Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY392744 Inspection date 26/11/2009 Inspector Victoria Gail Halliwell

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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 was registered in 2009. She lives with her partner and child aged 15 months in the Brown Hill area of Blackburn, close to local schools, pre-schools, shops and parks. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and toilet facilities are located on the ground floor. There are no facilities at the premises for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time, of whom two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in this age range. She also offers care to children aged from five to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is available to provide care each weekday on a full-time basis. The childminder 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

Children's individual needs are very well met by the childminder who works very closely with parents to ensure consistent care and promote all aspects of children's welfare. Children benefit from very secure relationships and in practice, the childminder effectively promotes children's learning and development. However, records of their learning and development are not fully developed. Parents are well informed about most aspects of the childminder's provision through written policies and procedures and are actively encouraged to share what they know about their child. The childminder is committed to her professional development, but systems to assess the effectiveness of the provision and subsequent priorities for improvement are not fully established.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 put in place and make available to parents details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. (Safeguarding and welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 21/12/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 analyse observations and highlight children's achievements or their need for further support, and use this information to plan for the next steps in children's learning. Also include details of children's starting points to provide an accurate record of their progress towards the early learning goals This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  implement a system of self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for children.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded by the childminder who has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. Appropriate systems are established to monitor existing injuries and details of the childminder's safeguarding policy are shared with parents. Children play safely within the childminder's home because the childminder conducts effective risk assessments. She takes appropriate steps to minimise hazards according to children's ages and stage of development. From an early age the childminder gently raises children's awareness of their own safety and ensures children feel safe and secure. For example, explaining to young babies that they may slip if they try to stand on the books.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well organised and careful attention is paid to the statutory guidance. Attention to most written records, including a wide range of written policies and procedures, is good. However, the childminder has not devised a procedure for parents to follow if they have a complaint, which is a specific legal requirement, although the childminder routinely encourages parents to make comments and raise concerns they may have so that she may address them. The childminder has only recently commenced childminding and while she is keen to build on her existing knowledge and expertise as an established childcare professional, she has not yet developed a process to evaluate the effectiveness of all aspects of her provision. Since registration she has attended several relevant training courses and has secured places on a number of additional courses. The childminder reviews her practice following training and implements any changes

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the early years provision

she feels may be beneficial to the children. For example, encouraging parents to contribute to their child's daily diary to further develop partnerships.

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the early years provision

Children are valued as unique individuals. The childminder provides an inclusive service and welcomes all children. Very effective partnerships with parents are established during the gradual admission process. Parents are encouraged to attend regularly with their child and share specific details of their child's care needs, routines and development to date. This time is well utilised by the childminder who talks openly with parents about her service and shares details of all policies and procedures. She also builds secure relationships with the children, which helps them feel safe and secure when left in her care for the first time. Ongoing communication takes place verbally or via the daily diary, which ensures parents and the childminder are well informed about how children spend their time. Key aspects of children's development are also noted in the diary. For example, a parent’s comment shows that a child has been walking along the

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the early years provision

furniture at the weekend. The childminder subsequently provides opportunities for the child to practise and refine these new skills while in her care. The childminder is also aware of the importance of working in partnership with others. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from very secure and loving relationships with the childminder, who nurtures their well-being and ensures they feel safe and valued within her care. Children's emotional well-being is effectively fostered by the childminder, who responds affectionately and continually praises the children's efforts to acquire new skills. Children's individual routines are observed throughout the day and young children sleep and eat in accordance with the individual routines they have established at home. The childminder is a positive role model and from an early age babies are learning to build positive relationships and are learning to value and appreciate diversity, as they learn about the society in which they live.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming active and inquisitive learners. They eagerly explore the stimulating and accessible learning environment the childminder provides. They have a strong sense of belonging and enthusiastically investigate developmentally appropriate play materials. For example, young babies smile and wave their arms in delight as music plays in response to their actions. They excitedly seize textured soft blocks and repeatedly hold them tight to elicit a response and momentarily pause when they hear the cube make a sound. They sway and move in response to music and bounce up and down as the childminder sings 'heads, shoulders, knees and toes'.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder holds a nationally recognised Nursery Nursing qualification and has many years experience in caring for children, prior to commencing childminding. She has a sound awareness of child development and knows that children learn best through direct experiences. She has a secure knowledge of the six areas of learning and provides a wide range of experiences and activities that effectively promote all areas of learning. For example, babies are learning to communicate because the childminder encourages them to vocalise. She listens and responds when they babble and routinely provides verbal and non-verbal encouragement through eye contact and facial responses. Regular outings into the local community are used to highlight children's awareness of their surroundings, the community in which they live and the natural world. Children's physical development is very well promoted. Babies are well supported by the childminder

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and outcomes for children

and have many safe opportunities to pull themselves into the standing position. The childminder is enthusiastic about children's learning and routinely positions herself on the floor so she is actively involved in their play and exploration. However, records of children's learning and development are not well developed.

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and outcomes for children

Details of children's achievements or areas where they need additional support are not securely recorded. Photographs are linked to stages in children's development but do not provide sufficient detail. The childminder is aware of children's starting points but this information is not included in children's records. Consequently, there is not a clear record of children's progress over time. The childminder is mindful of individual capabilities and stages of development and plans a broad range of activities which promote all areas of learning. However, there are no clear links between observations of what children can do and written plans for their future learning. 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 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 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide parents with a copy of the complaints procedure. (Providing information to parents) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 21/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Compulsory Childcare Register section of the report. (Providing information to parents). 21/12/2009

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