Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 307590 Inspection date 02/11/2011 Inspector Shirley Monks-Meagher

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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 1989. She lives in the Whitworth area of Rochdale. The whole of the ground floor, with a dedicated nursery area, is used for childminding purposes and bathroom facilities are on the first floor. There is a secure front driveway for outdoor play.

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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, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. In total, there are nine children on roll. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and attends the local playgroup. She holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare and 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy, secure and enjoy their time with the childminder enabling them to make good progress. Overall, their safety and welfare is successfully underpinned through a selection of policies, procedures and good practice. Children benefit significantly from the inclusive service which is tailored to meet their individual needs. They are recognised and valued as unique individuals through the gathering of information from the adults involved with them, sensitive observation and appropriate support. An enabling environment allows them to explore, play and question in a secure and confident manner. The childminder builds continually on her achievements in order to secure better outcomes for the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 16/11/2011

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further?

 record and inform parents of any accidents or injuries sustained by the child whist in the care of the setting (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 16/11/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 extend the self-evaluation and improvement systems to evaluate the benefit of any changes made on outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues and her confidence in the procedures to follow, ensures children's welfare is effectively safeguarded. She conducts and implements comprehensive risk assessment and reviews them frequently to meet changing needs and ensure continual safety. Premises are kept secure. The childminder seeks and records most legally required information. However, there are inconsistencies in obtaining parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and in the recording of accidents children sustain whilst in her care. These are breaches of the legal requirements. All her documentation is organised and securely stored, maintaining confidentiality. Overall, children are safe and secure.

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the early years provision

Systems for self-evaluation are realistic. The childminder reflects on her practice and listens to comments from parents, children and other professionals to enable all who use her setting to benefit. She identifies areas for improvement, such as, monitoring children's progress in their learning and development and has introduced a system to implement this. However, she does not build success criteria of effectiveness into her plans for change to enable her to assess any benefit to children. The childminder attends training to promote her professional development and is a good role model. Her positive attitude to improving her provision is the over riding force responsible for the effective action she has taken in response to her last inspection, which has significantly improved outcomes for children who attend. She demonstrates a strong commitment towards promoting equality. She organises toys and activities to enable all children to participate fully.

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the early years provision

A bright, stimulating environment enables children to easily access toys and resources of their choice, which means the children spend their time in purposeful play. Planned activities, resources, toys and books promote children's understanding of diversity.

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the early years provision

Great importance is placed on meeting children's individual needs. Close working relationships with parents contribute effectively to the children's good progress. The childminder seeks effective information from parents which underpins her realistic and secure understanding of children's individual needs, abilities and backgrounds and ensures their needs are well met in practice. Parents are kept informed through a variety of sources, such as displays, policies and procedures and children's learning journey files. A close relationship with the local school, means that children who attend both settings enjoy consistency and continuity in their learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is warm and nurturing enabling children to establish close, trusting relationships with her. They are happy and demonstrate a sense of security in her care, confidently chatting to her, making their needs known and expressing their thoughts and ideas. Routines are consistent and help the children know what to expect next. The children develop a strong sense of belonging. They know where to find toys and play materials. Children engage in a wide range of activities indoors, outdoors and at community facilities. They move around freely and safely, making choices, following their interests, increasing their independence and developing their initiative. These are attitudes, skills and abilities which will benefit them in their future life.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder spends all her time with the children who have lots of opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the wider world. Observation is integral to her practice and focuses the individual support she provides. As a result, children engage in appropriately challenging play activities which consolidate and move their learning on. The children are active, inquisitive learners, who express their ideas freely during their play. They are motivated and eager to participate, spending their time purposefully. For example, they perceptively mimic their world as they act out scenario's with role play toys and equipment, such as, kitchen equipment, play foods, crockery and cooking implements. They prepare for an imaginary birthday party and share out the goodies and cake between each other and the adults. They are curious and persistent. A simple cardboard tube becomes a spyglass, a rolling pin or a roadway

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and outcomes for children

for small cars. They spend lengthy periods of time making connections and developing their ideas, both independently and with the childminder. Children discover for themselves. They sort and handle a variety of natural, synthetic and recycled materials and enjoy painting and craft activities, using a wide variety of media. Large and small boxes from the recycle box are used effectively by the children as they design and build individual houses in the outdoor area, gathering stones, leaves and grass to add decoration. Children are developing good imaginations and express themselves creatively.

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and outcomes for children

Children mark-make freely and confidently and handle books with care. Some children are developing good pencil control and are beginning to produce recognisable letters which they can link to their sounds. Their communication skills develop well because the childminder spends her time talking and listening to them. Consequently, they develop a good vocabulary and make their needs known effectively. They play outside in the fresh air where they pedal vehicles and manoeuvre them successfully around objects. They enjoy music, movement and dance sessions, where they are developing a good awareness of the effects of exercise on their bodies. The children are becoming safety conscious. They practise emergency evacuation from the premises and understand safe behaviour when outside. For example, they hold hands securely on the trips to and from school because of the dangers of cars. Good role modelling and routines help

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and outcomes for children

children develop an awareness of personal hygiene. Older children take themselves to the toilet and cover their mouth when they cough. Nutritious, home cooked This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 meals and snacks and activities about healthy foods are helping the children to recognise and make appropriate food choices as part of a healthy life style. 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 2 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 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 3 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

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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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.

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 16/11/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 16/11/2011

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