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 301476 Inspection date 09/07/2009 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the Failsworth area of Greater Manchester close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local toddler group on a regular basis 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 satisfactory. The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which enables her to implement agreeable procedures to ensure the welfare and learning of all children is appropriately supported. Positive working relationships have been established with parents and others to ensure consistency and continuity for children. The childminder is continually striving to improve the experiences she provides for children in her care. She is aware of her strengths and has identified some of the issues raised which will further promote positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop planning to include all children in the early years age group; ensure the next steps of children's learning are clearly predicted and show clearly how they inform future planning  further improve the work in partnership with parents to involve them in identifying children's starting points  take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children from cleaning materials in the kitchen are kept to a minimum.

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provision

The childminder implements a range of policies and procedures which reflect the requirements of the EYFS and promote children's safety and well-being. Routines are planned to incorporate the needs of all children and a good range of resources are available to support their learning. The childminder has acceptable systems in place to monitor and evaluate the provision to enhance children's welfare and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning. This enables her to identify some aims and objectives in relation to what she needs to do to further develop her service so that outcomes for children are effectively promoted. She attends ongoing training, such as food safety and safeguarding to ensure she is up to date with current best practice.

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provision

Children's safety is considered as the childminder has written risk assessments in place for the indoor and outdoor play environments. However, accessible cleaning materials in the kitchen pose a hazard to children. The various outings which are undertaken have been included as part of the overall risk assessment with the childminder demonstrating a commonsense approach to ensuring children are safe at all times. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures. She is aware of the potential indicators of abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns promptly to the relevant agencies.

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provision

Beneficial partnerships are established with parents and children’s individual needs, likes and dislikes are recorded to ensure their care needs are met. Parents receive comprehensive information about the childminder's practice during the admission procedure. However, the childminder does not seek the views of parents regarding what children already know and can do. Parents write letters of recommendation praising her service saying they 'would recommend' her as they are 'happy with the care' and that she is 'consistently fair'. They are provided with contact details of the regulator should they be unhappy with any aspect of the care their child receives. Positive relationships are also maintained with other professionals which promotes progression and continuity of learning and care for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make pleasing progress in all aspects of their learning and development. The childminder is developing her confidence in implementing the EYFS and carries out observations on some of the children in her care. She knows individual children well and supports their learning with a range of activities but she is not secure in her knowledge of how she can effectively assist children’s progress towards the early learning goals. Children’s starting points are observed by the childminder, progress is monitored but not assessed and the next steps for individual children are not identified to ensure activities meet their needs. Consequently, the links between planning, assessment and observations are not complete.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where space is organised well to accommodate children's needs. Children are able to move freely and access resources of their choice which promotes independence. The childminder engages well with the children, interacting positively and responding to their interests. She observes and listens closely to what children say and do and responds accordingly. The childminder gives smiles, praise and encouragement as children seek her approval. The children count the number of cars and the number of wheels on the vehicle they have just constructed. They recognise different shapes, match sizes and identify 'long', 'short' and 'tall'. They regularly play in the garden and enjoy climbing, balancing and manoeuvring the wheeled toys.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Outings to toddler groups encourage socialisation and interaction with their peers. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy feeding the ducks on the canal which encourages them to consider the needs of other living things. Children make cards in celebration of Mothers Day and butterflies for the local carnival float. All children, including babies, enjoy painting and collage activities. Older children particularly enjoy baking and icing buns. They weigh and measure the ingredients and all take part in stirring the mixture. Resources, such as dolls, play figures and books promote diversity. These help children to value and respect people's differences and become aware of the wider world in which they live.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have free access to drinks throughout the day and are provided with healthy snacks, such as fruit and toast to promote their growth and well-being. They are gently reminded of the necessity to share, take turns and show concern for others, which encourages them to cooperate and play in harmony. The children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire as they practice the emergency escape plan. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate which ensures she know the appropriate action to take following any accidents. 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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