Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY431432 Inspection date 13/01/2012 Inspector Jeanette Brookfield

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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 husband and two children aged six and two years, in a semi-rural area of Lancaster. The home is laid out over three floors with the whole of the second and third floor of the property used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the property, accessed via a side gate. The premises are within easy reach of public transport, a shop, local parks, schools and other community resources.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. She is currently caring for two children who are both within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is currently supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to level 4 and is currently completing a foundation degree in early years. She is supported by the local authority and is a member of the local accredited childminder network. The childminder 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's individual needs are met effectively by a caring and dedicated childminder who promotes all aspects of children's care, learning and development overall. Children are well supported as they play and make good progress towards the early learning goals. Overall partnerships with parents are strong, which contributes to children's well-being. The childminder's capacity to maintain continuous improvement is good and clear systems are in place to evaluate the provision. The required documentation about the children is in place to underpin their care.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a two-way flow of information with parents. This is with regard to advising them of the need to inform Ofsted in the event of food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after on the premises.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded effectively because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recently completed training and is aware of possible indicators of abuse. A written procedure is in place and the childminder is able to implement appropriate procedures to protect children from possible harm. Attention to children's safety is given high priority. Rigorous risk assessments are completed and recorded appropriately for the home and garden, which helps the childminder to manage risks effectively. Consequently, children move freely and play safely within the childminder's home. Effective systems are in place to ensure children's safety on outings. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and there are suitable arrangements for recording accidents and medication. Children are protected from

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the early years provision

cross-infection because the childminder has accessed food safety training and follows good hygiene practices; she understands her responsibility to inform Ofsted of food poisoning. However, this is not included in her policy for illnesses; therefore, this may be unclear to parents. The welfare of children is enhanced because nutritious meals, drinks, activities and good opportunities for fresh air and exercise promote their good health.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses space and resources effectively. Children benefit from a welcoming and stimulating child-centred environment and make good progress in relation to their starting points. They enjoy a suitable learning environment because the childminder uses her toys and equipment effectively. The childminder recently commenced childminding and this is her first inspection since registration. She is enthusiastic about her provision and is very committed to her continued professional development. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage because she holds a level 4 qualification and is presently studying for a foundation degree in early years.

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the early years provision

Plans for improvement are well targeted, for example, the childminder has plans in place to regularly update 'All About Me' documents with parents and children, to ensure accurate information is in place. The childminder reflects on her practice continually and reviews everyday experiences to ensure children benefit from a broad range of activities, outings and experiences which fully support their learning and development. Parents are consulted about the provision and comments provided have informed the childminder's self-evaluation. The childminder has established good systems to ensure the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are met. Consequently, records required for the safe management of the provision and to meet the needs of the children are well maintained.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive service. All children are welcomed lovingly into her home and are naturally learning to respect and value differences. The childminder is a positive role model who helps children develop a caring and positive attitude towards others. Children have access to books and resources that reflect positive images of culture, race, gender and disability. Partnerships with parents are strong and they are provided with good-quality information about the setting and receive a termly newsletter to keep them informed of events. They are encouraged to share details of their child's care needs in 'All About Me' books and individualised settling-in sessions are arranged when children first attend. Therefore, children's individual needs are met effectively. Parents receive a daily diary which includes details of children's activities during the time spent with the childminder. In addition, three-monthly updates provide an overview of their child's

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress and what they will be doing next. As a result, they can support their child's learning at home. Parents comment positively about completing a sorting activity successfully with their child.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her responsibility to share information with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, for example, exchanging information with other childminders who also provide shared care for the children. The childminder also offers sensitive and caring support for children with special needs and liaises with other professionals to support their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive and make good progress in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. Effective planning provides appropriate challenges and a good balance of adult-led and child-led activities. Therefore, children participate in purposeful play and exploration. Every child has a learning journey and the childminder assesses their progress and uses observations effectively to identify and plan for each child's next steps. As a result, all children make good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

All aspects of their welfare are very well promoted by the childminder, who values each child's unique contribution to her setting. Children's personal, social and emotional development is appropriately fostered. They benefit from loving and affectionate relationships with the childminder which help them feel secure. The childminder knows each child well. She quickly recognises when they are tired, hungry or need comfort and responds well to meet their individual needs. Children behave very well and the childminder offers lots of explanations about why things are happening. There are clear rules and boundaries which are explained to children calmly and quietly, so they respond well. Children are helped to learn to share and wait their turn through calm requests from the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing healthy eating habits because they enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks, for example, a selection of grapes, strawberries and orange segments. Children point to favourite fruits, stating eagerly 'I like those'. Toddlers are rapidly developing their self-help skills. They enjoy finding their own hand- towels to independently dry their hands and choose their own plate and placemat for snack time.

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and outcomes for children

The provision is very inviting for the children and the lounge contains cosy sofas and a comfortable rug with cushions for them to snuggle up on and enjoy stories with the childminder. Children listen enthusiastically to favourite stories and eagerly sing out known rhyming phrases. The childminder uses these times to help them understand that print carries meaning through pointing to the words in the books. Children use all of their senses when exploring coloured pasta in trays and develop their dexterity when scooping this up with small tools. They laugh and chuckle when throwing and chasing a soft ball around the setting which supports their coordination and spatial awareness. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder effectively enhances what young children enjoy as valuable learning opportunities. For example, visits to the local wildlife park support their

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and outcomes for children

interest in wild animals. Further interests in dragons and dinosaurs are incorporated into planning for Chinese New Year, which supports their developing understanding of the diverse nature of the world they live in. Toddlers enjoy flying the colourful paper and toy dragons around the room calling out 'Dragons say roar' as they move carefully around the area. Young children have great fun playing a popular game, naming the colours of the hippos, cheering when they get them right and counting the marbles caught, with support of the childminder. This enhances their self-esteem and confidence in using number. Therefore, they are developing good mathematical skills.

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and outcomes for children

Early communication skills are also supported effectively. For example, the childminder encourages toddler's repetition of descriptive words, such as, 'crunchy' and 'hard' when describing the texture of pasta in the trays and as she helps them recall how the piranha fish they saw in the museum looked 'shiny'. The childminder talks to them continually about places they have been and extends their understanding and learning through effective open-ended questioning. They have opportunities to make marks using a range of implements and enjoy making pictures and drawings which are displayed in the setting or sent home. Young children also become aware of technology through programmable toys, access to a laptop and the use of a CD player, which also promotes skills for the future. 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 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

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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 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

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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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