Childminder in LeedsOfsted inspection, 23 Feb 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 EY313692 Inspection date 23/02/2009 Inspector Alison Margaret Walker

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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. He lives with his wife who works with him as a co childminder. They have two children aged 12 and seven years. They live in Meanwood, a residential area of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor and on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are three places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers two places for children aged between six and seven years before and after school: this provision is registered on the Childcare Register. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. There are eight children on roll aged between 10 months and eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and his co childminder where they take part in a wide range of interesting activities in the home and go on interesting outings in their local community. Effective arrangements are in place to ensure the children are kept safe, healthy and to meet their individual needs. Links with parents are developing very well to help them become involved in their children's care and education. The childminder keeps them well informed of their children's progress verbally and through profiles and daily diaries. The childminder and his co childminder have an accurate understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and take effective steps to improve their practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve risk assessments for outings  continue develop planning to meet children's individual needs.

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provision

The childminder and co childminder have good relationships with the local pre school, nursery and school to ensure they work together to provide appropriate support and continuation in children's development. Although the responsibility for sharing information with parents lies with his co childminder, he has good understanding of the need to work closely with parents and is confident in liaising with them as and when required. Areas within the home have been re-organised effectively allowing children to have free, safe access to a suitable selection of age This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate play opportunities. This shows the childminder's commitment to improvement. He has fitted low level shelving to store toys, equipment and activities. These are easily accessible to encourage children to make choices and also create more available play space so they can move more freely. The

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provision

childminder has a clear understanding of his role and responsibilities in keeping children safe and secure during their time with him, both within the setting and on outings. He has done rigorous written risk assessments on the home and garden. However, risk assessments do not include all aspects of outings. Effective systems are in place for the safe collection of children and the childminder has a good awareness of child protection procedures.

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provision

The childminder has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. He assists his co-childminder in recording children's progress by putting photographs and samples of the children's work in folders which are shown to parents. The childminder contributes to assessments which take into account children's starting points to inform the future planning of activities. However, planning does not fully meet each individual child's needs. A good range of written policies and procedures effectively promotes the health, safety and well-being of children. The childminder has been involved in writing these and they are regularly reviewed. All are available for parents to keep them informed of the service. The children's welfare is maintained by a good range of completed documentation which include accurate records to ensure children are safeguarded. The childminder gathers detailed information on each child to ensure all their individual

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provision

needs are met. The childminder demonstrates a sound commitment to improving his provision and evaluating his practice. For example, he has attended training on fire safety to improve his knowledge and skills which has a positive impact on the children's care and safety. Also by doing a thorough self evaluation in partnership with his co-childminder, he has also identified further areas he can improve and develop, such as doing a thorough risk assessment for each outing that they plan for the children. This will be done by visiting the venue and assessing the facilities and amenities to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to gain a good awareness of their environment as they visit local amenities. Children are developing their knowledge and understanding of the world through trying food from different countries. They read books showing children from different cultures and look at a colourful poster showing different languages. Regular visits to childminding and toddler groups which fully support their social development as they learn to play and socialise in larger groups. The children enjoy regular physical activity and fresh air through, playing in the garden, local walks and trips to the park. Children particularly like walking, climbing and balancing which enhances their physical development. The childminder ensures parents are kept well informed of their children's care and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled with the childminder and they respond well to him. The childminder effectively promotes children's learning through play and they choose activities where they can engage with him or sometimes play alone. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder shows a commitment to helping children settle with him, even though he is not their main carer he has got to know the children well. They enjoy time together, for example, planting and growing seeds, watering them and watching them grow. Verbal communication between children and the childminder supports their speech and language development. The childminder talks to the children repeating words to develop language. Children have a keen interest in books. They select their favourite books from an easily accessible bookcase and handle them carefully. The childminder incorporates numbers and problem solving

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

in day to day activities to develop the children's interests. For example, they identify numbers when they are outdoors and in cars. They enjoy a simple game of matching up socks according size, colour and texture.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are helped to understand how to behave outdoors and inside as the childminders talks appropriately to them about what behaviour is acceptable, personal safety and how to use equipment safely. Children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices as they wash their hands before eating and after messy activities. The childminder is a positive role model, such as washing his hands before food preparation. Meals and snacks are varied and nutritious. the childminder assists with the preparation of these. All the children's allergies, preferences and dietary requirements are considered after discussion with parents. Children are able to access drinks independently throughout the day and the childminder ensures these are regularly replenished. 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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