Childminder in Lancashire

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD Telephone: 0300 123 1231 Fax: 0300 123 3159 Minicom: 0161 618 8524 Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk Web: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Monitoring for provision judged as inadequate

An Ofsted inspector, Frank Kelly, monitored your provision on 22/05/2014 following your inspection where the provision was judged to be inadequate.

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Outcome of monitoring

As a result of our inspection on 24/02/2014, we sent you a notice to improve. The actions you were set are included at the end of this letter.

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Outcome of monitoring

During the monitoring visit the inspector discussed with you the steps you have taken to address the actions raised in the notice to improve. He also looked at the recommendations made to further improve the quality of the early years provision. The inspector discussed with you, your action plans and quality improvement plans. He viewed various regulatory documents, such as the children's records of attendance and risk assessments. He discussed with you the actions you have taken and viewed the equipment you have obtained and put in place to improve the safety of the children. The inspector discussed vocational training that you are currently undertaking, to improve your skills and knowledge base, in particular, when supporting children's language and communication. He viewed documentation you are using to engage parents and he observed the way you interact and play with the children. The inspector spoke with a representative from the local authority.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that, with the support of the local authority, you have taken robust action and demonstrated a commitment to address all the issues raised at the last inspection. You shared your action plan and the quality improvement scheme that you are currently undertaking as part of an extended improvement plan. This, along with your action plan, is being used to monitor the effectiveness of the changes you have put into place, since your last inspection. You explained to the inspector that following your last inspection you took immediate action; to reduce the numbers of children you care for, so that you fully comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in relation to the adult to child ratios. To further support the discussion and your compliance you provided accurate and up-to-date attendance records for the children currently in your care. You stated how you have also reorganised some of your weekly routines, including activities for your own

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Outcome of monitoring

family members. This means that throughout the week you care for smaller numbers of children at any one time, which allows you to provide sufficient and appropriate Our Reference EY433948

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Outcome of monitoring

attention to meet their individual needs.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector observed your attentive nature when supporting the children's learning as they play. He noted that you used simple suggestions to help children to extend their chosen play. For example, you invited the children to take turns to dress the doll and brush its hair. As a result, children gained an opportunity to share, problem solve and develop their physical dexterity. You shared with the inspector the improvements made to the way you assess and plan for children's learning. This includes the completion of a progress check for all children between the ages of two and three years. Consequently, you have taken appropriate action to meet the specific requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. You also discussed a vocational training programme currently being undertaken to improve the way you support children's language and communication. The inspector observed you ask children some open questions. You acknowledge that you are still developing such

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Outcome of monitoring

skills, but feel that the training has been beneficial for your professional development. You stated you feel you are more confident and effective in the ways you support each child with their communication and language. As a result, children are gaining more opportunities to share what they think, as you are, on most occasions, providing children with time to consider their thoughts and answers during these discussions.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector looked at your updated records of risk assessment and these reflected the organisation of your home. On his arrival, the inspector noted that suitable support seating had been attached to your dining chairs, which enables children to participate in activities at the dining table, while remaining safe and secure. You also showed the inspector the slipper style socks, that have non-slip soles, that you have purchased. As a result, children remain comfortable and their safety improved as they move across the areas of your home, that have potentially slippery surfaces. You explained how children are able to access a range of developmentally appropriate toys and activities, that are presented in an inviting way. During the visit the inspector observed the children present move freely around the home, using the space and resources accessible to them. The inspector observed that you supervised

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Outcome of monitoring

the children well and stayed close, while allowing them to make choices indoors and outside in the garden. As a result, children are suitably supervised and supported to keep themselves safe.

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Outcome of monitoring

Having considered all the evidence, the inspector is of the opinion that the childminder has taken prompt and effective action to address the points for improvement.

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Next steps

The next step will be a full inspection. Our Reference EY433948

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Next steps

I hope that you have found the visit helpful in promoting improvement in your childminding service. If you have any further queries please contact us on the number at the top of this letter.

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Next steps

Lorna Fitzjohn National Director, Childminding Our Reference EY433948

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Action Due date Closed date

comply with the statutory adult to child ratios required in the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure each child is always provided with sufficient attention to meet their needs 31/03/2014 22/05/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure young children are kept safe at all times, for example, by providing age- appropriate seating for young children indoors and appropriate supervision for young children in the back garden 31/03/2014 22/05/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure every child has sufficient opportunities to explore their own ideas and play and receives the individual support they need to make good progress. 31/03/2014 22/05/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

develop their knowledge and understanding of the Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, for example, the timing and purpose of the 'progress check at age two', in order to ensure that all children's needs are met well. 30/04/2014 22/05/2014

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