Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY330566 Inspection date 11/07/2012 Inspector Marina Anna Howarth

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and daughter, aged nine years, in the village of Great Eccleston, near Preston in Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder can take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family have two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children attending in this age group. Children attend on a part time basis. She also offers care to children over five years.

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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

Children are cared for in a safe and stimulating environment where they are respected and valued as individuals. Overall, they are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development as the childminder has a sufficient understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Generally, the childminder reflects on her practice and has identified some personal goals for the future to bring about further improvement. Children's individual needs are discussed in consultation with parents during the induction period and again, as changes occur, which ensures all children are fully included and appropriately cared for. The majority of required documents are in place to promote the welfare of children satisfactorily.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain a current paediatric first aid certificate (Suitable people). 25/07/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure systems are in place to develop observation systems to clearly identify children's next steps in learning  devise systems that enable parents to contribute to their children's learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She understands her responsibility to protect the welfare of children and is aware of who to contact in event of a child protection concern. She conducts regular risk assessments of the premises, and also for outings, which ensures that safety is continually monitored and reviewed. The childminder's home is organised well and children are welcomed into a warm, stimulating environment.

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the early years provision

Children have easy access to a suitable range of resources, promoting their independence and enabling them to make choices. Parents have access to written policies and procedures and the required documentation is in place, which clearly underpins her sound practices and promotes children's care and welfare. However, a paediatric first aid certificate was not available on the day of inspection to evidence training attended. This is a breach of requirements but has little impact on children's safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder has begun to assess her strengths and weaknesses, although she does not have a formal system for self-evaluation. She has addressed all the recommendations raised at the previous inspection, demonstrating a suitable capacity to improve, for example, ensuring that parental written consent is obtained prior to administering medication.

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the early years provision

The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child in her care. As a result, children benefit from familiar daily routines, which offer consistency. They are beginning to gain an understanding about diversity through activities and experiences they participate in. For example, learning about France to incorporate children's holiday experiences and the celebration of Chinese New Year and other festivals. They visit the local community where they can socialize and make new friends and experience different opportunities.

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the early years provision

Parents are kept informed of their children's learning and welfare through daily verbal discussions and daily diaries are used for younger children. As a result, parents can follow their child's care and progress. However, there are no formal systems to enable parents to contribute to their children's learning journals. The childminder has also established links with the local school which enables her to support children in the transition process.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settle well in the childminder's home. They benefit from the secure relationships they have established with her which helps them to feel confident and secure. Children engage in a variety of activities that enable them to make progress throughout the six areas of learning. For example, they are encouraged to become independent as they tidy away toys when they have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 finished playing and select resources of their choice. Children confidently remove their own shoes and excitedly describe the colours and patterns on their socks. Young infants have sufficient floor space to explore their surroundings easily, accessing resources located within easy reach. They play happily with a selection of interactive toys and discover that by pressing different buttons a variety of movements and sounds are activated. They bounce up and down and clap

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and outcomes for children

excitedly to the music. Children demonstrate their knowledge of identifying different colours correctly using cars and crayons and they learn about different shapes, through playing with shape sorters. They learn to count in sequence as the childminder introduces counting in everyday situations, such as, counting the stairs and the number of pieces in puzzles. They discover that print has meaning as they sit happily with the childminder and listen to stories. They also use puppets to role play and are provided with lots of opportunities to mark make using a range of materials, such as, paint brushes, chalks, crayons and pencils. They learn about letters through books, stencils, discussions and sing songs.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive support and affection from the childminder and communicate their needs well. The childminder spends time talking and engaging with children in their play. She asks open questions to encourage them to think for themselves and to extend their learning, for example 'What colour is this?' and 'What shall we call the baby monkey?' The childminder conducts informal observations and uses this knowledge to plan activities for the children. She is aware of their interests and ensures that the activities provided are fun and meet their individual needs. For example, she ensures that music is available and provides instruments to enable children to make sounds which enable them to move their bodies to the rhythm.

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and outcomes for children

Children who enjoy being outdoors are provided with opportunities to engage in a variety of outdoor activities, such as, visiting the park, exploring nature, visiting the allotment and growing a variety of vegetables and fruit. Children particularly enjoy digging and watering the plants. The childminder has established links within the community. She takes children to the local play group and participates in a variety of activities, such as, 'stay and play' sessions and visits the local library to attend story sessions and 'rhyme time'. The childminder uses her knowledge to provide activities to develop their learning; however, she is not confident with the assessment requirements and there are inconsistencies in identifying the next steps in learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder implements appropriate behaviour management strategies which are discussed with children and parents and promotes good behaviour. Clear boundaries and explanations help to support children in keeping themselves safe, such as, using gardening tools appropriately and being involved in regular fire drills. Children are introduced to a healthy lifestyle through daily routines that reduce the risk of infection. They are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the toilet, playing outside and before handling food. They are offered healthy, nutritious meals and snacks, such as, fresh fruit, yoghurts, vegetables and casseroles. 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 (First Aid) 25/07/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by e-mail (Procedures for dealing with complaints)(also applies to the Voluntary Register) 25/07/2012

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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 (First Aid) 25/07/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 25/07/2012

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