Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY434692 Inspection date 27/06/2012 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 partner and child aged one year in the residential area of Lancaster. All of the childminder's home, except for the main bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed yard for outside play. The childminder cares for children on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 6pm for 49 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age group. She also offers care to children aged over eight years to 11 years. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She attends several toddler groups on a regular basis and receives support from the local authority.

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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 are well protected and cared for in a homely environment. The childminder is keen to ensure all children are included in her setting. The wide range of activities provided ensures they have good opportunities to make progress in their learning and development. Most areas are well resourced. Clear systems are implemented to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision. These ensure continuous improvement is effectively maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further resources and activities to nurture children's understanding of people's different needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides good levels of adult supervision so children take appropriate risks as part of their development. This includes exploring large climbing equipment at the park. She demonstrates a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and has effective systems in place to protect children if there are any concerns about abuse. Risk assessments are clear and detailed, with confirmation of any action taken to minimise risks and hazards to children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has undertaken a range of training to develop her knowledge and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enhance the learning and development opportunities she provides. The environment is well organised with effective use of the space provided. Children choose activities independently from a wide range of good quality resources, which are at a low level and easily accessible.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to promoting equality and diversity throughout her practice. She is committed to working in partnership with parents and carers. This improves outcomes for children. The childminder is very aware of the importance of partnerships with others to enable her to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development. This includes liaising closely with grandparents where they also provide care. There are currently no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information with other practitioners to ensure continuity and cohesion.

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the early years provision

The childminder is focused on helping children to make good progress in their learning and development. The self-evaluation process is good, which contributes to her having a realistic view of her strengths and the areas she can improve. Parental feedback is encouraged in a variety of ways, including questionnaires and verbally. This enables the childminder to tailor the service she provides to those currently attending.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. She provides consistently meaningful learning opportunities that are prompted by children's individual interests and capabilities. She effectively monitors children's progress towards the early learning goals by recording observations of the children in their individual learning journeys. The childminder interacts with the children well, which supports and develops their knowledge and understanding in all areas of their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children take part in a stimulating and varied programme of activities and outings. They are developing a good knowledge of different cultures and traditions. However, there are fewer resources and activities to nurture children's understanding of people's different needs. This impacts on raising their awareness of the wider community. Consistent and sensitive behaviour management ensures children understand right from wrong. They independently choose what to do and concentrate well on their activities. Children have a growing understanding of the natural world through a variety of well-planned and spontaneous experiences. Examples of these are when they feed the ducks, go for walks and feel the ladybirds tickle their hands. They clearly enjoy participating in creative activities, for instance when they manipulate malleable materials, paint with their fingers and chalk outside. Children show a growing awareness of problem solving, reasoning

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and outcomes for children

and numeracy concepts. Examples of this are when they play matching games, use shape sorting resources and complete jigsaws. Their communication skills are fostered well through various activities, including songs and rhymes. This results in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good interaction between the children and the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children effectively develop their skills for the future as they use interactive resources. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in the secure environment. Imaginatively planned experiences, including a visit from the fire brigade foster children's knowledge of how to keep themselves safe. All children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. They have regular opportunities to take part in physical play activities, both indoors and out. Children have a good understanding of how to stay healthy. This includes the benefits of eating nutritious foods, such as pasta dishes, hummus and fruit. They demonstrate a good understanding of how to take care of themselves. Examples of this are when they follow good hygiene routines, including using their own hand towel. 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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