Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 308165 Inspection date 28/02/2011 Inspector Lynne Naylor

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Ormskirk, Lancashire. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes, as well as a bedroom and the toilet and bathroom on the first floor. The rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder walks or drives to toddler groups and is able to take children to and collect them from local schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently six children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification at Level 3. She is an accredited member of an approved childminding network and able to provide funded early education to children aged three and four years.

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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 make good progress in their learning and development supported by effective communication between the childminder and parents. The childminder understands the benefits of developing links with the other settings that children attend. She meets children's unique needs in an inclusive, accessible and safe home. The written risk assessment record, however, does not contain all the legally required information. The childminder demonstrates the capacity to maintain continuous improvement. The self-evaluation system is not yet set against robust criteria, however, she reflects on her practice and identifies suitable areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the record of the risk assessment is regularly reviewed and identifies aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and when and by whom they have been checked (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 14/03/2011

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  strengthen the systems to monitor and promote children's progress towards the early learning goals, linking with parents and other providers where appropriate  use a self-evaluation system to identify the setting's strengths and areas for development and further engage parents in the process.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a comprehensive awareness of child protection issues and how to work with other agencies. This is because she recently refreshed her knowledge of the indicators of abuse and how to work with appropriate agencies. The childminder keeps children safe in the home, garden and on outings. She visually checks her home every day to make sure that identified hazards are minimised. However, a specific legal requirement has been partially breached as the written risk assessment record does not reflect some changes in the use of space. For example, the playroom on the second floor is not currently being used for childminding; therefore, a gate has been fitted to prevent access to children. Although this ensures children's safety, the record has not been updated to reflect this change.

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the early years provision

The childminder efficiently manages her service through maintaining clear policies, procedures and record keeping systems relating to attendance, medicine administration and accidents. These ensure children are kept safe, protected and supported. All adults who live in the house have undergone appropriate clearance procedures, which help to maintain children's safety. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate, which means that she is competent to take appropriate action in the event of an accident.

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the early years provision

Good use is made of space on the ground floor to provide a wide range of different activities and experiences. High quality resources are varied, easily accessible and used well to support children's learning and development. The childminder provides a variety of resources and activities that promote difference and assist the children to learn effectively about the wider world. Children enjoy daily opportunities to be outdoors. They go for walks in the local area, play in the garden or visit local parks and places of interest.

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the early years provision

The childminder has positive working relationships with parents. They verbally exchange useful information and parents access a range of written information including informative policies and procedures. Photographs on the wall and in albums are changed regularly so that parents can see clearly what children have been doing. Parents also look at their child's 'Learning Journey' file, which contains their work, photographs and an increasing amount of written observations that demonstrate that their child is making good progress. However, the records do not provide a full picture of children's learning and development. This is because information provided by parents about their child's learning and development are not yet linked with the childminder's observations and assessments. The childminder has not yet had reason to try to establish partnerships with other providers or professionals. However, she clearly understands the benefits of

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 working in partnership with others to ensure progression and continuity for individual children.

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the early years provision

The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification and frequently attends further training and workshops to keep her skills and knowledge up-to-date. She has fully addressed the recommendations from the last inspection. As a result, records of evacuations and the administration of medicine are improved and the contents of the first aid box are renewed annually. The childminder has made good progress to develop her service. She regularly attends childminder network meetings and meets with other childminders. The evaluation of the setting is not yet set against robust criteria. However, the childminder reflects on her practice, listens to any views expressed by parents and children and takes on board new ideas and strategies to improve outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual health, physical and dietary needs are well met. They eat healthy lunches provided by their parents and a variety of healthy snacks and drinks provided by the childminder. Children easily help themselves to drinks, when thirsty, as their cups are kept accessible. Children effectively learn about hygiene and safety issues through routines, stories and planned experiences. For example, they talk about healthy eating during baking sessions and when they make fruit kebabs. They visit the supermarket to buy a carrot that they cut and shred and try raw. They visit the local allotment to talk with the keen amateur gardeners about what they are growing. Every day, children exercise in the fresh air, which is good for their health. They play in the garden, use equipment at the park or go for walks in the local area. They also enjoy physical activities, such as, dancing to music whilst twirling ribbons.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a clear sense of belonging in this home. They choose what they would like to play with from a wide range of books and toys, which reflect positive images of culture and disability to promote respect for diversity. They behave well and demonstrate polite, courteous behaviour as they say 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately during play activities. For example, a child cutting wooden, pretend fruit during imaginative play thanks another child for passing over some more. Children gain a sense of security as they follow routines and learn to use a range of equipment safely. They learn to safely evacuate a building in an emergency as they practise every month.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn particularly well through play, everyday experiences and a wide range of interesting outings. As a result, they make good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. Children develop learning and social skills that equip them well for the future. They learn to socialise, share and take turns with others as they visit local groups and meet up with other children. They demonstrate growing skills in literacy and numeracy. They acquire a love of stories as they regularly visit the library to borrow books. At the childminder's home, they take turns to role play being the librarian. They practise early writing skills as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 make marks with crayons and paint pens on paper and on boards with chalk. The childminder skilfully encourages children to think and use mathematical skills as they play. For example, she orders two pieces of pizza when it is her turn to be a

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and outcomes for children

customer in the restaurant. Children demonstrate their understanding of technology as they operate button activated toys, scan the pretend shopping and operate the toy till. 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 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 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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