Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY410851 Inspection date 16/11/2010 Inspector Rosemary Killackey

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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 assesses 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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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 2010. She lives with her three children aged five, six and 10 years in the Accrington area of Lancashire. The whole of the ground and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time in the early years age range and is currently minding one child. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 provides a homely, welcoming environment where children are happy and settled. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Consequently children's care, learning and play are promoted well through a suitable range of activities. She values the uniqueness of each child and cares for them in an inclusive environment. Children's needs are met successfully because the childminder establishes positive links with parents and other professionals. She shares information appropriately which ensures continuity of care. She has a positive and willing approach to developing her childminding service and informally reflects on her practice, in order to maintain continuous improvement. A few aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage are not yet fully developed.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further systems for identifying strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for children  review current risk assessments and take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum, such as, toiletries in the bathroom and the banister on the landing.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good secure knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding procedures and ensures children are protected from harm or abuse. She is confident in recognising signs and symptoms of abuse and has completed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant safeguarding training. She fully understands her responsibilities and has up-to-date information including a written safeguarding policy. She has developed many written policies and procedures which work well in practice to promote children's health and safety. Comprehensive written risk assessments for the home and outings have been developed. Consequently, a safe environment is created where risks in general have been minimised, although, some toiletries in the bathroom and the banister on the landing could compromise children's safety. The childminder teaches children how to stay safe through appropriate explanations,

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the early years provision

for example, the childminder explains to young children why it is not safe to climb on the truck whilst leaning on a box and setting of boundaries during play and outings. Within the home they also practise the fire evacuation procedure. On outings they learn how to cross the road safely, they hold hands and look right and left and listen for any vehicles. They learn about stranger danger and know not to speak to people they do not know. The childminder has an appropriate first aid certificate.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a fully inclusive child-centred play environment and offers a flexible routine which promotes children's welfare and meets their needs. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home, they develop a sense of belonging and build good relationships with the childminder and her family. Space, time and resources are well organised to meet children's individual needs and children choose what they want to play with from a good range of age appropriate toys and resources which are stored in boxes or displayed on units. The childminder understands the importance of working closely in partnership with parents and other settings which children may attend and has forged links to help her provide continuity in children's care and learning. The childminder makes good use of the notice board in the entrance hall and parents are provided with good quality information about the service she provides. Daily discussion and the use of

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the early years provision

a daily diary ensures information is shared about children's activities and achievements. The use of all about me forms and meetings with parents prior to a placement commencing enables the childminder to establish a basic understanding of each child's starting points and to record relevant information, such as, allergies, likes and dislikes.

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the early years provision

The childminder has not yet fully developed a formal process for self-evaluation, although, her capacity to improve is good. She has developed questionnaires for parents to comment about the service she offers and received good positive feedback. She has identified her strengths as being able to develop good bonds with children and being able to recognise and develop children's learning. She has also identified where she needs to improve, such as, developing resources for older children and developing further her self-evaluation process. The childminder has a positive outlook and is also committed to improving her professional development and expertise to ensure children continue to receive quality care and education. 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 has developed a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Daily routines include a balance of adult or child-led activities. Written observations and assessments demonstrate the progress that children are making towards the early learning goals, given their starting points and capabilities. The childminder is steadily becoming confident in recording these and successfully makes links to each of the six areas of learning and effectively identifies and plans for children's next steps in learning. The childminder has a good understanding of all children's likes, dislikes and capabilities. She values the uniqueness of each child and establishes warm trusting relationships, which helps each child to feel settled and included. The childminder sits with children as they play, she listens and talks to them, asking open-ended questions to encourage children to become independent thinkers. As a result, they are being challenged

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and outcomes for children

throughout the day to extend their knowledge and learning. She encourages children to reflect on past events, such as, asking them if they remember making the cats at Halloween. Children develop creative skills and make marks with a purpose. They learn to recognise their names as the childminder teaches them the sounds of each of the letters and she encourages them to fill in the shape of the letter using many different creative materials, such as, gluing, beads, squashed tissue paper and using crayons and glitter. She encourages children to use scissors and they are able to cut different shapes. Children confidently tell the childminder the names of the colours and shapes, such as, yellow, pink, heart and circle, and she praises their achievements. Children's pieces of art work are valued and displayed as are many photographs of the children playing and learning. The children also benefit from activities outside the home. They regularly visit the local

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and outcomes for children

park and toddler groups. They visit the farm where they feed the animals and the butterfly house where they see many different types of butterflies. When they return home they make their own butterfly house and learn about the cycle of the butterfly's life, they watch as caterpillars turn into butterflies and fly away. All of which helps to widen children's experiences and develop an awareness of their wider community. Children are happily engaged and occupied. Resources, toys and equipment are all in good clean condition and of satisfactory quality.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from being cared for in a home which is clean and well maintained. Their individual routines are recognised and respected. Effective measures are in place to ensure children stay healthy and minimise the risks of cross infection. Children learn about hygiene practises and personal care as they wash their hands before eating and after going to the bathroom. The childminder has a saying 'clean hands safe hands'. Children are well nourished. The childminder provides nutritious snacks and meals, such as, ham sandwich with cherry tomatoes and home made chicken curry, rice and naan bread. She uses a slow cooker and children are encouraged to be involved in the preparation, such as, cutting the mushrooms. Drinking water is readily available. Children are gaining a good understanding of the benefits of active lifestyles as they routinely go for walks and play in the park. The childminder further promotes children's good

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and outcomes for children

health by having an effective written exclusion policy and children with infections, such as, measles do not attend. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder provides a child-centred play environment and shares warm relationships with the children who are very well-behaved. They learn to respect one another and learn the importance of sharing, taking turns and playing co- operatively. The childminder has a good understanding of how to manage children's behaviour appropriately, taking into account their ages and stages of development. Children develop confidence and positive self-esteem as the childminder provides activities which she knows they enjoy and encourages and praises their achievements. The childminder provides an inclusive provision and ensures that all children feel valued and their individual needs are met. They are positively encouraged to recognise differences and learn to respect others, as they

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and outcomes for children

play with toys and read books that contain positive images. They learn about customs, festivals and food from countries around the world. This encourages a beneficial understanding of the diversity of the world in which they live. The children develop appropriate skills and confidence to support their wellbeing in the future. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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