Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY436900 Inspection date 10/05/2012 Inspector Karen McWilliam

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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 mother and father in the Aston area of Preston. She co-childminds with another registered childminder from the same property. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed area for outdoor play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years range and of whom, no more than one may be under one year old. When working with another childminder at the above premises, she may care for no more than eight children under eight years, of whom, not more than six may be in the early years age range and of whom, no more than two may be under one years old. Children attend on a full-time and part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five to 11 years. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

She has achieved Qualified Teacher Status and is a member of 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

The children are settled, secure and happy in the care of the childminder. This is as a result of the warm and welcoming environment that is provided. Children's learning and development are supported well, as a result of the childminder's knowledge of the children in her care and through the activities and resources that are provided. Overall, effective systems ensure that children are safeguarded. The childminder works well with parents, carers and others to identify and support the individual needs of all the children. She regularly evaluates her practice. Therefore, her capacity to improve is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 24/05/2012

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve the range of play resources to support children's opportunities to develop positive attitudes to diversity.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded in the setting because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role. She has effective risk assessments in place that she uses to identify and reduce potential hazards. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms that may be displayed if a child is being harmed and the reporting procedures to follow. The childminder also has a wide range of written policies and procedures in place that support her practice and which are shared with parents. However, the childminder does not consistently obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine administered. This omission is a breach of the welfare requirements. The impact to children is minimal because she does maintain a record of all medications administered. She ensures that parents sign to state they have been informed and has only administered medication that has been prescribed by a doctor, without prior permission.

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the early years provision

The childminder is passionate about her work and is committed to making improvements to her service and the outcomes for children. She identifies realistic but challenging steps to enhance experiences for the children in her care. For example, she has made plans to further improve her provision for older children. Good use of monitoring systems ensures that parents' views are taken into account. For example, at their request, the childminder now records children's meals in their daily diaries, as well as, displaying the menus on the parents' notice board. This ensures that children are not given the same meals at home. The childminder's effective use of observations ensures that children's views and interests are valued and included in the daily planning. There is a suitable range of exciting and well-maintained resources, which children can access freely and are used appropriately to achieve the planned goals in learning and development.

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the early years provision

Outcomes for children are clearly attributable to this. This ensures an inclusive environment that caters for all children's interests.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established successful partnerships with parents. Secure communication systems are in place and ensure that the childminder and parents are well informed of children's individual needs and progress. Feedback from parents is positive. They are pleased that children regularly attend groups where they learn to develop social skills. Parents' comment in children's files that they are absolutely thrilled with the progress their children make. They value the childminder's ability to work fully in partnership with them which enables them to take home their children's learning journals and share these with other family members. The childminder demonstrates a firm commitment to working in partnership with others. For instance, she has established a good relationship with the local playgroup. The childminder meets with children and their families there to support the transition into her setting. Thus, ensuring a complementary and

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the early years provision

consistent approach to children's learning and development. She also works very This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well alongside her co-childminder and this clearly contributes to the good standard of care that children receive.

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and outcomes for children

Well-organised routines and positive interaction help children to feel safe and secure while in the childminder's care. The childminder organises a settling-in period where she gets to know the children and their families before they start. This helps them to form a secure attachment to the childminder. A range of safety equipment, such as stair gates, ensures that children are able to confidently explore. Children demonstrate that they feel safe by settling quickly to sleep when they are tired.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in relation to their starting points and capabilities. This is because effective systems are in place, which identify children's likes, dislikes, interests and abilities. Observation and assessment processes are successful and planning is based on the next steps in children's learning. Subsequently, children are provided with a stimulating and challenging learning environment. For example, they enjoy playing with dolls and are interested when the childminder names the body parts. Resources are attractively presented as they are stored in low-level shelves or on the floor, which ensures that they are easily accessible. This supports children's independence skills as they can make choices in their play. Children's learning outdoors is well supported. They are fully engaged as they play with the sand and discuss what the dinosaur is going to eat for his dinner. Picnics on the local park where they feed the ducks also contribute

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and outcomes for children

to children developing knowledge of the world.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop positive images of themselves and others through access to some resources that reflect diversity and by partaking in a range of cultural festivals. Communication, language and literacy are promoted well in the setting. The childminder attentively and skilfully responds to babies as they communicate to her by 'babbling'. Constant interaction, rhyme time and music sessions further contribute to children's developing skills. Mark-making activities are continuously available both indoors and outside. Children make marks as they thoroughly enjoy playing with 'gloop' and chunky chalks are available outside. Therefore, this enhances their early writing skills. Opportunities for children to develop good problem solving, numeracy and reasoning skills are plentiful. The childminder counts along with the children and praises them as they repeat after her. She discusses size with the children and they confidently use mathematical language in

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and outcomes for children

their play, such as, this is a 'big dinosaur'. There is also a range of resources that further contribute to learning, such as matching games. Children achieve good skills for the future as they access electronic toys, independently using the camera to take photographs and the computer.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder successfully promotes children's health to a good standard. They acquire good physical skills as they access tools and equipment within the setting, such as balls and scissors. She also makes good use of local facilities. For example, the children are taken swimming and to keep fit sessions. Children develop healthy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 lifestyles because the childminder ensures that they are offered choices of fruit and well-balanced, nutritious, home-cooked meals. Good standards of hygiene are well established. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and the childminder ensures nappy changing areas are cleaned thoroughly. Children show that they are developing healthy habits by sweeping up in the setting and wiping their own toys down when they are covered in sand from outdoor play. Children during free play sessions can choose to play inside or outdoors. They are well

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and outcomes for children

behaved because the childminder is a good role model and praises them for their achievements. For example, she acknowledges children's kindness as they are learning to share toys with their friends. 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: 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). 24/05/2012

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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). 24/05/2012

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