Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY339396 Inspection date 02/11/2011 Inspector Karen McWilliam

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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 lives in the Colne area of Lancashire with her child aged 13 years. She was registered in 2006 and is registered to provide care for six children under the age of eight. There are currently six children on roll aged from nine months to five years, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder is registered on Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

Children access the whole of the ground floor. There is an enclosed area outdoors for the children to access. Children are taken on outings to the local toddler group, the park, playing fields and the shops. She is a member of the National Childminding Association

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are well cared for and very happy in the welcoming family home where their individual needs are routinely met. The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage therefore children make steady progress in their learning. The childminder has close relationships with parents ensuring an inclusive environment that values each child's unique qualities. Most records and systems ensure children are safe. Self-evaluation is in its early stages, however the childminder demonstrates a commitment to future improvements and as a result of this her capacity to improve is sound.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure there is information about who has legal contact with the child, and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and protecting children's welfare). 11/11/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 review the medications policy in line with current statutory guidance stating medicines should not usually be administered unless they have been prescribed  ensure regular evacuation drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.  develop self-evaluation and include the views of parents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and protected in the setting because the childminder has attended safe guarding training and has supporting policies and procedures in place. However, to further safeguard the welfare of children the medication policy needs updating to state non-prescribed medication will not usually be administered, unless there is an health reason to do so. Appropriate contact details are available should she be concerned about a child. Children are kept safe whilst in the childminder's care because she is vigilant and supervises the children well. She regularly reviews and updates her risk assessments which cover all areas of her home including the garden and for outings. She takes careful action to manage or eliminate risks. This means that children are well protected when using equipment and resources, such as the trampoline. Children are also further protected because she holds a current First Aid Certificate. Children are protected

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the early years provision

from cross-infection because the childminder implements a good sickness policy.

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the early years provision

The environment is well organised. There is a range of exciting resources for children to choose from including cause and effect toys. Children are able to choose what they would like to play with and can access some resources for themselves, such as books and construction toys. This means that they are able to make sound progress in their development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She looks for ways to improve her provision for the children and to this end sets herself appropriate targets. She forms close working relationships with parents and carers. She obtains useful information about each child, such as their dietary requirements. This means that parent's wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met. Kind words in cards evidence that the parents are happy with the care she provides. The childminder and parents discuss children's starting points on entry and she uses this information to plan next steps for the children. This means that parents can become involved in their child's learning. Effective relationships with other provisions and professionals are firmly established and contribute well to supporting children's welfare. For example, the childminder contacts the network coordinator from her local children's centre for any advice and support.

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and outcomes for children

Children really enjoy being in this setting and are familiar and secure in its routines because the childminder is careful to meet their needs. Children are able to move freely and safely around the setting because the childminder ensures their environment is safe. The childminder encourages children to keep themselves safe. As a result of this, children do not talk to strangers, or open the safety gates or the fire guard. They know how to use toys and other resources safely. Older children are encouraged to risk take by using scissors. Therefore supporting the development of their physical skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's good health is promoted by the childminder because she offers them healthy choices of fruit and well balanced meals. They readily wash their hands before a snack because good hand washing routines are well established. Children

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and outcomes for children

are able to get out in the fresh air on most days. They are developing good physical skills in walking, running and jumping because they make use of a variety of resources. For example, they can use the climbing frame, swings and other equipment to test and challenge their skills as they visit the local park. Regular fire drills are carried out, an evacuation plan is displayed, smoke alarms are in working order and tested and appropriate fire equipment is available. However, fire drills are only conducted with the older children and any problems encountered are not documented. This means that the risk to younger children is not minimised.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making sound progress towards the Early Learning Goals because the childminder plans activities around their interests and needs. She observes what they can do and documents this in their individual learning journeys so that what they need to do next is identified. They enjoy looking at a book, turning the pages and talking about the pictures. The children have opportunities to try out their early writing and drawing skills. For example, they draw a spider on the computerised drawing frame and count its legs or paint the walls outdoors with water. They fit pieces into jigsaw puzzles, shape sorters and build tall towers with construction bricks. As a result of this they are developing skills in problem solving, reasoning and numeracy. The childminder promotes children's knowledge and understanding of the world through a variety of activities, such as baking, using play dough and small world figures. Children are also gaining sound skills in using

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and outcomes for children

technology as they access a variety of programmable toys, such as telephones, an electronic story board and other electronic toys. This means that children are also developing skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved in the setting. This is because the childminder offers clear explanations and displays the rules in picture form. Children are learning about their own and other cultures and beliefs because they celebrate festivals together. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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