Childminder in Blackpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 308018 Inspection date 28/03/2011 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 September 1992. She lives with her husband in Bispham, Blackpool. Local amenities include parks, the beach, Children's Centre, schools, zoo and various groups. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, comprising of an open plan area with the conservatory used as the playroom. The bathroom is the only room used upstairs. There is a garden to the rear of the home and there are three cats.

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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 four children at any one time. Currently there are four children attending throughout the week, all of whom are within the Early Years Foundation Stage age range. The childminder is also able to offer care for older children over five years. The childminder works each weekday from 8am to 5.30pm. Advice, support and training are gained 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

Children are making good progress in their learning and development within this inclusive environment. Their unique needs are fully met and they feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder. Partnership with parents is strong, achieved through sharing information both ways. The childminder is committed to children's safety and their welfare needs are known and met. The childminder reflects well on her practice, she demonstrates willingness for continuous improvement and keeps training up to date in key areas.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop learning journeys to include starting points when children commence and use next steps to influence planning  extend resources within the learning environment to include positive images of other cultures as well as diversity and disability.

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded as the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities, should there be any concerns. Policies and procedures reflect requirements and documentation is well maintained. Children's safety, both on and off the premises, is assured because the childminder undertakes thorough risk assessments and carries out weekly fire evacuation practises and records these. Children ably inform which door they go out of and know not to run. The learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment is very well organised and resources are very thoughtfully deployed to allow maximum choice and independence for children in accessing them.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is strong because there is effective two-way flow of information. Policies and procedures are shared, daily interaction and written diaries keep everyone updated. The childminder ensures parents visit as many times as they want, prior to their children commencing. Their views are sought so the childminder can take into account any comments for improvements. However, positive praise and appreciation of the childminder is obvious. Currently no children attend other settings deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage, but the childminder knows to liaise with them to ensure continuity of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder reflects on her practice and keeps training updated. For example, recent courses include Food Safety Level 2, First Aid and Risk Assessment Level 2. The childminder has implemented the recommendation made at the last inspection, updating safeguarding and complaints information. The childminder is open to suggestions about her practice and strives for continuous improvements which have a positive impact on children, such as developing her systems for their learning journeys.

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and outcomes for children

Children are progressing well in their learning and development. This is because they benefit from a vibrant and stimulating environment both indoors and outside, which engages their interest and challenges their thinking. They are learning about their local and wider communities because the childminder maximises what is on offer, for example, different groups, the beach and children's activity centres. This widens children's experiences and learning opportunities. Children however, lack some opportunities to learn about similarities and differences. There are few resources and positive images to reflect disability, although currently there are lovely Chinese artefacts within the children's playroom which prompt discussion.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning skills for the future with simple programmable resources and a lap top computer. They thoroughly enjoy story time together, providing a relaxed moment in their day. Self-discovery play with various materials in treasure baskets and the freedom to develop their own play means that children are given a beneficial balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning. Especially enjoyed are the regular trips to see animals at the zoo and a sea life centre. Children talk excitedly about the baby zebra and camel they see and that they can touch a star fish.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning journey's and photographs on display reflect the wealth of activities they enjoy and the childminder's understanding of implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is aware that starting points, although known, are not always recorded to commence the learning journey. The childminder writes lovely observations and assesses children's learning, but their next steps are not always included to influence planning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's welfare needs are fully supported. They lead healthy life styles as the childminder is vigilant in hygiene matters and children play in a spotlessly clean environment. This prevents the risk of cross infection. Plenty of fresh air and exercise promotes their well-being and physical development. Children enjoy home cooked foods. They love to eat broccoli and have various fruits for snacks. The

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and outcomes for children

childminder meets dietary needs, for example, not cooking fish on certain days. Children feel safe in the care of the childminder. There are close and nurturing relationships and they are praised and encouraged in all they do. This boosts their confidence and self-esteem, therefore children flourish. 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 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 1 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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