Seale, Joanne

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 EY282763 Inspection date 03/12/2008 Inspector Jannet Mary Richards

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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. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 10 and seven years in the Elton area of Bury. The lounge, playroom, kitchen and conservatory on the ground floor are used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are available on the ground floor and the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding a total of seven children. Of these, five are in the early years age group and two older children are cared for before and after school. The childminder may care for additional children when working with her mother who is her assistant. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the 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

Children's welfare is promoted well and they make suitable progress in their learning and development in the care of the childminder. All children are welcomed in the childminder's home, which is a safe, positive environment where children are valued and treated with respect. The childminder works well with parents and others involved in the care of children to ensure that their individual needs are met. She is able to effectively identify strengths and weaknesses and make plans to develop her childminding service to benefit the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for observing and assessing children's progress to ensure they cover each area of learning and development, and that the next steps in children's development are planned for  develop the range of resources made from natural materials for young children to explore using all of their senses

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provision

Children are happy and well cared for as the childminder organises her home, toys and resources effectively to meet their needs. She ensures that children are safe as she has carried out effective risk assessments and put measures in place, including daily safety checks, to enable children to play safely. Her policies, procedures and documentation relating to the care of the children are well maintained and help to ensure that children's needs are met. The childminder has a strong commitment to including and valuing all children. Her home is child- centred and she has a positive attitude, talking to children with kindness and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respect to ensure that they feel welcome.

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provision

The childminder takes a positive approach to the development of her childminding service. Since the last inspection she has attended first aid training to ensure that she has the knowledge to administer emergency first aid to the children. In addition, she has spent time familiarising herself with new requirements, and has made a good start on the introduction of systems to observe and assess children's progress. She has a sound ability to assess what she does well and to make plans for the future development of her childminding service.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and others who care for the children. She talks to parents often about what the children do each day, keeping them well informed. She consults with parents and carers on all issues relating to the care of the children, such as toilet training and dietary needs, ensuring that children benefit from a consistent approach. Written feedback from parents indicates they are highly satisfied with the provision for their children. The childminder has developed good links with local schools and nurseries. She often plans activities for the children which link to what they may be learning at school or nursery, which helps them to consolidate what they have learned.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make sound progress in their learning and development as they enjoy a wide range of interesting play activities and receive good support from the childminder. They can choose from a good range of toys and books in the well- stocked playroom, though there are limited items made from natural materials to encourage them to use all of their senses. Children often play outdoors in the large garden which also has a good range of equipment to encourage their physical skills and imagination. They pretend to be Eskimos in the snow, for example, or develop their physical skills, such as star jumps and tummy rolls, as they take part in their own 'Olympic games'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children settle well and are confident and independent. They happily select the toys they want to play with and take good care of them, putting them back where they belong when they have finished playing. They develop good levels of independence as young children are encouraged to fasten their own coats and put on their own boots, with plenty of positive encouragement from the childminder. The childminder supports the children well as they play. They talk together about what they are doing and the childminder asks the children simple questions, to encourage them to think and communicate. Together they solve the problem of why a jigsaw piece will not fit, as the children realise that it is too big. Younger children become effective communicators as the childminder encourages early language, for example, encouraging the children to talk about the pictures in a book.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and encourages children's progress. She has begun to record what the children do as they play, though she does not yet link her observations to the areas of learning and development. The records of progress do not yet clearly show how the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 intends to encourage the next steps in their progress. This means that, although the childminder uses everyday opportunities to encourage the children in their development, this is not clearly planned for and some opportunities may be missed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder takes effective steps to keep the children safe and prioritises their welfare. The children develop an awareness of safety as they learn how to cross the road safely and talk about why they need to walk carefully on an icy day. They enjoy plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise to promote their good health. This is enhanced by the provision of healthy nutritious meals which are cooked using fresh ingredients. The childminder is careful to ensure their individual dietary needs are met in accordance with their needs and parents' wishes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well in the positive environment which the childminder has created. They are encouraged to share toys and consider others as they play. This is reinforced when the childminder tells children a story about sharing. They learn to respect each other and their belongings as they take turns and care for their toys and books. Children develop positive self-esteem as the childminder praises them often. In addition, they have opportunities to talk about differences and value themselves and others as they make self-portraits and discuss their different features. Children are happy, settled and develop a good range of skills and confidence for their future well-being. 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? 3 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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