Kitching, Sarah Jayne

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 August 2015 24 November 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She uses her skills effectively to observe, assess and plan for children's individual needs and interests.  The quality of the childminder's teaching is good. She supports children well, so that they develop the skills they need in readiness for school. She encourages children to take turns, express their feelings and take pride in their achievements.  Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents are regularly informed of their children's progress in learning and development. The childminder ensures there are good, shared learning opportunities between the home and the setting.  The childminder helps to keep children safe, secure and protected at all times. She is confident in the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child's welfare. Furthermore, she understands what to do should an allegation be made against her.

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This provision is good

 Children build secure emotional attachments with the childminder. The childminder works closely with parents to plan effective settling-in programmes. She gathers relevant information to support children's care, learning and development.  The childminder is committed to enhancing her skills through regular training and professional development opportunities. In addition, she uses other childminders as a source of support. This has a positive impact on her knowledge, skills and practice, so that children benefit.  The childminder makes effective evaluations of the provision which enables her to identify what she can do to bring about further improvements.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not always provide a wide range of natural resources for children to independently explore and investigate.  The childminder sometimes overlooks opportunities to extend children's thinking skills.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 provide a wider range of natural resources that stimulate and extend children's innate curiosity  provide more opportunities to enhance children's thinking skills.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children engaged in activities and the childminder's interaction with them.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and conducted a joint observation.  The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's suitability, her assistant and all household members over the age of 16 years.  The inspector viewed feedback from parents, taking this into account.  The inspector viewed the childminder's observation and assessment records, children's learning files and the childminder's self-evaluation form.

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who attend. This is good

The childminder plays and works alongside children, exploring ideas and facilitating their play. She successfully observes children and plans challenging next steps in learning that meet their interests. Younger children enjoy building and playing with toys that link to their home and life experiences. The childminder provides resources which promote imaginary play. Older children enjoy using these, developing and extending their physical skills as they manipulate tools and equipment. The childminder gives children time to practise new skills, so that they develop their hand and eye coordination. She encourages children to count, observe colours and asks relevant questions, promoting good communication, language and mathematical skills. However, she misses some opportunities to help engage children's thinking skills further. The childminder generally follows children's lead, stretching their capabilities, so that they make good progress in

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who attend. This is good

their learning and development. Children show their curiosity while exploring and investigating different materials. However, the childminder does not always provide a wide range of natural resources to extend this play.

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good

The childminder is calm and sensitive, effectively supporting children's individual needs and their emotional well-being. She gives children the time and support to become familiar with routines and the environment. Children develop a strong sense of security. The childminder supports children's physical well-being. Children are happy and confident as they explore the environment, inside and outside. They develop good self-esteem and a strong sense of belonging. The childminder consistently gives encouragement to children, praising them highly when they achieve something new. The childminder provides plentiful opportunities for children to develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. She provides nutritious, healthy snacks and liaises with parents to help ensure children receive balanced and nutritious packed lunches. Children benefit highly from daily outdoor fresh air and exercise.

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provision is good

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, successfully implementing all the requirements. She is very organised and ensures records are accurately maintained. The childminder ensures that her assistant is fully conversant with policies and procedures, children's needs and health and safety requirements. For example, regular fire drills take place when her assistant is working. This helps to assure the safe and efficient management of the setting. The childminder effectively tracks children's progress in their learning and development. She fully understands how to identify any gaps in children's learning. Should the need arise, the childminder has very good links with professionals to whom children might be referred. The childminder has very good links with other providers. She successfully liaises with them as children prepare to move on and shares relevant information to further support their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY419689 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 852029 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 9

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 24 November 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2010 and lives in Heysham, Lancashire. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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