Childminder in Westmorland and Furness

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY268323 Inspection date 30/03/2011 Inspector Lisa Patterson

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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 August 2003. She lives with her husband in their home close to Ulverston. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding as well as the bathroom and spare bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully-enclosed garden for outside play. Family pets include two cats.

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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, no more than four of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group, most of whom attend on a part time basis. When working jointly with another childminder, a maximum of eight children may be cared for at any one time. The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Furness Childminding Network.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

An exemplary knowledge of each child's individual needs makes sure the childminder successfully supports children's welfare and learning. Children are very safe and secure in the well risk-assessed home and when on outings. There are very close partnerships with parents and other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage and these are used to make sure that there is continuity in children's progress. This means that children make very good progress. Regular self-evaluation and input from the local authority ensures that priorities for development are identified and addressed.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 providing a wider selection of signs, symbols, words and numbers in the environment, through which children can develop an understanding that print carries meaning.

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the early years provision

Children are extremely well safeguarded because the childminder is highly knowledgeable about the indicators of abuse and the procedure to follow should she have a concern about a child. Comprehensive written policy documents are in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place to support all aspects of her work and are used for reference should the need arise. Risk assessments are highly effective in identifying aspects of the home that require regular checks such as the gates in the garden and children's safety is a priority. All required documentation is in place and very well organised to allow ease of access should the need arise.

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the early years provision

The childminder strives for excellence in all she does and uses training and input from the local authority to drive her provision forward. She attends a wealth of relevant training and uses this in the setting, such as 'playing with wood' training. She has made very good use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form to identify and address areas for development within the setting.

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the early years provision

Children play in a warm and airy home environment which is organised to allow ease of access to a wide range of resources and activities. Space is available for quiet stories, table top activities, interest table, floor toys and role play and children move freely between them. The childminders share the tasks and support each other extremely well so that all the children receive individual attention, as well as small group activity times.

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the early years provision

Parents enjoy extremely good relationships with the childminder. They receive a wealth of information during the flexible settling-in sessions and regular updates about development both verbally and in writing. They are encouraged to take an active part in their child's development and the childminder values this input. Partnerships with other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage are well established and there is an ongoing exchange of information to provide continuity in the children's care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the exciting and stimulating environment. There is a wealth of innovative activities on offer, in which all children are involved. Excellent use is made of the view outside the patio doors to discuss animals and nature. Discussions take place, for example, about how many horses are in the field and why the children think they are lying down. Children are enthralled by the story, read with such gusto, and join in with rhyming words. Activities in the home are extended through visits into the local environment, for example collecting sticks or leaves. They sing impromptu songs together while reading a book about animals, some of which link to the current theme, and continue singing as they play. Some children watch intently as the childminder writes their names on their pictures, sounding out the letters and then make their own marks for their names. They count all the time, such as when eating their snacks, and more able children

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and outcomes for children

are challenged to add one more. Learning is made relevant to the children by linking it to life at home, such as talking about the size of their pigs at home and whether they are big or little.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to handle tools safely as they help to erect a large pirate ship outside using wood and fabric and thoroughly enjoy the finished product. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 press buttons and are beginning to understand that their actions make buzzers sound or lights flash. They enjoy planting seeds in the garden and learn to be responsible for watering them. Children enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise. They go on trips to the park and use a variety of climbing and balancing equipment. They take walks out to local areas, such as the beach or the forest, or play in the garden with the extremely wide range of outdoor toys. They are very creative and their creations are displayed to promote a sense of belonging and achievement.

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and outcomes for children

Children's development is fully monitored to ensure they are progressing towards the early learning goals. Individual learning journeys containing annotated photographs and examples of their creations are linked to stages of development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Information gained is used very effectively to guide planning for individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and well cared for. There is an atmosphere of mutual respect and the childminder is a good role model. They talk kindly to each other and are learning to share and take turns, sometimes with gentle interventions from the childminder. They receive constant praise for a job well done. They are reminded to sit still at the table so that they don't fall and are given explanations as to why some activities are not safe. They enjoy a wide variety of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. The childminder is a good role model, sitting with the children to create a social atmosphere and eating a banana. Children blow their noses and wash their hands before meals, using disposable towels to prevent the spread of infection. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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