Childminder in Manchester

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 503928 Inspection date 06/01/2009 Inspector Teresa Ann Clark

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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 has been registered since August 2001. She lives with her sister who is a co-minder, sister's partner and two nieces. The family live in a three storey house in the Longsight area of Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor. There is a secure front and rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time under the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. When working with the co-minder she is registered to care for 11 children. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently 8 children on roll who are all in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to and collects them from local schools. With parental consent children are taken to local community groups and other places of interest. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and part of the Network. She receives support from Manchester Sure Start. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are extremely well cared for and make excellent progress in their learning and development. The childminder provides an enabling and inclusive environment where each child is truly valued as a unique individual. Exceptional relationships are formed with parents and others to promote the best outcomes for children. A comprehensive self-evaluation accurately reflects the provision.

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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 monitor the effectiveness of the educational programme to ensure children are making as much progress as they can in all areas of development.

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provision

The childminder has high aspirations for the quality of the service she provides. She is a conscientious and reflective childcare practitioner. A comprehensive self assessment is in place which clearly identifies the strengths of her provision and the areas for development. For example, the childminder is in the early stages of developing a system to monitor the children's assessments to ensure they are making as much progress as they can in all areas of learning. The childminder makes very good links with others in the community which enhances the learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 opportunities for children. She follows a quality assurance scheme and strives continuously to improve her service and outcomes for children.

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provision

Exemplary partnerships are developed with parents. They are provided with a wealth of information about the provision. Valuable information is gathered about children's starting points in the form of an 'All about me' booklet. Parents are included in all aspects and decisions regarding their children's care and learning. They are updated about their children's progress through a daily diary and detailed observation and assessment records. Good links are established with the local school to track children's development which enables the childminder to ensure clear progression of learning and development. Children with learning difficulties and English as an additional language are extremely well supported.

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provision

Parents are unanimous in their support for the childminder and her provision. They comment on how well their children are looked after and the good progress they make in their learning. Glowing written testimonies from parents and carers include, 'The level of childcare provided is outstanding and the childminder plans the day in the best interests of the children'.

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provision

The childminder has robust procedures in place to safeguard children and an excellent understanding of child protection procedures. She regularly attends training to keep up-dated and informed about changes. Children learn about their own personal safety for example, using equipment safely and how to behave when on outings. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and conducts regular risk assessments for indoors and outdoors

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn. She knows the children well and the planning systems are highly effective in meeting the needs of all the children. Planning is clearly based on personalised learning for each child. She considers the needs, interests and stages of development and uses this information to plan across all areas of learning. The childminder has devised a picture catalogue of resources and activities, which help younger children communicate what they would like to play with. This ensures all children are included and involved in decisions about their play and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points with impressive strides in their personal social and emotional development. The children describe themselves as part of a childminding family. They leave their parents and carers confidently on arrival, greet each other and quickly immerse themselves in the learning environment. Children plant secure foundations for their future economic well-being through a broad range of learning experiences and developing the ability to share and collaborate very effectively.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans interesting and relevant activities with good first hand experiences which encourage children to be active independent learners. The playroom is attractive and highly conducive to learning. There is an excellent range This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of high quality resources which are accessible and meet the needs of the children. An attractive colour table which includes games, books and puzzles has been successful in helping children learn about colours. Children love to explore the outdoors which promotes all aspects of learning. Favourite activities include using the magnifying glass to observe creatures and mini-beasts and planting their own fruit and vegetables. They learn about weight, measure and time through baking activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has high expectations and excellent expertise; she knows how young children learn best and turns challenging tasks into exciting 'play' activities. For example, children have great fun with letters as they look around the environment and stick letters on objects that begin with the letter. They have excellent opportunities to write for a purpose in all areas of their play both indoors and outdoors.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages parents to be active partners in their children's care and learning. They are able to support children at home because there are effective systems in place to discuss and involve them in the learning programme. Parents' contributions are highly valued by the childminder. For example, helping the childminder and children learn about their home countries and cultural backgrounds.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The excellent policies for the children's welfare and safety are implemented effectively. Attention to safety issues is meticulous and welfare requirements are fully met. This includes rigorous and robust risk assessments. Strong emphasis is placed on promoting a healthy lifestyle for children. Each child has a 'Five a day' chart for ticking when they have had a portion of fruit or vegetable. 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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