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

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Unique reference number 307845 Inspection date 17/06/2009 Inspector Margaret Baines

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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 1989. She lives with her partner and two children, of whom one is an adult. They live in a semi-detached house in Blackpool. The family pets are two dogs, a cat, a rabbit, a guinea pig and a tortoise which is kept in the bedroom. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the house which has a conservatory/playroom, front lounge, back lounge/dining area, kitchen and toilet facilities. A secure outdoor play area is also available and accessed through the conservatory for physical play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding seven children, all under the age of eight, who attend on a part-time and full-time basis. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to level 3 in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, the Early Years Network - Children Come First, and the Oak Tree Network- Sure Start. She receives support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder provides an extremely safe and homely environment for children, who are all treated as individuals and are exceedingly well supported by her. Excellent relationships with parents ensure relevant information is shared. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she organises her home and resources well so that children enjoy an exceedingly varied range of activities. All the required records, policies and procedures are in place to support the safe and efficient running of the setting. The childminder has addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection. She has a realistic awareness of her childcare provision; she has completed the self-evaluation process, identifying areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continuing to participate in training to further develop practice.

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provision

The childminder has exceptionally detailed and informed policies and procedures, which have been reviewed to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. These promote a robust attitude to children's safety and welfare. The childminder has a highly efficient approach to the management of the children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual care and needs. She is extremely organised and knowledgeable in her approach to children's development. She ensures they have an excellent range of opportunities in all the six areas of learning. The routines are flexible so they reflect the children's ongoing interests and ideas. The childminder is very committed to her own self-development; she has completed in great detail the self-assessment document. She uses this as a working tool to promote future development to enhance her already excellent practice. She clearly links the self-

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provision

assessment to her capacity to maintain continuous improvement. When evaluating the effectiveness of any action taken she involves parents and children, through questionnaires and discussions. Consequently, she strives to continually improve and enhance her provision for the benefit of the children in her care. Further professional development is identified as an area for improvement.

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provision

The sharing of information with parents and carers is encouraged as a two-way process. This keeps them informed on how their children are progressing in all areas of their development. For example, daily diaries reflect each child's day whilst records of achievement, the children's learning journeys, reflect and track the child's progress in each area of learning. The childminder has taken positive steps to link with other providers where the children attend. This pro-active approach is effective in enhancing and supporting children. Children are safeguarded exceptionally well because the childminder has in place detailed policies and procedures that she adheres to. She ensures daily risk assessments are carried out and is most vigilant in her role of keeping children very safe. She is aware of her responsibility to safeguard children both in and out of her home and is very clear of the procedure to follow should she have any concerns with regard

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provision

to child protection. Consequently, children are extremely well safeguarded in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children experience a learning environment and educational programme that are exemplary because the childminder plans for each child, with their individual needs clearly identified. Consequently, children make exceptional progress in her care. Children benefit enormously from the excellent range, balance and variety of activities which fully promote their learning. The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development. It gives them the confidence to explore and learn in secure and safe, yet challenging, indoor and outdoor space and provision. Children use the dining room and the conservatory which are set up for their needs. The setting provides very good access, selection and choices for all the children, which includes a lovely selection of natural resources. There are excellent good opportunities for the children to be active learners, through their contact with other children and people. For example, they enjoy visits to local

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

groups, to the library, to the woodland garden and to the park. Children have extremely good opportunities through their play to use their ideas and suggestions. For example, they test the water levels in the rain catchers with their measuring tools they have made using wooden spoons. They access excellent resources which enable them to make connections and develop their ideas effectively, such as designing and making sunflower models. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are exceptionally well provided with experiences and support which helps them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others. They develop respect for others, social skills and a positive disposition to learn because the childminder ensures her planning for care and learning enables children to pursue their individual interests. The childminder offers the most effective support for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children’s emotional well-being to help them to know themselves and what they can do. Lovely relationships are nurtured, resulting in the children being very settled and happy in the childminder's care. This is reflected in their behaviour, which is managed in a caring and sensitive way, ensuring children's concerns and needs are fully supported.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has fully embraced the importance of children having visual images around them to support their recognition of written word and context. The walls display delightful posters and displays of children's lovely artwork. Children have ongoing opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills. For example, the childminder waits for children to finish what they want to say and responds enthusiastically, helping them develop their confidence and understanding of the spoken word. She also ensures that very young children are listened to and acknowledges their responses to a variety of situations. Older children in her care feel confident to discuss and share with her aspects of their day and suggest ideas for activities. This exceptionally positive relationship ensures children thrive in her care. The children use a wide variety of resources for expressing their understanding, including mark making, creative, modelling, books,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

story telling and music. Children have exceptionally good opportunities to fix and make things, which supports their problem solving skills well. Children enjoy activities that promote an understanding of weight and measure as they bake and make play dough. Children are learning the names of shapes as they play games and observe shapes in the environment. Children enjoy activities that promote recognition of numbers and they develop the skills to match and sequence. Children also enjoy games that promote their thinking skills, for example, constructing models.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a very secure and safe environment for the children in her care. She risk assesses the premises both inside and outside on a daily basis. She has attended child protection training, ensuring she is updated in all aspect of safeguarding. All equipment, resources and toys are checked and maintained to ensure their ongoing quality and purpose. Extremely healthy meals and snacks are provided which include fresh fruit, vegetables and a selection of meat, fish and chicken together with pasta and rice dishes. Drinks are provided throughout the day. Consequently, children thrive on the very healthy menu available, served in consultation with parents and taking into account children’s preferences. Children learn about healthy foods and are developing an understanding on how to care for their bodies. Daily access to the outdoors and fresh air fully promotes the children's health and well-being. The outdoors reflects aspects of the six areas of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning well. Children enjoy access to an excellent selection of equipment, both large and small, which supports and extends their physical skills very well. Children learn about their local area and places of interest through visits and outings organised by the childminder. They also have very good opportunities to learn about the wider word through access to very good resources and activities. As a result, children are making excellent progress in their 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? 1 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? 1

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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?

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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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