Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429980 Inspection date 05/12/2011 Inspector Joanne Law

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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 2011. She lives with her partner in Kirkham, Preston. The whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has three pet rabbits.

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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 able to provide overnight care. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from local authority.

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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

The children enjoy their time in a welcoming and calm environment. They are happy, relaxed and confident. Children's unique needs are met and they make steady progress in their learning and development. Not all documentation to ensure the safety and welfare of children is in place. The childminder has sufficient self-evaluation in place and she has set herself some realistic targets for the future. She is committed to developing her service and has attended a variety of training. Satisfactory partnerships are developing between parents, local schools and pre-schools to ensure that the care needs of all children are met. However, there is less focus on children's learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly, at least once a year (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 12/12/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further relationships with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity of children's learning, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development and care  provide a variety of resources that promote positive images of diversity to enhance children's awareness of the wider world  provide further opportunities to develop communication language and literacy skills ensuring the environment is rich in print so children can learn about words  develop a range of resources to enable children to use information and communication technology to support their learning.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and protected because the childminder has sufficient knowledge about local safeguarding policies and has effective procedures in place. The childminder is aware of the possible signs of abuse. She knows what actions to take if she has any concerns about a child in her care. Daily checks are carried out by the childminder which helps to ensure the home is a safe and secure environment for children. However, an annual risk assessment is not in place, this is a breach of legal requirements.

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the early years provision

The childminder has appropriate knowledge of the Early Year's Foundation Stage and uses this well to support children in their learning. The environment is generally well-organised and accessible to the children. For example, children choose their own resources which enables them to thrive and make progress in their development. The childminder provides a welcoming environment by providing the children with varied resources and equipment that are well maintained. Most toys and resources are arranged to enable children to access them independently. Adequate resources are available that promote positive images of diversity and enhance children's awareness of the wider world. An effective equal opportunities policy is in place and implemented by the childminder. This means that the individual needs of children are met and children are included fully.

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the early years provision

The childminder is welcoming to all children and their families. She establishes a good enough two-way flow of information with parents and others to ensure she meets children's individual care requirements by using daily diaries and verbal exchange of information. However, the information exchanged is limited; this can impact on continuity of learning, development and care for children. The childminder is aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She looks for ways to develop her provision for the children. The childminder is ambitious and her self- evaluation and reflection is suitable. She identifies some key priorities for improvement and demonstrates a commitment to update her knowledge, skills and practice. This benefits the children who attend her provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are making steady progress in their learning and development because the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through play. Children enjoy a range of activities which have clear links to the six areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. An effective system for recording observations is in place, with observations used to inform planning to meet children's individual needs and interests. Children settle well in familiar surroundings where the childminder is sensitive to their needs and interests. Children demonstrate their independence as they move around the room selecting different toys and resources to play with. The children are also confident to request resources that are in the store area. The organisation of equipment and toys enables children to use the resources well and follow their curiosity as learners. Children develop an understanding of mathematical concepts through

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and outcomes for children

daily routines and play. For example, when playing with jigsaws. Children's language development is well supported by the childminder through positive interaction and lots of books that interest the children. However, there is limited print displayed within the setting, therefore, opportunities for children to learn about words is restricted. Resources for information and communication technology are adequate and children have limited opportunities to develop skills in operating equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children's awareness of people's differences is adequately promoted as they are able to access some resources which promote positive images of diversity and celebrate some festivals throughout the year. Through everyday routines, children are developing a good understanding of the importance of effective personal hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. Through nutritious snacks and meals, the children are developing a satisfactory understanding of making healthy choices. Overall, opportunities for children to be active are good. They frequently play outdoors and participate in local walks, which supports their healthy growth and physical development. They have access to equipment, such as, bats, balls, small sit-and- ride toys and a trampoline. In addition, through painting, drawing and malleable activities, the children are developing their dexterity and co-ordination skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning to keep themselves safe through practical daily routines and the childminder's guidance. The childminder effectively promotes safety, such as, road awareness whilst playing with the toy train track. Children's behaviour is generally good and lots of praise is given for positive behaviour. As a result, they are developing good self-esteem and understand when they have done well. 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: 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 (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 12/12/2011

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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 compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 12/12/2011

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