the local childminding support group and advice, support and training is gained from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are well cared for by this very well organised childminder. His calm and consistent approach to childminding and his natural ability to meet children's individual welfare and learning needs mean that children thrive in his care. The broad range of activities and experiences provided enable children to have good opportunities to make progress in all areas of learning. Partnership with parents is strong in most areas and their opinions are sought and valued. Committed to improvement, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of areas for development to promote outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to build upon systems to use the experiences children bring from home as the starting point for their learning  ensure the children's attandance register is accurate at all times.

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provision

The childminder is committed to self-evaluation and continuous improvement. He has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form and identifies realistic targets to bring about improved outcomes for children. He regularly attends training and meets with other childminders in order to share and learn from experiences. He has used training and advice from the local authority to good effect, particularly with regard to planning and assessment. All required documentation is in place and there is a comprehensive set of policy documents, which fully support his work. However, the attendance register for children has record of their attendance when This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are not with him, which means the times of children's attendance is not accurate.

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provision

The childminder is warm and very caring and children respond to this nurturing positively. They are happy in their play and laugh and smile a lot. Although the childminder does not currently work with children with additional needs, he fully understands the importance of working with parents and other professionals. Policy statements show an inclusive, anti-discriminatory approach to the childminder's practice. He has a thorough understanding of safeguarding issues, developed through training, and has a clear written policy including procedures to follow should he have any concerns. This ensures children are safe.

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provision

Children benefit from effective partnerships with parents. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures as well as general information about the setting. Parents are kept well informed about their child's care and learning through verbal feedback and written information. In addition, each child has a folder containing photographs, examples of work and observations. The childminder makes effective use of observations on children, which are recorded in their developmental progress books. The records present a formative assessment process and identify the next steps in learning. The childminder has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and an excellent understanding of how children learn and develop and uses this knowledge and expertise effectively to provide invaluable learning experiences and play opportunities for young children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, confident and most of all have lots of fun and enjoyment. They are well supported in their learning and development as the childminder knows them very well. He skilfully promotes children's well-being and promotes children's active involvement in their own learning. The designated playroom is planned so that it has accessible, interesting, and stimulating resources available for all children. This enables them to access resources freely, encouraging independence, choice, and decision making. The childminder interacts with the children constantly. He stimulates their curiosity and uses open questions well to encourage their developing language skills as they play together. For example, he repeats words back to the children to enhance their vocabulary. Toddlers enjoy vocalising as the childminder initiates conversation and reinforces their attempt to speak. Older children delight in showing off to the visitor their knowledge of nature as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

they name the pictures of birds displayed and name the spring flowers from the scrap book.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses the learning journey well and has a clear understanding of the children's next steps and how these are supported through play. Ongoing observation is the main form of assessment and the childminder has developed a system for assessing the children. He uses discussion with parents to identify starting points. However, he has yet to fully implement this into the recording systems for the children’s learning journey. Planning is flexible and is based on children's individual interests, allowing children a range of indoor and outdoor activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Babies and toddlers enjoy abundant sensory experiences, such as playing with treasure baskets. They are well supported in the development of their walking skills. They pull themselves to a standing position using domestic furniture and sturdy toys, helping them to balance. They are supported well as their physical

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

mobility and coordination increases. Children develop close relationships with the childminder and enjoy cuddling into him as they get tired. He knows them well and is flexible to their individual needs. Clearly settled and confident in their surroundings, the children happily interact and include the visitor in their pretend play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Everyday activities and the play environment are fully used to support learning. Early number skills are introduced through everyday activities, for example, counting the number of cake cases and measuring the ingredients when baking. Children enjoy a variety of outdoor activities each week and this increases their confidence and develops social skills as they visit local groups to socialise with other children. They learn the importance of fresh air and exercise being good for their health and well-being. Children enjoy playing in the garden with a selection of sit and ride cars, sand and kitchen. He has an excellent understanding of the importance of providing a healthy diet and this is supported by exciting and fun activities. For example, children shop for fruit and enjoy having them as their snacks and they also taste food from around the world. Children learn about making healthy choices and gain good social skills when eating together with the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder as they talk about the food they are eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders to pick up the toys so they do not trip. Road safety activities and regular fire drill practices enhance their understanding of staying safe. This is complemented with effective daily risk assessments of the childminding environment and for outings. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up to date. This positively safeguards children's well-being. Children show respect for one another as their social skills develop, enhancing their positive disposition to learning. Children are well provided with experiences and support which helps them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others. The childminder is a very good role model, having a quiet manner and listening to children well, showing positive regard for them as individuals. 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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