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 EY289402 Inspection date 27/11/2008 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 2004 and lives in a semi detached property in Heckmondwike. The kitchen, lounge and toilet downstairs and two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs are used for childminding. There is an enclosed 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 four children under eight years and currently minds two children in the early years age group and three 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, and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder places a strong emphasis on the individual child's learning journey, supported by a sound knowledge of child development and children's learning and development needs. The setting is well organised, tailored to children's interests and accessible to all. Partnership with parents is managed well, offering regular opportunities to share information and contribute to learning and development within and beyond the setting. Self evaluation processes are in the initial stages and the childminder is motivated to reflect on and continue to improve practice. All recommendations raised at the last inspection have been effectively addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider ways to reflect more actively on practice and involve parents and carers in the monitoring and evaluation process  record the details of fire evacuation drills including any problems encountered and how they were resolved  continue to build on further strategies for the involvment of other early years providers to ensure continuity and support transitions beyond the setting.

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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 risk assessments are conducted and reviewed regularly 02/01/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Policies and procedures are clear, concise, and implemented well through working effectively in partnership with parents. Well-organised individual records clearly demonstrate a commitment to promoting children's welfare, learning, and development. Good quality, accessible information ensures that parents and carers are actively involved in their child's care and development on a daily basis.

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provision

Risks inside and outside the setting are thoroughly addressed through informal processes, however, written risk assessments are not currently conducted and reviewed. Clear and consistent boundaries and regular reinforcement through daily routines ensure that children can confidently explore in a safe and secure environment. A fire evacuation plan is in place but is not currently practised with children to support them to learn about danger and how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. The childminder has a good understanding of responsibilities with regard to child protection and conscientiously records and applies any changes in safeguarding procedures. Parents and carers are openly welcomed into the setting and invited to share information about children's individual needs and interests.

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provision

The childminder has begun to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form as a starting point for monitoring and evaluating practice. Some strengths and priorities for improvement are effectively identified, however, formal systems are not fully developed to ensure practice is consistently reviewed and remains focused on outcomes for children. The recommendations raised at the last inspection have been effectively addressed and a clear commitment to continuous improvement is evident through the childminder's positive approach to the new Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder links well with support networks and accesses additional training regularly in order to develop skills and improve practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in all areas of learning and development, supported by the childminder's secure knowledge of individual children and the use of comprehensive observations and assessments. Children's individual records are used very well to track each child's progress and to plan and make decisions for their next steps. Parents are invited to share and contribute to children's records. The childminder’s good understanding of what each child is familiar with and can do, makes learning purposeful and meaningful for each child as they enjoy opportunities to pursue interests such as playing with puppets and role-play activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children initiate their own play by independently self-selecting in a well-resourced, accessible environment and the childminder listens and responds sensitively, encouraging them to share and take turns. A range of varied and interesting opportunities including dressing up, jigsaws, mark making, construction, and play dough activities are available as well as spontaneous activities and events such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 leaf collecting in the woods.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a clean and well-organised environment. A varied selection of healthy, balanced, and nutritious meals are well planned by inviting input from the children and parents. The childminder is committed to supporting children to make healthy choices in relation to meals and snacks, appropriate to individual dietary needs and preferences. A good understanding of danger and how to stay safe is consistently promoted and children are offered opportunities to practice boundaries in safe settings, for example, walking without reigns when appropriate. The setting lends itself well to group and individual activities, giving all the children the space and freedom to be actively involved without compromising their safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to diversity and difference, creating a sensitive and accepting environment for children to pose questions and raise any concerns openly. All children are supported to develop confidence in themselves and their relationships with others by taking part in independent and collaborative activities. The childminder attends the local support group regularly as well as taking children to local places of interest and play gyms. Relationships with other early years providers are developing to ensure continuity beyond the setting. 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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