Childminder in Wakefield

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 EY314450 Inspection date 22/04/2009 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged eight and six in Ossett. She works with an assistant at times. The childminder uses all downstairs rooms for childminding and has a garden accessible to children for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are five children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age group

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Description of the childminding

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 childminder provides a friendly, welcoming environment for children, in which they feel happy and settled. Good opportunities are available for children to learn through play and the childminder is aware of the need to link with other settings that children attend to promote their learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Partnerships with parents and carers mostly support children's development and the childminder is flexible in the service she offers. Children's safety and security is given good priority and positive steps are taken to enable them to stay safe. The childminder recognises the need for continuous improvement and is developing systems to evaluate the quality of her provision, with the recommendations from the last inspection having been fully addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to enhance planning and extend opportunities for children  continue to develop ways to share children's progress with parents.

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provision

All necessary documentation which underpins the childminder's practice is in place. Policies and procedures comprehensively show how children's health, safety and welfare needs are met and the childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder informally plans for children's learning and assesses their progress, recording observations and photographs in their individual books to show their development. Parents are welcome to see these records although they are not yet routinely shared.

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provision

The childminder understands the need to continue her own professional training This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and development to enhance the quality of care for the children. She knows the strengths of her practice and the areas which she would like to improve upon through beginning to evaluate her service.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a very clear knowledge of the signs of possible abuse and a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern or allegation. All safeguarding procedures are readily available along with relevant contact numbers and the childminder understands the need to record all accidents and existing injuries to children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development because they have warm and trusting relationships with the childminder who understands their individual needs and personalities. Children clearly feel confident and happy in the setting and they are given many choices in what they do. For example, children freely choose what they want to play with and whether to play inside or outside. Children know the daily routine and they enjoy a good variety of interesting play based experiences, indoors and in the wider community. Children confidently approach the childminder who joins in to enhance their learning. For example, they play a variety of simple board games and the childminder offers appropriate support by using open questions, helping them to count the pieces, identify shapes, colours and opposites. Children play well together, understanding the need to take turns and the childminder praises them for doing so. Children approach the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder easily to make their requests known and she responds promptly to meet their needs. The childminder understands how young children learn and she ensures daily opportunities are fun and challenging for their development across all areas of learning. They enjoy regular visits to local places, such as farms, toddler groups, children's centres and soft play centres, enhancing their opportunities to develop their social skills with other children. The childminder has some connections with other settings that provide the Early Years Foundation Stage although there are no links yet in place to enhance children's learning and build upon what they know.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a healthy, balanced diet and the childminder fully understands their individual dietary needs. Children eat a good range of healthy snacks, such as apples and they are helped to understand their own needs through discussion. For example, the childminder asks them if they are thirsty and suggests they have a drink. Children know their own cups which are labelled with their names and these are readily accessible so they do not become thirsty. Children's personal hygiene needs are met very well and hygienic procedures minimise the spread of infection, with simple posters on display to encourage their awareness. Children enthusiastically engage in outdoor play, enjoying the challenges of the outdoor area. The childminder supports their physical development through the use of large equipment, such as the trampoline, bouncy castle and swings, by offering close supervision and interaction.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is safe and secure for children. Visitors to the setting are closely monitored, risk assessments effectively identify any perceived hazards and clear This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures ensure only those authorised to collect children may do so. Appropriate equipment is in place to ensure children are safe and the childminder ensures all resources are safe and suitable for their use. Simple explanations help children to learn about their own safety. For example, children are reminded to walk carefully down the garden steps and to hold on tight when on the swing. Children remind the childminder that they need sun-cream on in the warm sunshine and they discuss why this is important. Fire safety precautions are in place and children practise emergency evacuation to help them understand how to keep themselves safe. The childminder's calm and caring approach enables children to learn safe

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

boundaries for their behaviour and she uses gentle reminders in everyday opportunities to promote their safety. 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? 3 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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