Childminder in Leeds

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 320004 Inspection date 09/03/2009 Inspector Christine Snowdon

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and their adult son. They live in a large village on the outskirts of Leeds. Their home is within walking distance of the local shops, school and park. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for six children under eight years and offers care for children up to 11 years. She currently cares for five children in the early years group and four older children, all but one child attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a level 3 qualification in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Leeds childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an exceptionally well-organised and child-orientated home where their safety and welfare are given the utmost priority. All children are highly valued as individuals and offered a wonderful range of activities which fully support and extend their learning. All required documentation is in place and effective systems have been devised to record children's progress and development. The exceptional working relationships already established with the parents contributes significantly to the childminder's secure knowledge of the individual needs of all children in her care. The childminder's utmost commitment to the continual improvement of her practice ensures the outcomes for children are highly 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?

 continue to develop the outdoor learning environment as detailed in the setting's future development plans.

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provision

The childminder has a highly proactive approach to identifying her own training needs and her training directory reflects on the numerous courses already attended. She has almost completed the local authority's quality assurance scheme and has received gold awards for all her work submitted so far. She talks enthusiastically about how she uses the internet to research and obtain excellent up-to-date information for herself and parents. For example, she sends for packs This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from an education website and issues them to all new parents. These contain a DVD, height chart and written information about how they can help and support their children's learning and development.

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provision

Extremely well-organised and effective systems, policies and procedures underpin this exemplary provision and ensures children are safeguarded, included and their welfare fully promoted. Through taking part in the National Safety Week the children's understanding of road safety, stranger danger and safe play are sensitively and effectively promoted. All aspects of children's safety both on and off site are covered in the detailed and extensive written risk assessments. Any risks are clearly identified and steps taken to ensure these are minimise. On certain outings additional adults are used effectively to increase the overall adult to child ratio in order to ensure maximum safety and supervision at all times.

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provision

Excellent partnerships with parents and other professionals are in place. Parents' letters written in readiness for the inspection highly praise the childminder and express their delight with the progress their children are making and the excellent care she provides. The childminder gathers extensive information from parents to establish children's starting points and uses this extremely well to plan for each child's individual learning and development. Children's learning logs are a wonderful account of their progress using photographs and written observations to clearly assess and identify their next steps in learning. The local school has recognised and praised the work that the childminder does by assisting the children to continue their learning in her setting. For example, the school newsletter states 'no wonder the children are doing so well' and there is a photograph of the children proudly holding up their lantern which they made with

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provision

the childminder as part of their Chinese New Year celebrations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is well qualified and experienced in childcare and highly motivated and enthusiastic in her approach. This is reflected in her inspiring provision which is effectively organised, highly accessible and inviting to all age groups in order to fully support their learning and development. The main playroom is exceptionally well resourced with good quality toys and activities. Bright posters, children's artwork, information, labelled coat pegs and storage create a bright and highly welcoming and child-orientated environment which effectively fosters children's sense of belonging. Children benefit from the very broad and balanced curriculum covering all areas of learning, achieved through her excellent planning which incorporates children's individual interests and ideas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children talk excitedly about the past wintry weather and tell the inspector that they built a big, big, big snowman up to the sky and lift up their arms to signify how high. The childminder explains that they had great fun and a parent and child came to join in the fun even though it was not their day to attend. Children of both genders clearly love the role play opportunities. They say the baby is hungry and after sitting the doll in a highchair pretend to feed it with the spoon. The childminder gives them pasta shapes and raisins to use and they pretend to make the sounds of the baby eating whilst eating the dried fruit themselves. Afterwards This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they say the baby is sleepy and lay it down in the pram and rock it off to sleep.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and exceptionally well settled and confident. They have a deep and trusting relationship with the childminder and the other minded children. The childminder's dedication to working with parents to meet the children's individual care and learning needs means that they soon feel part of her family and make excellent progress. The childminder continually supports and extends children's play through excellent interaction and verbal discussion, this has a very positive effect on developing their speaking and listening skills. Children have a keen interest in books and snuggle up on the settee with the childminder whilst she reads their favourite story. The book entitled 'Don’t be a bully Billy' gives a clear message about behaviour and respecting one another's differences and feelings. The childminder knows this helps children to recognise and deal appropriately with their own frustrations in a very positive way. Certificates and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

reward stickers along with the childminder's praise and encouragement ensure that each child knows their good behaviour is truly valued. Children clearly have a strong bond and loving relationship with the childminder. During her weeks holiday she received a handmade card from them saying 'I miss and love you'. Photographs show children enjoy regular exercise through the many activities outdoors, such as regular visits to the local playing fields where they enjoy running in the wide open spaces and playing ball games. On-site children have great fun using the trampoline, skipping and playing hopscotch. The childminder's future plans include developing her garden to include a sensory area complete with bamboo wind chimes and an area for the children to grow their own vegetables. 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 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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