Childminder in OldhamOfsted inspection, 28 Jan 2009

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 EY318279 Inspection date 28/01/2009 Inspector Carol Ann Dixon

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband, their children, a dog and cat in the Clayton Bridge area of Manchester. The whole ground floor is used for childminding activities. There is a fully enclosed rear yard available for outdoor play. The property is accessible by two steps to the front entrance and is within walking distance of local schools and amenities. The childminder attends local toddler groups and regularly visits parks and the library.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently minding two children in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the warm, child-centred environment where their well-being is paramount. They make excellent progress because the childminder provides exemplary care and skilfully plans activities to meet their individual needs and interests. A highly developed partnership with parents ensures a consistency in the care provided. The childminder effectively evaluates her practice and respectfully seeks parents' views to help her identify any areas for further improvement. She creates meaningful partnerships with other settings children attend, to support a cohesive approach to children's learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 how to enable parents to contribute to children's progress records.

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provision

The childminder's enthusiastic involvement and superb interactions with the children are highly effective in supporting their welfare, care and learning needs. Experiences provided are securely based upon children's interests and abilities, which successfully maximises each child's learning potential and ensures every child is fully included. Comprehensive photographic and observational records demonstrate that children are making excellent progress in all areas of their development.

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provision

Superb partnerships with parents ensure children's individual needs are continually discussed, and that regular observations on the children are shared. Parents receive comprehensive information about the childminder's service including This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 policies, procedures and copies of weekly planned activities. Very good systems are in place to inform parents about their child's developmental progress and achievements. For example, ongoing daily discussions and regular opportunities to access their child's progress file. The childminder actively invites the views of parents to seek feedback about her service and recent questionnaires have included very positive comments. The childminder is currently considering how to provide further opportunities for parents to contribute their comments and observations to their child's progress records.

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provision

The childminder is part of an approved network and offers support to other childminders. She has well developed systems to evaluate her own practice and makes effective use of frequent training opportunities to strive for further improvement and maintain an updated knowledge of changes in legislative requirements. Improvements include fully addressing the recommendation made at the last inspection to increase the range of resources depicting positive images of race, culture, gender and disability.

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provision

Children are fully safeguarded and protected from harm through the childminder's robust procedures and practices. Comprehensively detailed risk assessments on the premises, and also for outings, ensure that safety is continually monitored and reviewed. The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibilities in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board, and is confident to follow procedures and link with other agencies to ensure children are safe. A comprehensive child protection policy is shared with parents to keep them informed of her responsibilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home and significantly benefit from her enthusiasm and highly skilled interactions. Her professional knowledge of child development and recognition of each child's uniqueness ensures children feel valued, settled and secure. All the documentation required to support children's welfare is in place. The highly effective observation, planning and assessment systems clearly demonstrate that children are making very good progress and that the next steps in their learning are carefully considered. Children proudly share their own progress files and refer to photographs of past experiences they have enjoyed, which supports their ability to recall and describe events.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate high levels of involvement in many different play-based experiences, which cover all areas of learning. They know they are free to explore and investigate and confidently make decisions about what they want to play with. Resources are stored accessibly and clearly labelled with text and pictures, which helps children understand that print carries meaning. Children know the childminder values their achievements because she displays examples of their work and photographs prominently in the home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is an excellent role model and frequently engages the children in conversation, stories and songs, which effectively supports their developing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 language skills. They clearly enjoy books and listen attentively to their choice of story. The childminder provides interesting story sacks containing props for children to use to act out a favourite story. Children become confident and self- assured as they persevere at acquiring everyday skills such as putting on their own coats and helping to prepare the table or food for mealtimes. Children delight in expressing themselves creatively through their role-play and art activities. For example, they make their own tents using lengths of fabric and pegs and concentrate on carefully covering their hands with paint to print onto paper.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have use of a broad range of tools within their play, which develops strength and control in their small muscles. They manipulate scissors, brushes, glue spreaders and pencils with increasing skill and confidence. Children frequently engage in fun and challenging activities which enhance their physical well-being. For example, they get plenty of fresh air as they visit local country parks to collect leaves and conkers, feed the squirrels and develop their balancing skills as they jump across small streams or carefully lift stones to look for bugs underneath them. They also help to plant flowers in the childminder's garden and enjoy observing their growth.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children count with confidence and competently use numbers when engaged in a wide range of fun, interesting and practical activities. They correctly show on their fingers how old they are and join in with familiar number rhymes. Children look carefully at shapes during their play and enjoy making complex constructions with bricks and various tools using positional language to describe what they are doing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is excellent and they are very well mannered. They are regularly praised and encouraged, and are reminded of simple expectations and boundaries. This means that they are increasingly able to manage their own behaviour. Visits to local playgroups and other centres help children develop socially and learn about the wider world. This is extended through accessing resources that promote positive images of all people in society and learning about other countries, cultural festivals and the way people live.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The premises are secure and the toys and resources are checked regularly to make sure they remain safe and suitable. Children are actively involved in learning how to help keep themselves safe in various situations. This includes understanding how to safely use tools such as scissors and practising what to do in the event of an emergency evacuation. The children are very proud of their certificates of achievement for participating in the fire drill.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is promoted well by the childminder and her input means children are independent with many self-help skills, such as washing their hands without prompting. They also begin to learn about dental care as they brush their teeth after lunch. Children benefit from being provided with an appetising variety of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which include a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables. Discussions and activities, such as preparing a tasty meal of chicken chow mein, are effectively used to help children develop an understanding about healthy eating. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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

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