Bennett, Karen

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 EY244971 Inspection date 08/10/2008 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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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 2003. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for four children on the Early Years Register on a part-time basis. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for four children on the compulsory Childcare Register on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives in Ackworth on the outskirts of Pontefract, within walking distance of local amenities, such as schools, the library, shops and parks. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The childminder takes children to and from school as well as to places of interest.

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's comprehensive understanding of the needs of the children in her care as well as an excellent high regard for children's individuality ensures all aspects of children's welfare and learning are promoted. Children's safety is given high priority through robust safety procedures and they are provided with a rich, varied and imaginative range of activities and experiences which extensively promotes learning in all six areas. An excellent partnership with parents and other providers contributes exceptionally well to the quality of care and education offered. A formal, detailed, independent self-evaluation system is extremely effective in identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to identifiy targets for improvement through all children completing a self-evalauation form.

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provision

Children benefit from a well managed and organised provision. The implementation of all mandatory documentation, as well as a wealth of meticulously detailed policies and procedures, ensures the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as meeting children's individual needs and further enhancing their safety and welfare. Resources are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attractively displayed and efficiently deployed to allow children to choose with independence and safety. The childminder is totally committed to the provision of quality care and education. She has a recognised early years qualification and constantly seeks information to keep her updated on early years issues. Risks to children are effectively managed and eliminated through the use of a well written, detailed risk assessment policy, which is reviewed on an annual basis as well as a

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provision

daily risk assessment check list. The childminder has introduced innovative procedures for self-evaluating her provision. They include an independent written self-evaluation document which clearly identifies targets for improvement as well as children's evaluation sheets. These ask children to identify which activities they enjoy or do not enjoy, which activities they would like to do and what foods they would like adding to the menu, as well as suggestions for improving her provision. However, not all children have completed a self-evaluation form. The childminder is continually seeking ways of improving her practice through training and self- evaluation.

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provision

The childminder has improved her provision through implementing recommendations given at her last inspection. All medication records are now countersigned by parents and children's awareness of fire safety is well promoted through regular fire drills. A detailed, written complaints procedure is shared with parents and children develop positive attitudes towards diversity and the wider world through well planned experiences as well as inventive activities. For example, children celebrated the Chinese New Year in a Chinese restaurant and participated in a special needs lotto where they were asked to find a blue car with a disability sticker in; they then discussed the reason for the sticker. The childminder provides an inclusive and welcoming service. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported through effective policies and procedures, partnership with parents and others, as well as the childminder's

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provision

comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the issues concerning such children. The childminder has attended sign language training. She has excellent links with the local school and other providers, which has a significant, positive impact on children's care as well as complimenting children's learning and ensuring progression.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are valued and highly respected as individuals. They are provided with a stimulating learning environment which significantly enhances their learning and allows them to be self-confident, independent learners. They are offered a wide range of diverse and exciting experiences and activities which allows them to make excellent progress. These include younger children being offered a very good variety of natural materials to promote their curiosity as well as activities to experiment with textures through a range of tactile materials, such as shaving foam, feathers, sand and cooked pasta. Older children design and make glasses, rain clouds and paper flowers. The childminder provides many opportunities for children to independently take control of their learning. For example, she has introduced a 'bookworm' library where children choose a book to read and stamp out the date it was chosen. Children benefit from the exceptional organisation of the educational

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

programme as well as the comprehensive understanding of the childminder with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regard to how children learn through play. The childminder is enthusiastic, highly motivated and skilled in promoting children's learning. Play is extremely well planned and purposeful with an equal balance of adult-led and child initiated activities for both indoor and outdoor play. This results in children being creative and active learners. The childminder has detailed written plans which are based on themes; these include all six areas of learning as well as linking into, and complimenting, what children are doing at their nursery. Children complete a 'getting to know me book' which is used to identify children's starting points. Observation and assessment procedures are highly effective in promoting children's achievements. For example, they link into areas of learning and include evaluation

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and next steps in children's learning. The childminder introduces impromptu drama sessions where children are asked to pretend they are walking through a field of mud or that they have eaten too much chocolate cake. Children enjoy window painting, making models of re-cycled materials, and taking part in role play through the setting up of an optician's, post office and hairdresser's. They enjoy baking and going on nature walks, as well as visiting places of interest, such as the local farm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is very pro-active in providing a clean and hygienic setting and promoting children's awareness of the need for personal hygiene. For example, children are reminded to wash their hands through a colourful poster displayed in the toilet. They know they need to wash their hands to wash away germs which may be under their nails. Their understanding of a healthy lifestyle is promoted through fun activities such as making funky fruit salad and simple explanation, such as, 'fresh fruit is very good for your hair, teeth and bones, and gives you lots of energy'. Children are provided with a broad, well-balanced variety of nutritious meals which include a choice of cereal, fresh vegetables and fruit as well as pasta, cous cous and healthy wraps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are exceptionally well cared for in a safe and secure environment. Toys and resources are safe, suitable and meet the needs of all children who attend. The childminder is extremely vigilant in ensuring children are kept safe both in her home and on outings. For example, fire evacuation is practised and recorded every six to eight weeks; the days are rotated to ensure all children participate. At the end of each practise children receive a certificate to say they have taken part. Children are kept safe on outings through the exceptional organisational skills of the childminder. For instance, the childminder carries a contact card for each child with their photograph and contact number of the childminder and parents. Children also wear wristbands or t-shirts with the childminder's logo and telephone number on. They are kept safe from harm through the childminder's comprehensive understanding of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

her role and responsibility with regard to child protection issues and procedures. Children are well behaved and are effectively encouraged to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. They have a very good understanding of their own needs and those of others. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Outstanding The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Outstanding

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Outstanding

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Outstanding

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Outstanding How well are children helped to be healthy? Outstanding How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Outstanding How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Outstanding

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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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