Stead, Emma Victoria

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 EY306005 Inspection date 23/01/2009 Inspector Alexandra Cole

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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 2005. She works with her sister and mother who are both registered childminders. Care is provided from her mothers home which is a semi-detached property in the Greetland area of Halifax, close to shops, parks, schools and transport links. Children are cared for in a dedicated playroom with toilet and rest facilities on the ground floor. They access one bedroom on the first floor and have access to a secure outdoor area to the rear of the property.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for six children, when working with her co-minders she is registered to care for ten children. She is currently caring for ten children under five years of age. She also offers care to children over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is Quality Assured and is currently in receipt of funding for early education for three and four-year-olds. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the Local Authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. Extremely good attention is given to promoting children's understanding of diversity and excellent recognition is given to the uniqueness of each child. Partnerships with parents are excellent and they are provided with a wealth of information regarding their child's development. The childminder continuously reflects on her practice and the process of self-evaluation and continuous improvement is effective.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the details included in the collection of children policy and ensure risk assessments of outings are recorded.

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provision

The childminders' ability to effectively evaluate the quality of the provision is good and means that children benefit from excellent care and education. The childminder holds monthly meetings with her co-minders to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of activities undertaken in order to promote continuous improvement. In addition, she has sourced external funding in order to develop the outdoor area to enable children to play outside in all weathers. Policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures required for the safe and effective management of children are very well organised, comprehensive and most of them contain all of the relevant information.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role towards child protection and is able to put relevant procedures into practice. She holds all of the current guidance relating to this issue and has completed all of the necessary background checks to ensure all adults are suitable to work with children. Extremely high attention is given to ensuring children are protected from illness and infection. For example, the childminder effectively implements a 'no shoes' policy in the playroom in order to maintain a fully hygienic environment. Exceptional attention is given to providing an inclusive environment in order to promote children's sense of belonging. For example, children have their own slippers, coat hook and a 'post box' and they are invited to contribute to where they would like their art work to be displayed.

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provision

Excellent arrangements are in place to ensure parents are involved in their child's learning and parents are extremely pleased with the service provided. In order to ensure parents are able to contribute towards the care their child receives, the childminder distributes questionnaires inviting them to comment on any areas for improvement. Parents are provided with extremely comprehensive information regarding their child's education and are invited to put photographs and comments into their child's 'learning journey'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from an excellent range of activities and they are excited and motivated to learn. Exceptional attention is given to ensuring children learn to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle. For example, children are engrossed in an activity of washing, peeling, cutting and tasting different fruits. They are able to describe the textures of the fruit and tell the inspector that 'We needed to clean it so we don't get germs'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminders' ability to plan an exciting range of activities that effectively helps children to progress towards the early learning goals is excellent. The planning is flexible and in line with children's age and stage of development as well as their interests. For example, children's interest in the book of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' is extended by a trip to see the pantomime. To extend the children's learning further children then paint pictures of characters from the book which are attractively displayed in the playroom.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The excellent organisation of the play environment means that children are able to self-select from a very good range of toys and resources which are stored at child- height. They effectively develop their independence and self-motivation as they help themselves to the toys. There is a very good balance of child led and adult initiated play and learning. For example, children thoroughly enjoy the structured fruit tasting session and then instigate a game of 'hairdressers' with the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's sense of belonging is extremely well promoted. For example, children take 'holiday bear' with them when they go on holiday. An attractive display depicts where in the world they took the bear and includes postcards from the children and a photo of them holding the bear on holiday. Children are provided with an excellent range of activities that promote their understanding of diversity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

For example, they have made American 'worry dolls' and the childminder has introduced basic sign language to them. 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? 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? 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 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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