Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 308621 Inspection date 14/02/2012 Inspector Kathy Leatherbarrow

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 1997. She lives with her husband and their two children aged three years and seven months. They live in Chorley, Lancashire, close to local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is available for use, along with the bathroom on the first floor. There is an outdoor back garden area available for play. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child attending whom is within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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 uses her knowledge of individual children to effectively cater for their specific needs. Relationships with parents and other settings are effective in supporting children's progress and helping them to succeed. Children are safe and secure; however, some documentation lacks detail. The childminder strives for excellence and makes good use of regular self-evaluation and ongoing professional development to make well placed improvements and increase the quality of care and learning.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 provide an environment that is rich in signs, symbols, notices, numbers, words and pictures that take into account children's different interests, understandings, home backgrounds and cultures in order to support children's understanding  improve the risk assessment to include what steps have been taken to ensure hazards to children are kept to a minimum.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge of the indicators of abuse and the procedure to follow should she have a concern about a child. She has used her training to compile a written policy document. The home is safe and well maintained and the children's safety is a priority, however, risk assessments lack some detail on action that has been taken This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to ensure hazards to children are kept to a minimum. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussion about road safety, practising the fire evacuation procedure and correctly using equipment, such as knives as they spread butter on bread.

p.4

the early years provision

All documentation is in place and very well organised to allow ease of access should the need arise. Confidential documentation is stored appropriately to maintain security. The childminder strives for excellence in all she does and regularly monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of her provision. Children and parents are all involved in the process and their suggestions are catered for where necessary. For example, children complete 'what did I enjoy today' questionnaire at home with their parents.

p.5

the early years provision

Children benefit from a warm, bright and homely environment. Toys and resources are easily accessible for the children on low level storage. She also ensures that these are rotated to develop children's interests. Children develop an understanding of others as the childminder provides a variety of resources and activities for them. For example, they use the internet to look and listen to children from around the world singing familiar nursery rhymes.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents enjoy strong relationships with the childminder. They are kept fully updated about their child following the flexible settling-in sessions and encouraged to share what they know about their child through detailed 'all about me' booklets, the use of detailed daily diaries and regular 'coffee and cake' chats. The childminder has produced a range of written policies that she gives to parents so that they know about her practices. She shares the well presented children's 'learning journey's' with them involving them in their child's learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children thrive in the stimulating and exciting play area, both inside and outside. They move freely among the activities, accessing resources independently or requesting others, such as, painting and mark making. Outside they access a sit and rides, scooters, trikes and creative play such as sand and water. The childminder talks to them continually about where they are going and extends their understanding and learning through effective questioning. They make marks using a range of tools and implements and enjoy making patterns with multi-coloured pencils and their hands and feet. This develops their control and forms the basis for writing. Children choose books to share together and the childminder uses these times to help them to understand that print carries meaning through pointing to the words on the books. However, there is limited print in the environment, such as, labeling of toys boxes. An understanding of number is

p.5

and outcomes for children

brought into play scenarios as they use puppets and sing 'five current buns'. They learn about the diverse nature of society through reading stories and interacting with the good selection of resources including dressing up. Younger children interact with the childminder through chuckling through mirrors and gurgling to music. They explore a wonderful range of treasure baskets as they roll over material and foil that squeaks and crinkles and explore different natural materials This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 such as, wood, metal and fur.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Developmental records of the children are effective and show that they are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Initial information is used to form a starting point and children's development is then tracked through observations linked effectively to stages of development. Keepsake folders of photographs of children show children from their first day and are a detailed record of their development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are safe and well cared for. The childminder places great emphasis on safety and reinforces this with the children at regular intervals both on and off the premises. Children clearly have very close attachments to the childminder and look to her for reassurance. She is always on hand should the need arise. They help to tidy away toys when they have finished with them and the childminder helps them to use the equipment safely. Children eat a range of home made, healthy and nutritious snacks with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children's individual requirements or likes and dislikes are also carefully considered and their needs fully met. Children wash their hands before meals and after toileting to prevent the spread of infection. Children behave extremely well and the childminder offers lots of explanations about why things are happening. There are clear rules and boundaries and children respond very well to her requests. They are helped to

p.6

and outcomes for children

learn to share through calm requests from the childminder and show great pride and happiness when praised. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

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 2 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 2 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: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8