Childminder in Oldham

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 EY383378 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Jannet Mary Richards

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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 lives with her husband and two children, aged 17 and 6 years, in a house in the Oldham area. Children have access to the downstairs areas of the house and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local shops, school and parks are within walking distance. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for up to five children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently caring for three children in the early years age group, and three older children before and after school. Most of the children attend on a part-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. All children are made to feel welcome in the childminder's home. Children's welfare is promoted appropriately and they make sound progress in their learning and development as the childminder follows generally effective procedures to keep them safe, healthy and support their progress. However, there are some omissions in the procedures to assess the risks to children. The childminder works in partnership with parents and others appropriately to ensure that children's individual needs are met. The childminder has a basic sound capacity to assess the effectiveness of her childminding service and make plans for further improvement. She is aware, for example, to develop her knowledge of recent legislation and guidance, and actively seeks training in these areas. However, the systems to assess her service are not yet rigorous enough to assess all aspects of her childminding.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to assess children's progess and plan activities to encourage each area of learning and development more effectively  develop the risk assessments to include detail about safety in the outdoor area, furniture in the lounge and action taken to minimise these risks  develop more effective systems to assess the quality of the provision and plan for further development.

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provision

The childminder organises her home, toys and her time generally well to ensure that children are cared for appropriately and enjoy the time they spend with her. Children are made to feel welcome, as their creative work is displayed on a wall and they have easy access to their toys, which encourages their sense of belonging. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which are followed generally well in her day-to-day care of the children. This ensures that children's health, well being and safety are promoted appropriately. Although the childminder has conducted detailed risk assessments of her home and outdoor play areas, some aspects, such as the slippery surface on the decking, have not been given sufficient consideration or action to reduce all hazards to the children.

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provision

The childminder develops positive working relationships with parents and carers in order to meet the children's needs appropriately. She obtains specific information about each child and works with the parents to ensure a consistent approach. In this way the childminder ensures that she is responsive to individual needs and values each child as a unique individual. In addition the childminder liaises appropriately with others who are involved in children's lives. She speaks to teaching staff, for example, in order to establish how best to support the children's learning and development. The childminder has a sound commitment and awareness of the importance of including all children.

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provision

The childminder has recently begun to reflect on her childminding practice, in order to identify what she does well and to make plans for further development. She is keen to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and accesses training to develop her knowledge and skills. In this way she shows a sound commitment to improve her service. The systems to evaluate and reflect on her service are not yet detailed enough to consider all aspects of her childminding, which means that some areas for development may me missed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make sound progress in their learning and development as they have a suitable range of play activities which encourage their progress. The children can easily reach their toys and books, which allows them to make independent choices about what they do, and choose toys which they are interested in. They enjoy using the natural resources in the childminder's treasure basket as props in their imaginative play, using a wooden peg and a metal bowl as they pretend to make 'chicken soup' for example. They are able to develop their early problem solving skills as they choose simple jigsaws to complete and identify some of the shapes on the puzzle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children appropriately as they play, to encourage their learning and development. For example, she asks children about the colours of objects, shapes and sizes. She talks to the children about what they see in a picture book to encourage their communication and language skills appropriately. This helps the children to develop learning skills which directly contribute to their future economic well-being. The childminder notices what the children do and plans simple activities to encourage their progress. However, the systems for assessing children's progress and planning a broad range of activities are not yet sufficiently developed to ensure all aspects of learning and development are fully considered and encouraged.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound awareness of safeguarding procedures and a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the children in her care. She supervises the children well as they play to ensure their safety. She talks to older children about the house rules, to ensure that they are aware of acceptable behaviour and play safely. In addition they practise fire drills so that they are aware of emergency procedures. Children's health and well-being is promoted effectively, as the childminder provides children with an appropriate nutritious diet and takes steps to keep them healthy. The children spend some time outdoors each day, walking to and from school, ensuring that they have fresh air and exercise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children behave well in the care of the childminder as they understand the rules and benefit from the positive praise and encouragement they receive. They settle well as the childminder takes steps to ensure that they feel welcome and special, providing their favourite meal on their first day, for example. The children are fully included in all activities as the childminder is careful to take account of their ages and abilities. Children who have English as a second language are supported appropriately as the childminder takes care to speak to them clearly and check out that they understand what is said. The children clearly enjoy the time they spend with the childminder, they have a positive relationship, which supports the development of their confidence and self-esteem. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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