Childminder in Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY222395 Inspection date 11/11/2009 Inspector Sandra Elizabeth Williams

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in June 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 18 years. They live in a first floor flat in the centre of Lancaster. The whole of the childminder’s flat is used for childminding. There is no garden for outside play, therefore the childminder takes children to the local park. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both parts of the Childcare Register. She is also a home child carer.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. She is also a qualified and experienced classroom assistant.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder establishes a good knowledge of each individual child’s needs and interests in order to meet their welfare and learning needs well. Children are making good progress in their learning and development due to the excellent efforts made by the childminder to address their unique requirements. She has developed excellent partnerships with parents and ensures that their wishes are adhered to. Partnerships with other agencies are also good which ensures that children receive continuity in their care. Children are safe and secure due to the vigilance of the childminder and her awareness of safeguarding procedures. However, some of the safety issues are not completely met. Thorough and regular self-evaluation by the childminder makes sure that she is aware of her strengths and areas for further development and she is committed to continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further develop the risk assessments for outings to ensure that each type of outing is assessed  ensure that the contents of the first aid kits are renewed and updated as neccessary  review the safeguarding children policy to ensure it includes procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures, and is committed to keeping children safe and secure whilst in her care. She keeps the premises secure at all times and uses appropriate safety equipment in order to minimise hazards and accidents. She has two first aid kits, however, some of the contents are out-of-date. Detailed written risk assessments are in place for the premises, which cover all of the required elements. There are also risk assessments for outings, however, they currently do not cover specifically, each type of outing undertaken. Written records and documentation are well organised, up-to-date and stored securely in order to ensure confidentiality. The safeguarding children policy does not currently include procedures to follow should an allegation be made against the childminder. The childminder has undertaken a thorough self-evaluation process, which identifies

p.5

the early years provision

her strengths and areas for development. Resources, such as training and advice, are used well to help her with her professional development and this ensures that essential training is kept up-to-date.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are excellent because the childminder listens carefully to the parents and ensures that their wishes are accommodated. She pays particular attention to making sure that children are cared for in accordance to their cultural and religious beliefs. Her attention to detail regarding providing equality and positive attitudes to diversity is outstanding. Parents demonstrate their appreciation of the care provided for their children by writing very positive letters and references, which the childminder treasures. The childminder provides parents with good information about the setting, including policies and procedures. Parents are given verbal and written accounts of the children's welfare and development very regularly through daily diaries and their developmental files. Partnerships with other agencies are also good, for example, advice from physiotherapists is taken on board in order to help children's development and mobility. The children do not

p.5

the early years provision

currently attend other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), but the childminder is aware of the need to share information about children's learning and development, should this occur.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their development and learning as the childminder provides a stimulating and exciting learning environment, full of interesting activities and equipment which are well deployed. Children of all ages are able to choose what they would like to play with because the toys are stored at low level so that they can self-select, thus developing their independence. The childminder uses her good knowledge of the six areas of learning and development to plan various activities suitable for all of the children who attend. She has a very good understanding of children's individual abilities by using information from parents and by making sure that all children receive the support and resources they need to be able to participate fully. The childminder keeps good records of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 each child's progress through written observations, photographs and samples of

p.5

and outcomes for children

children's work, linking learning to the early learning goals. The written assessment information clearly identifies children's next steps in all areas of their learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have opportunities to adopt healthy lifestyles as they develop a good understanding of healthy eating. They receive nutritious, homemade meals each day and enjoy snacks of Indian food, such as chapattis on a regular basis. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene practices as they wash their hands and dry them on their individual hand towels. Although there is no outdoor play area attached to the premises, the children enjoy regular trips to the park and other places of interest. They develop physical skills as they play on the large apparatus in the park. They also enjoy physical activities indoors, such as dancing to music. Children learn about keeping themselves safe in many ways, for example, by learning about 'stranger danger' and road safety. They also enjoy visiting the fire station, where they meet the fire men, sit in the fire engines and learn about fire safety. They feel safe due to the reassurance and support provided

p.6

and outcomes for children

to them by the childminder. This is evident from the warm and affectionate relationships observed between them.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children enjoy excellent opportunities to make a positive contribution and learn about mutual respect for others. They experience a positive view of the wider world because the childminder shares aspects of her culture and that of our wider community. They have the opportunity to learn a little Arabic, and benefit from the visual displays on the walls to help them. Children enjoy several toys, books and dressing up costumes, which reflect our diverse society in a positive manner. The children are making good progress in their literacy skills as they enjoy looking at books and listening to nursery rhymes on the CD player. They have access to a wide range of age-appropriate books and enjoy trips to the library, which encourages their interest in books. They are encouraged to count and recognise numbers by counting during everyday situations, for example, counting stairs. They also learn about shapes and sizes, for example, as they play with various toys

p.6

and outcomes for children

and puzzles. Children are assisted to develop skills in information and communication technology as they have access to a computer and programmable toys.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children develop their creativity as they take part in many craft activities using different media, such as paints and play dough. Their creativity is also encouraged through music, role play and dressing up. They are beginning to show responsibility for their environment as they take part in recycling household items. For example, they collect household objects, such as boxes and cardboard tubes to use when undertaking junk modelling. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8