Childminder in Blackburn with Darwen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY314416 Inspection date 23/09/2009 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2005. She offers care from her home in the Audley area of Blackburn in Lancashire. She lives with her husband and two sons aged eight and 12 years. The childminder is registered for a maximum of five children under eight years on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. Overnight care is provided. There are currently four children on roll attending full and part-time places. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Children have use of the ground floor of the home, which consists of a through lounge, annexe play area, bathroom and a bedroom for sleeping in. Children do not access upstairs areas, apart from the designated bedroom and bathroom on the first floor when overnight care is provided for children over five years. There is an outdoor play area at the front of the premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed all required training and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has some knowledge and understanding of meeting children’s individual needs. However, the planning, observations and assessment procedures for individual children as they progress towards the early learning goals is limited. There are positive and effective relationships with parents to actively engage them in all aspects of the organisation, and keep them up to date and informed of their children's routines and development. Policies and procedures for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place and support children's overall safety and well-being. The system for self-assessment to identify priorities for future targets and to maintain continuous improvement is limited.

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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 identify priorities for future targets and to maintain continuous improvement  develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to plan, observe and assess the individual needs of all children as they progress towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are protected and safeguarded because the childminder has risk assessments for the premises and for any outdoor activities. She is aware of her role and responsibilities to protect children from any harm, and follows the local safeguarding procedures. She has a written policy that includes information for parents in the event of any allegations against the childminder. Children are safe and secure in the premises and the deployment of resources are satisfactory. The environment is child-centred and children can move freely and safely and use suitable equipment, furniture and toys to support their development. The childminder ensures that children are safe in the home environment and when on outings and has given attention to all necessary safety procedures and equipment.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows commitment to supporting and enabling children to develop and learn but identifies her need to carry out the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework training. She has established links with the local children's centre and is supported by her network coordinator and takes on board any suggestions to improve her practice. She has responded to the previous recommendations at her last inspection. For example, she has signed consent for emergency medical treatment, ensures that toys provided are safe for children under two years with no small pieces, fully informs parents about her daily routines and care practices and there is a procedure for complaints. As a result children's safety and well-being is now enhanced. The childminder recognises some strengths and weaknesses. However, the system for self-evaluation is in the early stages of development. Therefore, the link to embed ambition and drive improvement is limited.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established effective partnerships with parents. They are valued as partners and are confident in the childminder’s ability to meet the individual needs of their children. Parents are informed about the organisation of the childminding. For example, they are provided with access to policies and procedures and exchange information verbally at the start and end of each day about routines and activities. The childminder writes a development report for children and shares these with parents. Parents are fully aware of the routines and rhythms of the day and comment positively about the excellent service, that the childminder is flexible and that their children are secure and well cared for. Links with other professionals and providers are emerging to ensure progression and continuity of learning. There are links with other childminders within the community network.

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the early years provision

All children and their families are welcomed and included in all aspects. The childminder is sensitive to individual needs and wishes. The organisational policies and procedures are inclusive. The environment is planned creatively and children can access a range of resources to meet their needs and interests. Children are helped to understand about differences and diversity through books and meeting with children and adults at community play centres. Every child has a record form and important information is gathered from parents. The childminder is able to provide appropriate care and learning opportunities, so children are well supported and encouraged. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and secure and enjoy their time in the childminder’s care. She has created a calm, welcoming and child-centred environment where children are supported and encouraged to learn and develop. She talks to and reassures children throughout the day and works to a flexible routine so children feel a sense of belonging. The childminder has some knowledge of child development and provides a satisfactory range of experiences and learning activities. She supports children's personal, social, physical and intellectual development. They participate in outings to local toddler groups, the park and various children's centres. Children can make choices and lead their own play through free access to toys, She has developed a system for recording her observations and takes photographs of children during their play. However, this system is in the early stages and is not clearly tracking individual future learning needs as children progress through the

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and outcomes for children

stepping stones towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop their personal, social and independence skills as they are secure with the routines and rhythms of the day. They explore their environment confidently and show their own preferences and characteristics. They have formed a close relationship with the childminder who is responsive and caring towards them. Children are beginning to share and respect each other as they are reminded of the rules about positive behaviour. Children socialise at local toddler groups and children's centres and are building up friendships with others. They develop their language as they learn new words in their language and other languages. They enjoy listening to songs, rhymes and music. Children are able to respond and carry out simple instructions and tasks. They experiment when making marks on paper and with paints and different mediums. They use cause and effect toys, and find out how things work and move. Children show interest in

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and outcomes for children

pushing and pulling and build structures with construction toys and bricks. They operate simple mechanisms, press buttons and turn knobs. Children develop a sense of time and they know when they need a sleep, when it is snack time and outdoor play time. Children are able to negotiate space and move freely around the environment and enjoy music, singing and dancing. They enjoy putting objects in and out of containers and improvise actions they have observed, by waving goodbye and clapping, jumping and hand washing. Children respond to what they see, hear, smell and touch and use role-play equipment imaginatively, based on their own everyday experiences. Children develop an awareness of number as they count single objects and organise and classify toys in groups and patterns, shapes and colour. They problem solve as they fit shapes into spaces on inset boards and jigsaws.

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and outcomes for children

Policies and procedures to maintain children's health, safety and well-being are in place. The premises are clean and hygienic. Children sleep according to their needs and are provided with a balanced diet. They learn about healthy lifestyles through daily fresh air and exercise. The childminder maintains children's safety and ensures that children are secure in the premises. There are gates across doorways and children are supervised at all times. Safety equipment, first aid items and risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments are in place. She talks to the children about being safe and not climbing or jumping on furniture. Children know not to touch the television and learn about keeping safe in the prams and when out on the road. Children feel safe and secure with the childminder and respond to the routines and rhythms of the day. They play with purpose and explore and investigate the environment and

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and outcomes for children

resources freely. Children learn about expected behaviours and develop positive relationships with the childminder and other children at toddler groups and children's centres. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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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