Childminder in Kirklees

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 EY304144 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Janet Skippins

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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 is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and children aged 16, 11, nine and five in Linthwaite, Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities and a playroom on the lower ground floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding four children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age range, two children between the ages of five and eight and one child over eight. The setting is open from 08.00 to 18.00 on weekdays all year round. Children are able to attend on a full or part time basis. The childminder uses a vehicle and walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child’s individual needs and she promotes their welfare and learning with success. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder works in very close partnership with parents and the local school, which contributes to ensuring that the needs of children are well met. Policies and procedures are in line with the EYFS. She demonstrates her positive commitment to continual improvement by attending relevant training courses.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend activities to support children’s learning about other people's cultures in order to understand and celebrate similarities and differences in a diverse society.

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provision

The childminder regularly evaluates her service, meaning that it is responsive to the needs of children and their families. She has attended training to find out about the EYFS. She has put this into practice by making written observation and assessment records of the children's activity. These clearly show their next steps for learning and identify that children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points. The childminder has given attention to the recommendations made at the last inspection. She now ensures that she adheres to the condition regarding the number of children she is registered for, which enhances the safety of the children. She also has attended training to help develop her skills to provide heuristic play activities for babies. This This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has enhanced babies’ learning to help them achieve their full potential. She

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provision

evaluates her service well and has started to use the self-evaluation form. This has helped her to identify her strengths and weaknesses and she is taking action to improve. For example, she knows she needs to make her outdoor area safe so that the children can access it on a daily basis.

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provision

Records, policies and procedures are easily accessible, used appropriately and made available to parents. Information regarding children's welfare, achievements and progress is shared through regular discussion, diaries for the younger children and observation and assessment records for children in the EYFS age range. Parents have completed questionnaires, which show that they are highly satisfied with the service the childminder provides. The childminder works closely with the school some of the children attend by liaising with them on activity plans, providing continuity for the children. This results in a good partnership with parents and others, enabling the childminder to meet the needs of the children well.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding children. She has a clear policy in place and works well with parents, ensuring that the welfare and protection of children is her priority. She takes care not to allow people whose suitability has not been checked to have unsupervised contact with the children while being cared for. The childminder’s home is safe and she maintains written records of risk assessments. Clear records, which are displayed for parents, show that emergency evacuations are practised regularly which help the children to learn about the danger of fire.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed at the setting. They receive support and affection, which results in them feeling confident, motivated, healthy, happy and secure. Their independence is promoted well through easy access to a wide range of resources. The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of child development to informally plan interesting activities. She treats children with equal concern, respecting their individuality and meeting their needs. The childminder effectively promotes inclusive practice through encouraging the children to take part in activities, which are appropriate to their different needs and abilities. However, although the childminder has resources to help children learn about diversity, the children do not take part in many activities to help them learn about different cultures and lifestyles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about their local area by going on outings to toddler groups, parks and walks. They are developing a good knowledge of the importance of physical activity and fresh air when they go on these regular walks. They develop physical skills through running in the park and regular use of swings and slides. Children learn about the natural world by planting sunflowers in pots and watching caterpillars turn into butterflies. Two year olds show they have good hand to eye co-ordination when the childminder supports them to use glue and spreaders. Children learn about technology from an early age when they operate interactive activity centres and show delight at the resulting music. Children help themselves This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to books and enjoy looking at them together, with support from the childminder to develop their language. As a result, the children are making good progress towards

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a playroom and toilet with wash hand basin, for their exclusive use. Toys and equipment are easy for them to access themselves and there are displays of their work along with photographs of themselves taking part in play activities. Their environment is very clean, safe and secure. They learn how to keep themselves safe and to identify potential hazards. For example, the childminder helps them to learn about road safety when they are out walking. Routines, like regular hand washing before eating, are in place to help the children learn about health and hygiene. The childminder is currently updating her first aid training; therefore, she is aware of how to care for children in the event of an accident. The children learn about healthy eating through topic work and discussion while eating their meals and snacks with the childminder. Children behave well, are learning to share and show good manners. The childminder follows her policy on managing

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

behaviour using positive strategies such as praising the children when they behave well. 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

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