Pallister Park Primary School

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 144136 Inspection date 08/06/2009 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 1998. She lives with her adult daughter in a detached house in a suburb of Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, including the first floor bathroom and toilet facilities, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children, of which, one is in the early years age group. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, regularly meets with fellow childminders and is building relationships with other providers of early years care and education. The family has a small dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The provider demonstrates a sound understanding of her strengths and areas for development, which effectively contributes to the ongoing improvement of the service. The childminder takes great pains to protect children and meet their individual needs through the prevention of accidents, talking to the children about danger, and keeping abreast of personal training and development. Children's needs are fully met in accordance with parents' wishes and by getting to know them and their likes and dislikes. Children's activities are planned around their interests and any religious or dietary requirements are recorded and adhered to. Information for parents is shared regularly and they are fully informed about what their children do.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop self- evaluation and reflecting on practice  keep a clear record of the times of children's attendances.

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provision

Documentation relevant to the setting is in place and very well written. The childminder regularly updates her policies and procedures and shares these with all the parents. There is a robust system in place for carrying out risk assessments, and these include outings, the premises, public transport and local places of interest. Planning, assessment, and the systems for monitoring the children are good with details of starting points, aims and progression. The childminder keeps a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 record of children's individual needs, clearly showing any dietary and religious requirements. She has formulated a workable system for recording details of who has parental responsibility for the children and has read all new legislation, such as self-medication. She is meticulous in the organisation of her documentation, has a very positive attitude to training and personnel development, and takes pride in

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provision

her work and how she cares for the children.

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provision

The attendance register lacks clarity for the times of children's attendances but she has ensured her first aid training is up-to-date, has appropriate insurance cover and takes suitable precautions to prevent accidents. The childminder maintains her adult-to-child ratios and has appropriate arrangements for emergency back-up if she is taken ill. Parents are fully aware of this arrangement. Improvements since the last inspection have been successfully addressed, however, some were related to her previous address and no longer apply. The childminder has made a great effort to complete the self-evaluation booklet and has made positive comments about her practice as well as highlighting areas she wishes to improve upon. She sees the value of this exercise and intends to add to this document to help her to reflect on her practice. She has forged positive links with the local schools and play groups and uses their advice to improve her service. The outcomes for the children

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provision

are positive, for example, to ensure children are secure, happy, able to become independent, join in with others, make friends and have great opportunities to learn. The childminder is intending to access further training for a formal qualification and to introduce more cultural activities to the children.

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provision

Partnership with parents is very good and the childminder has fostered excellent working relationships with them and shares all relevant information. They see the planning for activities, details of trips and outings, and they are encouraged to take an interest in the children and to extend children's learning at home. For example, through advice on activities, helping children to count, recognise colour, shape and size, when they go out. Links with other settings are beginning to be established through talking to the staff, taking an interest in what is available in the area and being part of the community.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to count, recognise colour, shape, and size through appropriate activities to help them understand basic maths concepts. They are developing good habits as active, inquisitive learners, learning collaborative skills and problem solving through everyday activities and meaningful discussions. Children understand the wider world, demonstrated through their play and communications as they listen to stories, share experiences, be involved in discussions and celebrate other festivals. The childminder helps children to enjoy their learning and make progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points, capabilities and interests. This is achieved through well planned activities, centred around the children's interests and working towards the six areas of learning. She provides suitable resources, toys and equipment to stimulate, challenge and interest the children. Children's starting points and next

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

steps are clearly documented and these contribute to monitoring the progress they make. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder teaches children to be active and understand the benefits of physical activity because they access the garden for fresh air and exercise, play in the park to access large climbing equipment, go for walks and visits. The children are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle through the provision of a wide range of healthy and nutritious foods. They are beginning to understand and adopt healthy habits, such as good hygiene practices, through appropriate routines and the childminder talks to them about the spread of infection. They are able to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink because they are encouraged to try unfamiliar foods and their dietary and religious requirements are fully met.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are taught to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others because there are set house rules. The childminder takes time to explain to children about good behaviour, being responsible for their own actions, taking into account children's ages and levels of understanding. The childminder encourages children to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners, their own needs and those of others through suitable methods for the safe management of children's behaviour. They share, take turns, respect each other and respond to other's needs and are able to join in, make friends and play harmoniously together.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe, because the childminder carries out robust risk assessments. She knows when to take precautions to prevent accidents and helps children to recognise danger. They know to help tidy away, not to run indoors, be mindful of rough play and take some risks to help them understand. The childminder has a very good understanding of safeguarding children and knows the procedure to follow and what to do if she has any concerns about a child in her care. 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? 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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