Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 308009 Inspection date 13/05/2011 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 October 1992. She lives with her husband in Thornton-Cleveleys. It is close to schools, a library, Children's Centre and park. Two of the ground floor rooms are used for childminding, comprising of a lounge and kitchen with just the bathroom used upstairs. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house and the childminder has a dog.

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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 six children at any one time. Currently there are four children attending, of whom three are within the Early Years Foundation Stage age range. The childminder also offers care for older children over five years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education. She is an accredited childminder providing early education for two children in her care. She is a member of the Wyre Childminding Network and retains membership of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children are making excellent progress in their learning and development within an inclusive environment. This is due to the ongoing total motivation and commitment of the childminder who is dedicated to the children in her care. Children's safety and welfare needs are given high priority underpinned by thorough documentation and stringent risk assessments. The childminder works extremely hard to foster strong partnerships with parents, ensuring a shared approach to children's care and education. An extremely positive approach to reflective practice assists the childminder in recognising areas for improvements, so that aspirations enrich her provision for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extending information gathered from parents when children commence so their starting points are known.

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded in the care of the childminder. She is exceptionally clear about her role and responsibilities for reporting any child protection concerns. Training and detailed procedures ensure knowledge is current and correct. Highly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effective policies and procedures are shared with parents who sign to evidence this. Children play within completely safe environment as the childminder gives high priority in undertaking stringent risk assessments to minimise hazards. Children learn exceptionally well about road safety and know what to do when practising fire drills. They ably demonstrate their understanding such as, looking both ways, not running and which door to go out of. Thorough risk assessments are undertaken for all types of outings so that children enjoy these experiences safely.

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the early years provision

The stimulating learning environment and deployment of resources maximise learning opportunities for children. They genuinely feel a real sense of belonging because they move about freely and know where resources belong to help themselves. The childminder labels see-through boxes with pictures as well as words to help children identify their contents, innovatively supporting children's developing independance and decision making. Children are making strong connections between themselves and the wider world by celebrating other festivals such as painting an American flag on Independence Day. Displays of positive images of disability and plenty of resources optimise learning opportunites and promoting children's understanding of multiculturalism.

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the early years provision

The childminder places a strong emphasis on communication with parents and involving them in their children's learning. Daily diaries inform of routine aspects of the child's day and what they have been doing. A wealth of information is sought when children begin, so that the childminder gets to know the child and family well. This includes extended family member's photographs within the 'A ll about me' document. The welfare needs of children are fully known so the childminder can complement their home-life. Parents are invited to contribute to their children's learning journey and make comments within this. The childminder is fully aware of the requirement to work with other professionals and practitioners and has documentation in place to support transitions.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed a self-evaluation form thoroughly to examine her practice and identify where improvements can be made. Additionally, as part of attaining accreditation to deliver early education to funded children, the childminder also has an action plan to target weaknesses in her practice. One area which has impacted positively for children is the developing outdoor area with images painted on a wall to support children's understanding of shape and colour and matching. The childminder has also implemented the recommendation made at the last inspection. As a result, the childminder promotes improved outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children flourish within the care of the childminder as they enjoy close and loving relationships, feel secure and safe. When asked, they express that they know they can tell the childminder if they feel upset. They fully benefit from receiving equal This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attention as the childminder is skilled in sharing her time. Each child's uniqueness is recognised and their individual characteristics known. The childminder uses her experience and qualifications to maximise each child's potential for learning and implements the Early Years Foundation Stage expertly with inspiring and challenging activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning journeys attractively evidence the vast range and wealth of opportunities children undertake. Although initial information is gathered when children commence, this is weighted to their welfare needs. Their interests and what they can do at home are not fully sought to identify their starting points with the childminder. Highly comprehensive observation, assessment and planning for next steps fully support children's progress in all six areas of learning. The childminder offers innovative and exciting activities, based on what she observes children doing and weaves this information into her extensive planning to ensure progress is fostered. The use of many annotated photographs, some showing sequences of events, illustrates the many challenging and meaningful experiences children receive. The childminder ensures she tracks progress so that all areas are covered equally and children make rapid progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a positive disposition for learning and are engrossed in their meaningful play. They enjoy a balance of adult-led and child-initiated play which considerably supports their own thinking and ideas. For example, children put together pictures with same-sounding words and call the childminder to listen to them saying each set. They seek support when needed, such as not recognising a picture of a thief but easily recognise a leaf. Children are adept using simple technology and simple programmable toys. They take photographs, videos and tape voices, finding extreme pleasure in their results. Older children include younger ones who squeal and laugh with delight, when being shown their picture and listening to their recorded sounds. Children are able to complete complex jigsaws aimed for older children and design and construct using their imagination well, proudly showing their completed structure.

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and outcomes for children

Children use magnetic numbers in their correct order for counting and the childminder extends this activity to mark making and writing the numbers down. Fun games for calculating and recognising more or less than further supports children's understanding of number. They have extensive opportunities within other settings, which widens their experiences and promotes confidence to socialise in groups. Many outings promote aspects of the wider community. For example, they visit a children's farm and have regular stories at the library. The childminder visits local groups which extends children's creative development in arts and crafts and role play. Children are learning about looking after living things as they water their flower seedlings every day within their individualised containers. Children are also learning about aspects of sustainability. The childminder uses recycled items for play and reminds them about turning taps off

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare needs are fully addressed and they thrive in the care of the childminder. They are learning to be healthy through developing independence in their self-care and use personal towels and flannels for this. Choices of nutritious snacks are enjoyed and children choose between milk and water to drink. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 have water available at all other times in their own containers, so are kept hydrated. Posters on display in the kitchen show healthy foods which reinforce effective practice. Children's behaviour is exemplary and relationships are excellent at all levels. They totally cooperate during their play by sharing, taking turns and being kind to one another. The childminder kindly encourages children to use manners such as 'excuse me' and praises them constantly. There is obvious and genuine affection between them and this boosts children's self-esteem, laying

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and outcomes for children

down firm foundations for their future well-being. 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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