Childminder in Blackpool

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15/11/2012 28/03/2011

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has a good awareness of how young children learn and uses this knowledge to promote children's development and learning.  The children are settled and keen to explore and learn. They demonstrate good levels of independence. They show positive attitudes to learning and are gaining the skills required to progress onto new situations.  The childminder works in partnership with other professionals to ensure all children receive the support they need.  The children have developed secure attachments to the childminder and each other.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Opportunities for parents to be fully involved in their children's learning are not fully developed.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities both in the indoor areas used for childminding and the outside learning environment.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at regular intervals throughout the inspection and made observations of the children present.  The inspector viewed all relevant documentation provided.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1992 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband in a house in Bispham in Blackpool, Lancashire and uses the whole of the ground floor, upstairs bathroom and the rear garden for childminding. The family has two cats as pets.

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Information about the setting

The childminder has completed basic training including first aid and updates her knowledge through specific courses. She attends a childminder group, toddler sessions and the local children's centre. She visits the zoo, the beach and parks on a regular basis. There are currently three children on roll, all are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. She is open all year round from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, except for family holidays.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 develop further opportunities for parental involvement in their child's learning and development.

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who attend

The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge and understanding of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides interesting and fun experiences that give a good balance of activites across all seven areas of learning. Individual files and photographs around the setting show children's engagement in activities. For example, a recent trip to the zoo shows children looking at the different animals. The childminder encourages and supports the children to talk about the different animals they see. They expertly and excitedly use a book to show the different animals, the noises they make and what they eat.

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who attend

The learning environment is bright, well-presented and encourages children to explore and play. The childminder plans activities to facilitate children's learning and development. She offers a good range of freely accessible resources to meet all children's needs and interests.

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who attend

The childminder makes good use of questioning and encourages the children to problem solve, for example, when a toy is not working she asks the children why and what they need to do. She allows the children time to think and answer before offering support. This helps develop their critical thinking skills. She expertly introduces language and mathematical language throughout all activities and helps the children to make links with other activities. For example, when exploring the sand timers, the children question what they are, the childminder makes links with the clock to extend children's learning and understanding.

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who attend

Efficient systems of observation and assessment ensure that children are monitored in their development across the prime and specific areas of learning. The childminder has an accurate assessment of the children's starting points and uses this information to plan for their next steps in their learning and development. Good communication with parents offers the opportunity to inform the childminder of their children's needs and any concerns. Verbal daily communication and the opportunity to share ideas regarding their children ensure that relevant information is shared to promote children's development. However, there are fewer opportunities for parents to be involved in their children's learning and development.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder has a good understanding of and gives high priority to children's safety. Comprehensive risk assessments for the home and outings help to ensure children are safe. Age-appropriate safety equipment is used, and children are encouraged to think about their safety. For example, when children cover their heads with material the childminder gently reminds them to be careful as they may not see where they are going. Regular fire evacuation practises also support children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children's behaviour shows that they feel secure in the setting and in their relationship with the childminder. They confidently inform her of their needs as they make themselves comfortable lying on the settee to rest. The childminder talks about resting and being tired and the need to let our bodies rest. This increases children's understanding of self- awareness. The understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle is developing as the childminder ensures the children have healthy snacks and meals and regular exercise outdoors. She also talks about germs and why it is important to wash hands.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder is a good role model for the children. She provides clear guidance about what is acceptable behaviour in a developmentally appropriate manner and is consistent in the strategies she uses. The childminder encourages the children to share as they use the crayons to draw a large picture together. This helps them to play co-operatively and work together. The childminder uses good manners and encourages the children to use good manners, so promoting respect for each other. The childminder displays photographs of the children around the playroom, and through the use of a digital photograph frame. The children proudly point to and talk about whom they see and what they are doing. This helps to build self-esteem and self-awareness.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children are learning about their local environment as they regularly go out to the beach, zoo, park and soft play area. They attend a variety of sessions at the local children's centre and regularly attend the childminder's play group. This helps them develop social skills and gives them the opportunity to explore music and dance and extend their experience of different activities. Relationships are strong at all levels and children are learning to respect and tolerate each others differences. They show positive attitudes to learning and are gaining the skills required to progress onto new situations.

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provision

The childminder organises her setting effectively. All the required documentation for the safe management of the setting is in place and well-organised for easy access. The childminder's arrangements for safeguarding are strong. This ensures that the children's welfare is consistently promoted. She has a good understanding of the procedures to follow and has all the relevant details for reporting a concern should the need arise. Comprehensive risk assessments for the home and outings further support children's safety.

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provision

Children quickly develop secure attachments with the childminder and readily include her in their play and conversations. The childminder knows the children well. This and regular monitoring of planning and assessment procedures ensures that an accurate understanding of children's progress is recorded. Working closely with parents and when required other professionals ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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provision

The childminder is committed to offering a quality service to the children and their families. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards developing her service and practice. She continues to update her knowledge through attending courses and regularly meeting with other childminders to share good practice. Support from the local authority supports this further. The childminder uses information gained to inform her practice, for example, she gives parents leaflets on the importance of table talk. She discusses with them the importance of conversation at the table, eating together and how this helps children's communication and language development.

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provision

The childminder evaluates her practice and offers clear verbal evidence as to the need to continually improve her provision. She has introduced a new tracker system which links to the development matters in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage to help monitor children's progress. Parents' views are collected through regular questionnaires about the service. This along with verbal feedback helps identify her strengths and areas for improvement.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 308018 Local authority Blackpool Inspection number 887825 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 3

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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