Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY432701 Inspection date 12/03/2012 Inspector Susan Rae

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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 three children aged seven, four and a baby of six months. They live in the Helmshore area of Haslingden. The local area offers a Sure Start Centre, schools, parks and various groups. The family has a pet cat. The children have access to a lounge, dining room, the kitchen and the conservatory/playroom. Toilet facilities are located on the first floor. There is a garden to the rear for children's physical play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration is for a total of four children aged under eight years, no more than two of which can be in the early years age range. There are currently two part-time children on roll. The childminder cares for children weekdays from 7.30am to 5.30pm all year round. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. Advice, support and training are

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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 childminder has a satisfactory understanding of meeting children's individual needs. Children are settled and content in the childminder's care. They make suitable progress due to their secure relationships with the childminder who provides an interesting play environment and spontaneously promotes their learning through play. Children get the support they need because there are steadily developing systems to identify, and plan for their individual needs and the childminder is developing her partnership with parents. The childminder promotes children's welfare through mostly effective implementation of clear record keeping systems, along with suitable policies and procedures. She is in the early stages of developing her childminding provision. She is motivated and uses the advice and guidance of others, demonstrating a sound capacity for continued improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the system of planning, observation and assessment in order to meet individual children's needs to support their future steps as they progress towards the early learning goals  develop further the system of self-evaluation in order to help promote continuous improvement to the provision and outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Children are protected and safeguarded because the childminder has conducted risk assessments for the premises and outdoor areas. She is aware of her role and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 responsibilities to protect children from any harm, and follows the local safeguarding procedures. She has written policies and procedures for parents. Children are safe and secure in the premises. The childminder uses safety equipment to isolate hazards, such as safety catches on the kitchen cupboards and drawers and gates to prevent access to the stairs and kitchen. Children's safety is maintained as cleaning materials are stored out of reach. The deployment of resources is satisfactory. The environment is planned to enable the children to move freely and use suitable equipment, furniture and toys to support their development. Children have access to a secure outdoor space. All adults in the

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the early years provision

home have undergone checks to ensure their suitability to further safeguard children. Partnership with parents is being established as they are kept informed of the provision through the sharing of appropriate policies, for example the safeguarding procedure.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to supporting and enabling children to develop and learn, but identifies her need to carry out further training for the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and the assessment arrangements. As a new childminder, she recognises the need to develop the system of self-evaluation, which is not yet fully developed, in order to help promote continuous improvement to the provision and outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established close working relationships with parents. They are valued as partners and exchange information, both verbally and written, at the start and end of each day about children's routines. All families are welcomed and included in the setting. Through the effective collection of information of children's abilities and backgrounds the childminder ensures that children's individual needs are met. Relationships are established with other professionals and the childminder has received some guidance from the local authority. Children have access to all toys, activities and facilities and learn about their local community and differences as they go out regularly into the community.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and secure and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. She talks to and reassures children throughout the day and works to a flexible routine so children feel a sense of belonging. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child development and provides a satisfactory range of experiences and learning activities. The children can lead their own play through free access to toys which they choose from the storage boxes that are easily accessible. Children participate in outings to shops, the park and visiting other adult and toddler groups. However, the childminder's knowledge and understanding of using planning, observations and assessments to identify learning priorities, and match observations to the expectations of the early learning goals are not fully developed. As a result, children's next steps are not always identified.

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and outcomes for children

Routines are consistent and help the children know what to expect next. The children develop a strong sense of belonging. Secure relationships facilitate the development of communication. The childminder quickly picks up on the non- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 verbal cues of babies and as a result she is able to identify and meet their individual needs. She knows children's signs of hunger and tiredness and they are quickly reassured when cuddled closely. Conversation is constant and as a result, children are becoming confident communicators. The childminder attends 'baby sign' classes at the local sure start centre to further develop methods of communication. Babies investigate the environment and explore the resources offered to them. The children have access to a secure outdoor area and regularly go to the local park to use the facilities. The childminder understands the

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and outcomes for children

importance of valuing children from other cultures and backgrounds and takes the opportunity to discuss this with the children when out in the local community.

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and outcomes for children

Secure routines enhance children's opportunity to develop healthy and safe lifestyles. The childminder promotes healthy eating and provides weekly opportunities for children to plan and purchase their snacks and meals, allowing this activity to develop further knowledge and understanding of the world. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure the children's needs are met through the 'daily record sheets'. Children learn about being safe when walking to school through the discussion of road safety and the setting of boundaries. For example, children are allowed to walk safely and responsibly from lamp post to lamp post with supervision. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene and are encouraged to wash hands after toileting; each child is provided with an individual coloured towel to use when washing hands. The childminder explains to children about the importance of hygiene. Children are gently encouraged to learn

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and outcomes for children

how to behave in safe ways, which is positively reinforced by the house rules and the behaviour policy which is discussed with parents. The childminders gentle, nurturing support promotes positive behaviours. 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 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: 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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