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 EY388435 Inspection date 01/07/2009 Inspector Mary Wignall

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and three children, of whom one is aged in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age range. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the play room in the garden. The back garden is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are two children on roll in the EYFS age range. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, has a relevant Level 3 Qualification and is working towards joining the West Lancashire childminders network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The children make good progress due to the childminder’s good understanding and implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder plans individually for each child’s care and learning progress creating an inclusive learning environment. Learning opportunities meet all children’s needs. The childminder plans stimulating activities for both boys and girls and for children of all ages to enjoy. Self-evaluation effectively identifies strengths and weaknesses and actively involves the parents and wider childminder networks.

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further?

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

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further?

 make sure that provision complements the education and care the child receives on other settings  carry out regular evacuation drills and record details in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  analyse observations and give a summary of the children's achievements creating records that are clear and accessible to everybody who needs to see them.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure the record of risk assessment identifies when and by whom the checks have been made. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 26/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

A fully informative set of policies shared with parents gives good information about the provision. A useful range of methods keeps them informed of their children’s progress and daily experiences. Daily exchanges of information are well balanced and establish a productive two way flow of information to provide consistency and for the children. The childminder is aware some children attend other provisions, although this is not as clearly reflected in her planning of complementary experiences for the children.

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provision

Good use of safety equipment, child sized furniture and a risk assessment help keep the children safe. The record of risk assessment shows the full range of checks made to ensure the children’s safety, although does not always record when the checks are made in line with legal requirements. The childminder has a strong commitment to continuous improvement. Well targeted plans aim for improved outcomes for children. For instance, joining the West Lancashire childminder network involves a quality assurance process to continually develop her provision.

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provision

The childminder’s policy on safeguarding children is clear about her responsibilities. This and the complaints policy effectively inform parents of relevant procedures and contact details.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the children. This is based on discussions with the parents about their child’s starting points and her own observations. Weekly planning shows planned purposeful play and exploration across all areas of learning. The plans are personalised to pick out individual children’s learning objectives, such as, developing walking or cutting skills. Children’s development files are available for parents. Regular sharing of photographs gives the parents information of their children’s progress and achievements. Children’s files show their progress with the planning of their next steps of learning though no summary is made of their achievements. This makes them less clear and accessible to those who need to see them such as, parents or other professionals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and confident as the childminder has built good secure relationships. Strong partnership with parents enables the childminder to make photographic books of the children’s extended family. They look at them together talking about the people and are very effective in helping the children feel secure. When looking at pictures and nursery rhyme books together the childminder points to pictures, talks about them and sings rhymes. As a result the children are confident looking and handling books and enjoy practising their early language skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses daily routines to extend children’s learning. For instance, the children raise their arms as the childminder counts to three before lifting them out This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the high chair. Good use of recycled materials interest and stimulate the children. Colour coded plastic bottles filled with different types of materials produce different sounds and affects. The children like to hold them, shake them and look at them. The childminder is alert to the children’s interests. Having learnt to take out and put back different objects the childminder plans more opportunities to this. She has as a full range of safe and suitable larger and smaller objects for them to explore. The children are active and confident exploring all the space and resources provided. They learn boundaries as the childminder is consistent and clear in reinforcing rules. For instance, they know not to touch the television and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

play appropriately with the toys. Their understanding of fire safety is not as effectively promoted as evacuation drills have not been practiced.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's good knowledge of the children means they follow individual rest patterns. She recognises when younger children are tired and knows how best to support them. They wake refreshed and eager to continue their fun. The childminder‘s commitment to freshly prepared or cooked food develops the children’s understanding of healthy eating. The childminder has a good understanding of procedures should the children be ill. Clear documentation and good partnership with parents means she responds quickly and appropriately if the children feel unwell. 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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