Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY335025 Inspection date 08/03/2010 Inspector Jean Evelyn Thomas

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2006. She lives with her husband, who works as her assistant on occasion, and two children aged six and seven in Ormskirk, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The toilet and sleep facilities are situated on the first floor level. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant she is registered to care for a maximum of seven children at any one time, of whom no more than four may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding seven children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to local parks, libraries and other places of interest on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the underlying principles to effectively support children's progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder provides a warm, enabling and inclusive environment, where children's uniqueness is respected. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment towards continuous improvement. Effective partnerships with parents and other providers within Early Years Foundation Stage are maintained to promote good continuity of care and progression for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the use of the documented observational assessment process to further enhance the progress of all minded children within the Early Years Foundation Stage  build on current good practice by clearly establishing a shared starting point for individual children with their parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder places high priority on ensuring that the children are kept safe. She has a good knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of the action to take in the event of any concerns about a child. The childminder regularly reviews with parents the information she holds pertaining to the children, such as child details, parental consents and emergency contact information. This is to ensure the children are supported if they are ill or any emergency occurs. Risk assessments are completed and recorded to identify and respond to potential hazards. Consequently, the children are protected within the setting and on outings. She ensures emergency evacuation procedures are suitable by practising them with the children. All of the required documentation is maintained to support the children's welfare.

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the early years provision

The childminder creates a welcoming and enabling setting for the children. There is a wealth of stimulating resources and equipment, in both the indoor and outdoor areas, to meet the needs of the children across the age ranges. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment where children and their families feel included, safe and valued. Positive images of diversity are promoted in play equipment and books to help nurture children's understanding and respect for people who are different to themselves.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated to continually improve the quality of her service. She has systems in place to evaluate her provision including seeking parents' opinions, use of Ofsted's self-evaluation form and networking with other childminders. The childminder values training and researches information from relevant child care publications to inform and reflect on her own practice. The childminder has addressed the recommendations from the previous inspection regarding an aspect of documentation and repositioning the fire blanket for children's safety and well-being.

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the early years provision

Effective partnerships are established with parents. The childminder has devised systems to continually engage parents and to promote good continuity of care, including settling in periods and daily communication. Documented information is shared to give parents a clear insight to the provision, including training certificates, policies and procedures, and information detailing the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents are given a copy of the policies and procedures to retain for future reference. Information is gathered from parents when children start to ensure individual children's welfare and care needs are fully met. Nevertheless, information about what children know and can do is not clearly identified to create a shared starting point for their learning. The children's individual progress is recorded in their learning journal which includes observations, assessments and planned next steps in their learning and

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the early years provision

development. Parents are invited to contribute to this process. Strong links are fully established with other early years providers to support continuity in the children's learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder meets children's emotional needs, which is the basis of their secure and close relationship. Consequently, the children are confident and lively. Children select their own activities from accessible resources. They develop creative, active learning as they have fun initiating and developing their own ideas. The childminder follows the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as, following children's interests, offering outdoor play opportunities and developing personalised planning. The childminder's in-depth knowledge and understanding of the children’s individual needs ensures that she is able to help each child develop to the best of their ability. The assessment systems track the children's progress and are used to plan their next steps in learning and development. However, the documented and effective process is not used for children attending for short periods of time to further enhance their learning and

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is skilful in maximising informal learning opportunities. Shapes, sizes, letters, numbers and colours are highlighted and identified by the childminder as children pursue the activity of their choice. Outings in the local community help children to learn through everyday experiences. The childminder plans a good balance of activities based at the setting and in the wider community. This ensures children enjoy a broad range of experiences that promote all areas of their learning and development. The children learn about the cycle of living things as they grow their own plants and take responsibility to care for them through regular watering. The children are involved in the recycling of household goods; activities such as these help support the children's understanding about the sustainability of the planet's resources.

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and outcomes for children

The promotion of language and communication skills thread through all aspects of the practice and children become confident communicators. The childminder encourages children to explain what they are doing and this approach helps them to solve problems for themselves. They talk about their play ideas, their family and enjoy reflecting on past activities shared with the childminder as they look at photographs on display. The children enjoy making marks using a variety of materials; for example, in sand play they use the spades and other utensils to practice early writing skills. They enjoy looking at the marks and patterns they make and continue this activity for their chosen length of time. From an early age children show a genuine interest in books and select from the extensive range. The children use mathematical language in their play and demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts. In role play they accurately turn the

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and outcomes for children

cooker control knob to their chosen numerical setting for the play food to cook. The children change the direction of their play and dress up in police officers and doctors outfits. In their imaginative roles the children use interactive play resources, such as medical equipment and telephones which are operated through pushing and turning buttons. Developing skills in numeracy, literacy and information and communication technology contributes towards the children's future economic well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 A healthy lifestyle is actively promoted, with good hygiene routines followed by the children. Independence skills are encouraged as children learn to make their own decisions and care for their own personal needs. The children enjoy healthy meals and snacks, with individual preferences and dietary needs acknowledged. The children learn the importance of sharing and taking turns. Friendships are formed

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and outcomes for children

and nurtured, and the children acknowledge other people's feelings and emotions as they begin to consider the consequences of their actions. The childminder acts as a positive role model, and the frequent use of praise helps children feel good about themselves. The children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as the childminder regularly discusses safety issues. Road safety routines are followed at all times when out and about, and the children demonstrate their knowledge of road safety procedures as they pursue role play. 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 2 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 2

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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 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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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