Childminder in Blackpool

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

p.1

Unique reference number 307585 Inspection date 24/06/2009 Inspector Lisa Patterson

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1988. She lives with her partner, also a registered childminder, and her adult son in Blackpool. The whole of the downstairs is used for children and minded children have access to the playroom, lounge and kitchen. The upstairs bathroom and two bedrooms are also used. There is a garden to the rear of the house and the family has three pet dogs, kept in a separated outdoor area.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When co-working with another childminder this number increases to nine children under eight years, six of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and completed National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Early Years Care and Education in June 2004. She is a member of the Teen Parent Network, the local Seasiders Childminding Group and the National Childminding Association approved Children Come First Network. Advice, support and training is gained from the local authority.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. An in-depth knowledge of each individual child's needs, developed through continual observation and assessment, and an expert understanding of child development, mean that all children are well supported in their learning journey. Children's safety is a priority and there are highly effective risk assessment and ongoing reminders to children to keep them safe and secure, both on or off the premises. Parents enjoy close relationships with the childminder and working together for the benefit of the children. The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development and uses self- reflection and the broad range of training and advice from other professionals to continually strive for excellence.

p.3

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.3

further?

 continue to develop the excellent systems for monitoring children's development and accessing continuous provision both indoors and out This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

Highly effective monitoring of the setting makes sure the childminder has a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, and carefully prioritises areas for improvement. Recent improvements have included a soft surface in the outdoor area, so that children of all ages can experience the outdoors in safety. Documentation is highly organised and has been fully updated in line with current regulations. The childminder strives for excellence and attends a wide range of training events which she uses to inform further development of the setting.

p.4

provision

Very close partnerships with parents are maintained. They receive a wealth of information when their child first starts, and ongoing liaison in the form of daily diaries makes sure they are kept fully up to date of all aspects of their children's care and learning. Their views are valued and used to make improvements to the setting and the childminder uses their knowledge to provide appropriate support for children's learning. The childminder supports parents during all developmental milestones, liaising with health visitors or other specialists where required and making sure their needs are understood.

p.4

provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of safeguarding children, developed through attendance at training and firsthand experience. Her home is well maintained and safety issues addressed through continuous risk assessment.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. She has a secure knowledge of all the children and works closely with her co-childminder to support their development. The play area is bright and airy and organised with low-level, see-through storage, to which the children have independent access. They are encouraged to tidy away and sort toys into the correct boxes, which helps to develop early mathematical skills. Children's individual likes and dislikes are fully understood and the childminder uses these to support their development. For example, children who are interested in playing with the toy diggers and trucks are taken to a local building site to look at real diggers and compare their size. The childminder talks to the children about what they are doing, mimics their babbles and sings songs with them to develop their language skills and conversations. They sort shapes, count balls and experience the world around them through trips to the

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

park, beach and local beauty spots. They learn about different textures through sand and water play and treasure baskets and enjoy finding hidden objects. Indoors and outdoors are used equally and children love developing their physical skills in the outdoor area, and through 'tumble time', during which they listen to music and participate in action songs. They thoroughly enjoy music and select their favourite instrument from a well-stocked box.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Observations and assessments clearly show how the children are progressing, from identified starting points and clearly defined next steps, which are extremely well used to support children's development. Learning journeys show how the children are making progress through photographs and written observations; however, they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are not currently fully linked to the stages of development outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage documentation.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to stay safe through gentle reminders about the rules in the home; for example, they wait patiently for help in accessing the outdoor area. They take part in regular emergency evacuations, which makes sure all are prepared should the need arise. Children thoroughly enjoy the delicious home-cooked meals and snacks. Meals are balanced and the childminder tries to encourage five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, working closely with the parents. The home is extremely clean and the children and childminder are vigilant in maintaining good hygiene practices, including washing hands after handling the dogs in the outdoor area. Children are extremely well behaved and respond well to the requests of the childminder. Their individual needs are extremely well met through close liaison with parents and other agencies where necessary, and children learn to respect others through accessing an excellent range of resources. They thrive in an

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

atmosphere of mutual respect. This helps children to learn about the diverse nature of society. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

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? 1

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7