Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 31/07/2014 25/11/2008

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 3 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

 Teaching is good and children benefit from having access to a wide range of stimulating resources, which are relevant to their interests. Consequently, children make good progress in their learning given their starting points and are well prepared for their next stage in learning.  The childminder meets the individual needs of the children. Therefore, children benefit from having secure attachments, which promotes their emotional well-being.  Partnerships with parents are good. This enables the childminder and parents to share information sufficiently in order to support children's development at the setting and at home.  The childminder promotes the health and safety of children very well and has a good understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Children have fewer opportunities to explore letters and numbers in the learning environment.  Children have fewer opportunities to extend their independence during snack time.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled 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 and interactions between the children and the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took into account the views of parents from a range of references that have been obtained.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector held a discussion with the childminder about the learning and assessment of the children in the provision.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder, her documentation, policies and procedures.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 1993. She lives with her husband, in a semi-detached bungalow on the Hapton side of Padiham in Lancashire. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Children have access to a lounge, kitchen, rear outdoor area and an upstairs bathroom. The family have a pet dog. There are currently four children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged five to 11 years. The childminding provision operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years and her local childminder network group.

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

 enhance the vibrant learning environment by adding more letter and number resources so that children are able to understand that print carries meaning

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

 extend children's independence further during snack time sessions, for example, by introducing self-help skills for children to prepare the snack.

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who attend

Children enjoy their time at the setting. Children play with a wide range of toys that are accessible for all children to enjoy. Toys are stored in a room and are set up in the living room of the childminder's home so children can independently access and play with them. There are also a wide range of toys that are accessible in the outdoor environment which are set up for the children to play with during the day. For example, the children enjoy playing on the small trampoline, the slide and actively 'have a go' and practise their physical skills. As a result, children's physical development is suitably encouraged and overall, children are developing good skills in readiness for school.

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who attend

The childminder is knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this well to support the children within her care. All activities that are planned and carried out are child-led and she plans activities that meet the specific interests and developmental needs. Consequently, children within her care learn well, and are making good levels of progress. All children that attend the setting have an individual learning journal. This provides information concerning children's progress and how the childminder supports each child individually while in her care. There is good supportive evidence, for example, photographs are used to complement the observation and assessment process of the children. The childminder is currently changing the way in which she is tracking the development of the children. This is having a positive effect on her planning and delivery of activities and therefore she is able to fully meet all the children's individual learning

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who attend

needs. As a result, children's learning and development is fully supported. The individual learning journals are effectively shared and discussed with parents and the childminder exchanges information with parents about their children's progress during a termly basis and parents are encouraged to carry out examples of activities at home. As a result, parents have a good understanding of their children's learning.

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who attend

The childminder uses good communication skills which enhances a rich language environment. For example, the children enjoy mark making activities in the outdoor area and relish playing with water and brushes while painting on the outside wall. The childminder uses words, such as 'long', 'short', 'circle' and 'square' and opportunities are maximised to extend children's learning further by using a variety of open-ended questions and a use of other materials to make marks, such as chalks and paint. Consequently, children's thinking skills and language development is reinforced in a positive way. As a result, children develop a wide range of skills in readiness for school when the time comes. However, there are fewer opportunities for children to recognise the use of print in the indoor and outdoor environment, for example, by adding letter and number resources, so that children become familiar with the way print is formed and what

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

Children are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's care and form close relationships with her. The childminder knows and understands the children well and is able to attend to their needs quickly. Children's health is supported well. The childminder encourages children to enjoy daily exercise and fresh air as they play outside in the garden and enjoy trips to the local park and on nature walks in the community. The childminder involves the children in the environment and encourages the children to contribute to this. For example, children currently grow fresh tomatoes in the childminder's garden. Children are quick and eager to talk about these and when they will be ready to be picked and eaten. As a result, children's understanding of leading a healthy lifestyle is enhanced because they learn where food comes from.

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

Children of all ages skilfully develop a wide range of self-care skills as they confidently wash their hands before a snack time session. Children enjoy carrying out this process as the childminder supports the children well to do this independently. Children enjoy healthy snacks and lunches. The childminder understands the importance of a healthy balanced diet and how to provide this, in order to meet the needs of the children. The childminder has in place a set menu that provides a healthy balanced diet and children enjoy home cooked and nutritious meals. Children sit down during a snack time session, where a choice of fresh fruit and a drink is offered to them. However, at times children are not always encouraged to become involved in the preparation of the snack. Therefore, there are missed opportunities to further encourage children's independence through everyday routines. The childminder has in place systems to ensure children's individual care needs are met.

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

There are well-maintained records for accidents and the administration of medication in place. There is good communication in place between the childminder and the parents. The childminder provides an effective two-way communication system and takes the time to hold detailed discussions with the parents at the start and end of the day. There is evidence of this held from completed testimonial references that parents have taken the time to write for the childminder. As a result, the parents are extremely happy with the care that their children receive. Consequently, parents are fully informed about how their children's needs have been met. The childminder is a good role model. Children have an excellent understanding of positive behaviour. They are encouraged to say 'please' and 'thank you' at all times and are positively encouraged to support one-another and share toys and equipment. Consequently, children form close and respectful relationships with

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

one another from an early age and are well prepared for their next stage in their learning. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in an emergency by taking part in regular fire evacuation procedures.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her role and responsibility to safeguard children in her care. She has attended training, such as first aid and child protection. She is aware of how to proceed should she have concerns about a child's welfare and is able to discuss the importance of this. The childminder has up-to-date information from the local authority and she has procedures in place to follow if she has concerns about a child. She is also aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and who to contact should the need arise. The childminder also has the regular support of a childminding co-ordinator.

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provision

The childminder undertakes self-evaluative processes which take into account the views of parents. She understands the importance of reflecting upon her practice and changing her practice, so she is able to fully support the children's learning and development. She effectively monitors the educational programme and keeps track of individual children's progress to ensure children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder gains information from parents to further promote children's learning. Parents are given a parent information pack during the settling-in process, which contains information, policies and procedures of the service that she provides. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of keeping children safe and has up-to-date procedures and systems in place to ensure that regular risk assessments and evacuation procedures are carried out. This has been implemented since the last inspection and the

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provision

childminder has made significant progress towards this. Consequently, children are safe and also have an awareness of keeping themselves safe through regular practice of emergency procedures and discussion.

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provision

The childminder provides good support to prepare children to move within the setting and to other settings, such as playgroups and local schools. The childminder has worked with the local school for many years and as a result, has an excellent partnership with the professionals in order to exchange information about children's development. She has established a small network of other childminders that meet regularly and share good practice. This therefore, supports children well during their move to other settings. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates her willingness and strategies to work with children who have any special educational and/or disabilities, or children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 308108 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 818827 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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, which are usually the childminder’s 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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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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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