Childminder in Blackburn with Darwen

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 301656 Inspection date 21/07/2009 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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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 registered in 1993 and is registered for a maximum of four children under eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, five and two years. There are currently three children on roll attending full and part-time places and during school holidays.

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Description of the childminding

The premises are in the Roe Lee area of Blackburn in Lancashire. Children have access to a dedicated playroom, a lounge, a kitchen, bathroom facility and a secure outdoor play area. There is no access for children on the first floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends various activity groups and is an accredited childminder for the local network. She has completed required training and is qualified to level 3 in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. Systems are well organised to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning environment to meet individual needs. Children are fully included and are really well supported, having access to all facilities and activities. Partnerships with parents are positive to meet children's needs and to help them feel secure and confident. Parents are fully informed about the organisational policies and procedures. Some steps are taken to identify strengths and weaknesses and evaluate the provision. However, the system for self-evaluation to promote continuous improvement is still in the early stages.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system for self-evaluation to plan for future improvement.

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provision

The childminder works effectively to provide good quality care and education for children. She has an understanding of her identified strengths and weaknesses and is beginning to self-evaluate. The childminder has responded positively to the recommendation from the previous inspection. Parents can now access the information relating to complaints and the contact details for Ofsted. The childminder has a very positive attitude to training and has completed various training courses to keep up-to-date with current practices. She has a childcare qualification and is now an accredited childminder for the local network. There are links with other providers, professionals and other carers to ensure progression and the continuity of learning and care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision is

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provision

well organised and promotes all aspects of children's welfare. Children are protected and safeguarded owing to the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, health and safety procedures and the steps taken to promote children's good health and well-being. There are effective systems in place to manage and eliminate any risks to children. For example, all the areas of the house are safe and secure, arrival and collection procedures are followed, a detailed risk assessment is completed and any actions are identified. All necessary safety equipment is in place and children are aware of safety procedures.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents to meet children's needs and to help them feel secure and confident. All families are welcomed and valued in the setting, parents have access to their children's development profiles and there are noticeboards, photographs, welcome posters in different languages, and information about the policies and procedures. There is two-way communication with parents and the childminder. Parents give feedback about the provision through questionnaires. Review meetings with parents are planned to share children's development. The childminder is flexible for parents' work requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has good knowledge of the learning and development requirements. She fully supports children's learning through planned activities and experiences, both home-based and within the local community. Children visit the park and socialise with other adults and children at toddler groups, children's centres and through community activities and trips. They make independent choices about their play and access the designated play area where toys and games are accessible. Children are really settled, confident and comfortable and respond to the routines and rhythms of the day. The childminder ensures they can play, rest and eat according to their own needs and routines. She plans activities and experiences to cover the six areas of learning and so supports children's social, creative and physical skills. These also develop children’s knowledge, understanding of the world, number and communication skills. The childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

plans to a theme and covers the six areas of learning. Each child has an 'all about me' information sheet completed by parents, children and the childminder. She has detailed planning done in the long, medium and short-term way. She observes children during their play and notes down any significant comments. She links the observations to areas of learning, evaluates what children are achieving and then identifies their next steps of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their social skills as they take turns and share during the planned activities. They respond to the praise and encouragement given by the childminder and feel good about themselves. Children are able to make choices about what they want for their snack and what they want to play with. They use number language and problem-solve with the feely bag ball game as they close their eyes and feel the different textures and talk about shape, size and colour. Children develop their creative and imaginative skills as they dress up in their favourite costumes and pretend in the role-play greengrocers. They explore and create with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 different mediums and textures as they make collages, paint and use different tools to make different patterns and shapes. Children really enjoy outings and trips to places of interest and support their physical needs through fresh air and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

exercise on wheeled and climbing toys. They use small tools and equipment to develop their hand and eye coordination. Children's health and wellbeing is supported as they have a healthy diet and follow routines to take care of themselves when hand washing, toileting and putting on paint aprons. Children talk about what they are doing and develop their communication skills as they listen and ask open questions that relate to why, where and when. They access a good range of books and love listening to stories, singing and dancing. Children explore different textures as they use the feely bag and talk about the colours and features of the objects. Children discover the natural world as they go on a bug hunt, learn about growing and planting seeds and plants. There are lots of photographs so children can relate to everyday scenarios and routines. Books, dolls and role-play reflect different cultures, family lifestyles and feelings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is fully committed to good quality care, which actively promotes the children's health and well-being. Children are protected and safeguarded because the childminder understands what she needs to do in the event of a concern. She has a written policy and procedure that includes information if there is an allegation against her. Children are provided with a healthy balanced diet and learn about healthy lifestyles. Children's behaviour is managed in a way that supports their understanding of what is right and wrong, and in accordance with their individual ages and stages of development and understanding. Children play cooperatively and support each other during their activities. They feel a sense of belonging when they help to tidy up their toys and choose independently. The childminder works to clear rules and boundaries that the children can relate to and liaises with parents at all times to promote consistency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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