Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY321549 Inspection date 09/12/2010 Inspector Lesley Sharples

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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 has been registered since March 2006. She lives in Wesham, near Preston, with her husband and their three children ages six, nine and 12. The family home is close to a library, children's centre and park. All of the childminder's home is used apart from the main bedroom upstairs and there is an outdoor space to the rear of the house. The family have a gecko and a lizard as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration is for a total of five children under eight years and older children can be looked after. Currently there are three on roll, of whom two are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development gained in January 2009. She is also member of the National Childminding Association and part of the Quality Assured Childminder Network in Fylde in Lancashire.

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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

Children are very happy in the care of the childminder and are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder promotes an inclusive, healthy and safe environment where she responds to the unique needs of each child. Effective partnership with parents ensures a two-way flow of information and partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage is just developing. A portfolio of information contains the required documents to ensure the smooth running of the childminder's provision. The childminder is proactive in extending her knowledge and skills. She reflects on her practice to make improvements, which impact positively on children.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop systems to gather information from providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage for children, to ensure progression and continuity of learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is clear of her roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children. She has a clear and knowledgeable understanding of some indicators which may This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 give cause for concern, gained from updated training. Children's safety, both on and off the premises and all outings, is given high priority. This is achieved through robust risk assessments which are regularly reviewed. For example, train journeys and visits to the various groups children attend. The sharing of policies and procedures with parents means that they understand what the childminder is required to do and this gives them reassurance.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive approach to continually improve her service. She reflects on her practice and has a commitment to continuous professional development, gaining NVQ Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development in January 2009. Courses are attended to enhance practice, such as baby signing and a music workshop. Future training needs are identified and a training plan is completed, which targets priorities for development. For example, the childminder would like to do a speech and language course. As part of the local network the childminder implements ideas and suggestions from the coordinator, in order to further improve the learning environment and all recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is strong and therefore effective in meeting individual children's all round needs. Their views are sought in questionnaires and they are invited to contribute comments about aspects of home life within their child's daily diary and learning journey, as they take these documents home to review. Children's achievements are confirmed through weekly planning sheets on display and daily verbal discussions. The childminder is just commencing liaising with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage for children, to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care. Systems considered do not ensure there is a two-way flow of information.

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the early years provision

Children's learning is very well supported as the childminder uses her experience and knowledge to help them progress. The learning environment is warm and welcoming, with children's photographs and artwork displayed, which shows it is valued. The childminder gives careful thought to the organisation and deployment of resources, which encourages decision making and developing independence for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children fully benefit from the commitment the childminder gives to promote learning and development. A secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and continuous reference to it means that children enjoy rich and varied activities throughout the week. These experiences are within the childminder's setting as well as at various groups. This widens their learning experiences and contributes to developing confidence in social situations. Children are happy, feel very secure and enjoy the cuddles during story time. Children's initial and ongoing development is supported by clear information gathered when they commence and through subsequent observations. The childminder uses spontaneous recordings of what children are seen doing as well as more focussed ones. This information is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 used to assess learning and identify next steps in their progress. Planning is well

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and outcomes for children

thought out and illustrates the time and attention the childminder gives to this area of practice. As a result, children's individual learning journeys reflect how children spend their time and evidence the wealth of opportunities they enjoy.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning about the wider world through outings and planned activities. They visit an animal sanctuary, watch the life boat come in and learn about other cultures. For example, they play with small world resources which reflect Inuit people and know that they live in igloos. This links well with the weather children are currently experiencing. Children particularly have a love of books and stories. They freely choose a story and the childminder obliges, reading with many inflections in her voice and at a pace children can absorb what is being said. Early mark making is encouraged through various means, for example, an 'aqua mat' and painting with water outdoors. Children particularly enjoy exploring different textures in a treasure basket. They like putting pasta shapes into wooden containers and metal pans. They relish making loud sounds with the lids, using them as symbols. The childminder encourages positioning words, such as, up and

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and outcomes for children

down and early language is developing well. Social and economic well-being is addressed through simple technology, using their laptop to mirror what they see, as well as other simple and more complex programmable resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning about recycling and growing foods. They know which bin certain items are put and photographs show children proudly holding the carrot they have grown. Their welfare is assured as the childminder pays meaningful attention to foster their health and well-being. Foods are nutritious and children learn about healthy eating through activities such as, collages of pictures showing different kinds of nutritious meals. They have continuous access to water, which keeps them well-hydrated and eat plenty of fresh produce. The childminder has improved her practice when changing nappies, therefore lessening the risk of cross-infection. Children are encouraged to use manners and know the simple rules to keep them safe, such as not running in the house. 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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