Childminder in Wakefield

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 EY225040 Inspection date 11/12/2008 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her family in Pontefract. The detached garage is converted to a designated playroom and the ground floor of the childminder's house is also used for childminding. There is a safely enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the childcare register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, and is currently minding four children in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a very welcoming, child-centred environment which provides excellent facilities to support their welfare their learning and development. The childminder understands the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and she uses this very well to ensure that each child's individual needs are met. Partnership with parents and carers mostly supports children's welfare and development, and the childminder ensures parents are kept very well informed about relevant matters. Excellent systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision, and the childminder works very hard to ensure children receive high standards of care and education. The recommendations from the last inspection have all been fully addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the systems for recording children's progress, considering ways to further involve parents.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure written parental consent is in place for administering medication (W1.1 Safeguarding and welfare). 11/12/2008

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provision

Excellent documentation, including comprehensive policies and procedures, is in place which underpins the childminder's practice and clearly illustrates how children's individual welfare, learning and development needs are met. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is fully committed to improving her own skills through ongoing training and she is proactive in ensuring her practice and knowledge of childcare legislation is completely up to date. Practice is continuously evaluated in detail using the online self-evaluation form, and the childminder is very aware of her strengths and areas to improve. The childminder recognises that each child is unique and she offers personalised care based upon their individual preferences, abilities and interests.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent commitment to inclusive practice and she knows each child in her care very well enabling her to provide individual challenges. Information is obtained from parents before children start at the setting, and the childminder regularly observes and records their ongoing progress. Early learning records are written from the child's perspective and the next steps in their development are clearly highlighted. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's progress at any time, although they do not contribute to their development records. The childminder gives clear information to parents about the six areas of learning and offers a link to the websites, including her own, that offer further details about the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents receive a welcome pack, regular newsletters, updates and verbal information as well as photographs of their children and text messages. Secure and trusting relationships are in place with

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provision

every child so that they feel settled, valued and confident and this forms a strong basis for them to learn and develop.

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provision

Secure arrangements for safeguarding children are in place. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of how to identify signs of abuse and neglect, and she has clear procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is maintained at all times. Parents are aware of the well-written policy and procedures in place for safeguarding their children. Students who attend the setting to gain childcare experience are never unsupervised, and they are given a detailed induction about how the setting is run. Visitors to the setting are carefully monitored and supervised and their details are recorded in a signing in book.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely confident, happy and busy in the childminder's care and they make excellent progress in all areas of their learning. An extensive range of activities are planned thoroughly, taking into account what children know and can do and the childminder maximises opportunities for spontaneous learning by following children's interests. There is a lovely rapport between the childminder and each child and she interacts positively with them to extend their learning through play. Skilled questioning and conversation with children as they play encourages them to think and develop new vocabulary. The childminder ensures children feel they are valued by listening to what they say and promptly responding to their needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are highly independent and they make decisions about their play and welfare. The childminder consults children about all aspects of their care and well- being. For example, she explains why the inspector is here, discusses with children what kind of food they would like to eat or whether they need a nappy change. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She involves them in helping with the daily routine, such as preparing snack and they help to cut up their own fruit. Children become involved in purposeful play and the childminder ensures they have plenty of time to play undisturbed. For example, children engrossed in a play-dough activity are allowed to continue playing as long as they need to. Children count and use mathematical language in everyday ways, such as when counting chairs for each child and counting how many people are here. Children learn about the world around them and they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

thoroughly enjoy physical play through outdoor activities. They enthusiastically put food on the bird table and talk about what the birds like to eat, and talk about visiting the hens to collect some eggs. Opportunities to develop children's social and physical skills are well planned through attending regular local groups and soft play centres. Children use their imaginations very well as they make tea in the play kitchen and offer drinks to the thirsty rocking horse. Children proudly show off their art work and their own photograph, which is attractively displayed around the room and many photographs show children involved in a variety of craft activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and hygiene is given very high priority and there are effective systems in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example, liquid soap and paper towels are used when hand washing, anti-bacterial solution is used to clean surfaces and disposable gloves and aprons are used for each nappy change. Children enjoy a wide range of healthy snacks, such as grapes and bananas and drinks are always on view. Menus are available for parents to see, and the childminder ensures each child's individual dietary needs are met, promoting healthy eating such as 'five a day' fruit and vegetables. Food is hygienically handled and the childminder regularly checks fridge temperatures to ensure safe food storage. Accident and medication records are well-maintained, although written parental consent for each medicine is not obtained. Children are very safe and secure because the childminder completes detailed risk assessments, and she

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

is aware of all hazards in and around the home. Children learn about keeping themselves safe, such as through practising fire drills and the childminder gives gentle reminders about everyday safety. For example, children are reminded not to climb on furniture or throw toys. On outings children wear high visibility fluorescent jackets, and the childminder has excellent systems in place should an emergency occur whilst on outings. Children's behaviour is very good and positive strategies are used to encourage them to share and play co-operatively. Children are motivated by a simple reward system, such as receiving stickers for good behaviour, and the childminder gives plenty of positive praise and encouragement. Children use lovely manners unprompted in their interaction with others and the childminder is a good role model for them to follow. 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? 1 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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