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 320187 Inspection date 12/05/2009 Inspector Liz Whitehead

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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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and children aged 14 and 12 years in East Ardsley, Wakefield. The ground floor and first floor bathroom of the property are used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two dogs, two cats, two rabbits and two gerbils.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care for children on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and has 10 children on roll, three of whom are under eight years with two of these in the early years age group. The childminder takes and collects children from school and 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 regularly reflects upon her practice to ensure that she effectively maintains continuous improvement. She consistently implements the wide range of policies and procedures, although confidentiality is not always maintained. Risk assessments identify and reduce hazards to children in the home, however, these are not fully developed for outings. The childminder is extremely successful in meeting the needs of all children through recognising their uniqueness and consistently promoting fully inclusive practice. Children make sound progress in all areas of learning due to the efficient planning and monitoring systems and highly effective partnerships with parents and other providers.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop awareness of the need to maintain confidentiality on written records. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out risk assessments for each type of outing. (Safeguarding and welfare). 26/05/2009

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and successfully promotes the outcomes for children. They learn right from wrong and behave well due to the positive example set by the childminder, who is polite and courteous to the children. She has many written policies and procedures which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effectively promote the health, safety and well-being of children. These are reviewed regularly and are readily available to keep parents fully informed of the service provided. The childminder demonstrates a keen commitment to improving her provision. She frequently evaluates her practice and actively seeks parents and children's views through questionnaires and regular discussions.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to promote diversity and actively encourages the children to recognise and respect each other for their uniqueness. The setting is totally inclusive and the childminder shows an exceptional commitment to ensuring that each child in her care feels special and loved. She is very skilled in caring for children with disabilities and ensures they are fully integrated into her setting and able to participate in all the activities to enable them to reach their individual learning potential. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility in keeping children safe and secure during their time with her. However, risk assessments for each type of outing are not fully in place and some records do not always maintain confidentiality. Very effective systems are in place for the safe collection of children and the childminder has a clear knowledge of the signs, symptoms and procedure

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provision

to follow to safeguard children in her care.

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provision

The childminder is highly committed to working successfully in partnership with parents and recognises them as their child's primary educator and carer. She is exceptionally committed to keeping them fully informed of their children's progress through verbal and written information, which is frequently supplemented with telephone calls. Parents are full of praise for the childminder and find the service she offers invaluable. They feel very fortunate to have her as their childminder and praise how she meets children's differing needs. The childminder has very strong links with local groups, nurseries and schools which have been developed over many years and are well established to ensure the services children receive complement each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective systems are rigorously implemented to ensure the childminder is fully able to identify any additional learning and developmental needs that the children may have. She knows the children extremely well and closely observes and assesses them as they play. She works exceptionally closely with parents to involve them in their children's learning and to ensure that she carefully plans for their individual interests. The childminder ensures that all parents are fully aware of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides written information regarding this. Parents are actively encouraged to contribute to children's developmental records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are learning to keep themselves healthy and safe. For example, they really enjoy growing their own fruit and vegetables and trying new foods, such as star fruits, mushroom risotto and making their own pizzas. The childminder skilfully uses children's interest in computer games to further their physical development by providing games where they have to be active. Children know about road safety, stranger danger and not to approach animals they do not know as they may be dangerous. Children share a meaningful relationship with the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which is based on mutual respect, having fun and lots of affection. She instinctively uses everyday situations to develop children's progression in many areas of learning. For example, the children concentrate well and spend a long time playing games, learning the rules, taking turns, naming colours, shapes and characters,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

finding matching pairs and recognising which card the childminder has changed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children show a keen interest in science activities and the childminder encourages them to become active problem solvers and to think critically about processes and procedures. For example, the children use red cabbage to make indicator papers prior to carrying out acid tests with a range of items, including vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Additionally, they use oil and water to discover the varying properties of liquids. The childminder actively fosters and nurtures children's interest in their local community and the wider world. They regularly visit the library and shops and point out things of interest as they walk around the community. They really enjoy making egg box dragons to commemorate St. George's day and flags to mark the day the first president of the United States of America was sworn in. They have an avid interest in history and use reference books to learn about kings, queens and castles. They are very interested in Africa

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and participate in a wide range of fundraising activities to help those less fortunate than themselves. 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? 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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