Childminder in Calderdale

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 303583 Inspection date 07/01/2009 Inspector Anne Bennett

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 1998 and lives in a terraced property in Elland. The kitchen, dining room, lounge and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and currently minds four children in the early years age group and six children on the compulsory Childcare Register. Care is offered between the hours of 07.30 and 18.00 Monday to Friday.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make good progress in all areas of learning and access a wide range of well planned and spontaneous activities and experiences. The childminder has a sound awareness of inclusive practice, ensuring that the environment and activities are accessible and available to all. Observation and assessment systems are robust and the childminder is developing strategies for involving parents and carers more actively in children's learning and development. The recommendation set at the last inspection has been fully addressed and the childminder is committed to self evaluating and maintaining continuous improvement through the Quality Assurance process.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop strategies for involving parents and carers in children's learning and development

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out and review written risk assessments for each specific type of outing 16/02/2009

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provision

Clear and well implemented policies and procedures are reviewed annually and shared with parents as part of a detailed welcome pack. Regular communication is maintained effectively through the use of an information notice board, daily discussions with parents and established links with other Early Years providers. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is currently developing ways to involve parents more actively in children's learning and development and gather feedback on how parents feel about their child's progress. Individual records are used well to monitor children's progress in all areas of learning and identify next steps towards the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder is clear about roles and responsibilities in relation to child protection and is confident to carry them out, including working with other agencies to safeguard children. Safeguarding policies and arrangements are openly shared with parents and the childminder has attended additional child protection training to further develop knowledge and understanding. Well organised and detailed records effectively monitor children's safety including a signing in system for visitors to the setting. Comprehensive written risk assessments are in place for inside and outside the setting, however, risk assessments are not currently conducted and reviewed for each type of outing.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the setting and has begun to use the Ofsted self evaluation form as a tool to support an already established and effective self evaluation process. Next steps are incorporated into weekly planning as well as children's individual records, giving a clear focus to the planning and assessment process. All children are supported and included through a range of age appropriate resources, experiences and appropriate adult interventions and the childminder welcomes advice from other support networks. The recommendation raised at the last inspection has been effectively addressed and there is a clear commitment to pursuing further training in the future including look listen and note, self evaluation and food hygiene courses.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A wide range of resources and activities are available and accessible for children of all ages and stages of development including mark making, role play, play dough, baking, growing broad beans, books, jigsaws, sand and water play and games. Young children enjoy exploring a treasure basket of metal objects and looking at their own reflection in low level surfaces. The childminder promotes relationships by encouraging children to pursue interests at their own pace as they choose to spend time playing with their favourite jigsaw. Through collaborative singing activities children develop confidence in themselves and their relationships with others and young children are involved without compromising their safety. The learning environment offers children opportunities to self select resources, supplemented by booklets containing photographs of additional resources for children to choose, encouraging their involvement and decision making processes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder offers a good range of adult led and child initiated activities and takes the lead from children's interests. The childminder listens to and discusses children's ideas, offering suggestions and posing questions to extend their thinking. Positive interactions are evident as the children display confidence in the childminders company and with visitors to the setting. Children work together to develop house rules for the setting, fostering a sense of cooperation and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 awareness of boundaries. They are encouraged to say please and thank you as they make choices which fruit to have for snack. Children learn about healthy eating through discussion and parents are involved in supporting this process by providing healthy balanced and nutritious packed lunches.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Local walks, trips to the nature trail, farms, play gyms and local toddler groups encourage children to develop their movement and mobility whilst offering opportunities to gain awareness of the wider world. Children enjoy learning about the weather and changing seasons as they access outdoor play in all weathers with appropriate clothing. The childminder encourages young children to develop their newly acquired mobility skills by supporting walking, offering praise and taking the opportunity to proudly talk about their new shoes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a good awareness of danger and how to stay safe as they discuss road safety walking to school and take part in activities using a road network and vehicles outside. The setting is welcoming safe and secure and the childminder ensures that each child is valued and included. Information gathered from parents about children's individual needs is used effectively to inform practice and assess children's starting points, building on what they already know and can do. Children make good progress in all areas of learning supported by flexible planning to cater for spontaneous events and robust assessment processes which clearly identify next steps for children as they progress towards the early learning goals. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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