Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 308048 Inspection date 10/11/2011 Inspector Judith Kerr

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband in the Ormskirk area of Lancashire. The whole of the childminder's house except for the main lounge and two rear bedrooms is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is accredited to the National Childminding Association Children Come First Childminding Network and has a level three qualification in childcare.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and a purposeful understanding of each child which ensures inclusion is well promoted. She is kind and caring and provides a safe and welcoming environment for all children where most aspects of documentation meet requirements. Activities provided offer realistic levels of challenge appropriate to children's age and stage of development and ensure they are interested, confident and engaged. A strong emphasis is placed on good relationships with parents and others involved in children's lives. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards the continuous improvement of her service and recognises where most of the key areas for further development lie.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (Also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 10/11/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop systems to involve all parents in contributing towards children's assessments. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a thorough understanding of her role in protecting children. She is aware of her responsibility to report any concerns to the relevant persons and knows the correct procedures to follow. All adults in the household have been vetted by Ofsted to further safeguard children's welfare. Records of accidents and medication administered to children are maintained and shared with parents. However, although written consent from parents is always requested for administering medication, there are some instances when specific permission is not obtained for the exact name of the medication given. This is a requirement in regulations. Detailed written risk assessments take account of the indoor and outdoor environment and the outings undertaken with the children. This ensures hazards to children are minimised. Resources are plentiful and well-organised to enable children to make their own choices, thus developing confidence and

p.5

the early years provision

The recommendation raised at the last inspection has been successfully met to improve outcomes for children. Since the last inspection the childminder has attended various short courses to extend and keep her knowledge up-to-date. For example, she has updated her first aid certificate to enable her to administer the correct treatment in the event of an accident and attended training on food safety to ensure the correct procedures are followed when handling food. The childminder makes good use of self-evaluation, enabling her to identify her strengths and areas in the provision that would benefit from further improvement.

p.5

the early years provision

Effective relationships with parents are developed. A comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures, together with daily discussions and diaries ensures parents are provided with a wealth of information about daily routines and occurrences within their child's unique day. The childminder discusses care needs and children's starting points in relation to learning and development with parents. However, the systems for involving them in their child's ongoing learning are not consistent or effective. For example, they are not currently asked to contribute to observational assessments. Letters from parents demonstrate they highly value the service and care received by their children. Highly beneficial links are maintained with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to promote progression and continuity for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed a positive understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She ensures daily routines include a good balance of adult- directed and child-led activities both indoors and outside. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's needs and capabilities. Observations are made while children are engrossed in the range of interesting opportunities provided. These are linked to the areas of learning; the next steps are identified and used to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identify future learning priorities for each child. Assessments are linked to elements of the framework to help track children's progress towards the early learning goals and ensure they each make the optimum progress possible.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy daily opportunities to enjoy fresh air and physical activity as they walk to and from school, visit local parks, and play in the garden. This enables them to energetically participate in a wide range of activities which develop their physical skills. For example, children enjoy manoeuvring the wheeled toys, throwing and kicking balls and playing with the hoops. As a result, they develop coordination and balance. Children develop their artistic talents using a variety of media including paint, glue, glitter, funky foam and tissue paper. They make spiders using paint and string and trees with tissue paper blossom. Baking activities are popular as children enjoy making bread and cakes.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Outings to toddler groups, the zoo and museums provide opportunities for children to socialise with their peers and learn about animals and other events. Children share warm relationships with the childminder which enables them to feel happy and secure in her home. From an early age children are encouraged to develop their self-help, language and numerical skills. For example, they happily wash the grapes for their snack, count the number of shapes in the sand and identify their colours. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through resources, such as, dressing up clothes, posters, dolls and books. They celebrate festivals, such as, Chinese New Year and Diwali by tasting foods, eating with chopsticks and making pictures of diva lamps. The childminder recognises the importance of valuing linguistic diversity and of welcoming children with special educational needs and disabilities into a sharing and inclusive environment.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about health and hygiene through effective daily routines. For example, they enjoy regular outdoor activities throughout the year appropriately dressed and understand why they must they wash their hands before eating or baking activities. The childminder ensures children have a superb understanding of how to stay safe by taking them on visits to the fire and police stations. She offers gentle reminders about not climbing on furniture as they may fall and regularly practises the fire evacuation drill to ensure they have a terrific knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. The children demonstrate an exemplary understanding of why they must push the button at the pelican crossing and wait for the green man before it is safe for them to cross the road. The childminder is fully committed to ensuring the children learn independence skills which will support and promote their learning in the future.

p.6

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified on the Early Years report. 10/11/2011 To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified on the Early Years report. 10/11/2011

p.8