Childminder in Rochdale

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 EY303499 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Susan Janet Lee

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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 lives with her son aged ten years in a semi detached property in Middleton, Manchester. The lounge, kitchen and conservatory on the ground floor, and the rear bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are registered for childminding purposes. There are fully enclosed side and rear gardens available for outdoor play. Access is gained to the property at the front of the house on the ground floor level. The family have two cats, a dog, an African land snail and two chipmunks as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently nine children on roll. The childminder has established links with other early years settings which minded children attend and that also provide the 'Early Years Foundation Stage' framework. The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local primary school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Highly effective procedures and practices ensure the safety and the welfare of the children. The good partnerships with parents and others involved in the lives of the children ensure that everyone works together to support the children and to meet their needs. The childminder places a very strong emphasis on valuing children and their families and she ensures that the environment is warm, welcoming and accepting of everyone. Good systems are in place in relation to self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the complaints procedure includes Ofsted's address.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a very high level of commitment to promoting children's safety and welfare. She has an excellent understanding of her responsibility as a registered person and her first concern is to protect the children in her care. Robust risk assessments are in place and these are extremely effective in eliminating risks. The childminder organises time space and resources well to meet children's needs and to enhance their play experiences. All required documentation is in place. The childminder has developed a range of written policies and procedures and these work very well in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. However, the complaints procedure does not include Ofsted's address. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is a committed childcare practitioner. She has a high regard for

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provision

children's well-being as she attends training to further develop her childcare practices.

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provision

The childminder self-evaluates by using practical and thoughtful reflection. She also uses photographs to document improvements. The childminder works closely with the children and their parents to continually evaluate and monitor the service she provides. After feedback from parents, the childminder has adapted her hours of work, changed the menus and accessed training to meet children's individual needs. The recommendation from the last inspection has been met as the childminder has assessed the plants in the garden to ensure none are poisonous.

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provision

The childminder provides a fully inclusive environment for the children and their families and she celebrates the different dynamics of each family. Parents are provided with a good source of information about the provision. The childminder also produces regular news letters to keep them informed about forthcoming events. Parents are kept very well informed about their children's daily activities and developmental progress. Recent written testimonials from parents show they are very happy with service provided, levels of care and activities afforded. Parents comment that the childminder is a genuine and caring person and the children are cared for in a wonderful environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and enabling environment. The premises is well organised, child centred and supportive to children's learning. Inclusion flows through every aspect of the provision and plays an important and integral part of the children's time spent with the childminder. The children develop a strong sense of belonging. They clearly enjoy and relish their time with the childminder and they positively thrive on her interaction and attention. The children have a wealth of opportunity to learn about themselves, each other and the wider world. The childminder encourages the children to celebrate their similarities and differences and promotes a positive attitude towards individual tastes and ideas. The children also learn about their environment as they recycle waste materials and grow fruit and flowers in the garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective procedures are in place in relation to planning and assessment. The childminder plans a wide range of activities and experiences to ensure that every child enjoys and is suitably challenged by the learning experiences provided. The childminder devotes time with the children and gives them lots of attention. She is skilful in knowing when to allow children to play uninterrupted and when to intervene to support them in their play and learning. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and she values children's uniqueness. The childminder shares warm close relationships with the children. As a result, the children feel at ease and are secure and confident. This positive sense of well- being gives the children a secure foundation on which to play, explore and develop. The children develop good language skills as the childminder nurtures their communication. She listens when the children speak and responds to answer

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their questions and to extend their vocabulary. The childminder develops children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 awareness of mathematical concepts as she introduces simple number concepts and helps the children to problem solve.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children have access to a broad range of natural play materials. For example, shells, drift wood, slate and fossils. The children explore and respond to what they see, hear, feel and touch. They are able to explore a wide range of musical instruments. The childminder supports the children's exploration and they talk about the different sounds the instruments make. The younger children focus their exploration through particular processes such as filling, emptying and transporting with toys and containers. They collect pebbles in the garden and put them into a pram to transport them. The childminder gives the children lots of time to explore and investigate. The children are able to experience age appropriate challenges. For example, a toddler climbs up two steps in the garden with the childminder at their side. They are clearly proud and the childminder celebrates the child's success with lots of praise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder actively encourages the children to develop an understanding of the world around them. The children helped the childminder to collect chrysalis from the garden and they carefully stored it in a tank to watch what happens. Some have turned into moths and have been released into the garden. The children are now waiting excitedly to see if the last one turns into a butterfly. The children have lots of opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills in the fresh air and they develop an understanding of good practices with regard to exercise. The children have rich outdoor experiences as they have access to a pleasant outdoor play area which is on three levels. Much thought has been given to the outdoor play area and indoor activities are available outside. The garden also provides the children with lots of sensory experiences. The children learn about their bodies and develop control and co-ordination as they play on the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is highly skilled and consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour. She uses strategies that take into account the children's ages and stages of development. The children develop an understanding of what is acceptable from an early age. They receive consistent praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements. As a result, the children feel valued and they develop confidence and self-esteem. The childminder exercises extremely good hygiene practices at all times to minimise the risk of cross-infection. The children are very well nourished and develop an understanding of healthy eating as the childminder provides a very healthy and nutritious menu to aid their growth and development. The childminder encourages the children to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. The children are able to record the portions they have eaten and these are on display. Consequently, the children learn the importance of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

a good diet. 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? 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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