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 EY152147 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Jacqueline Patricia Walter

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and five years. They live in Halton, which is a suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire. The provision is close to shops, parks and transportation links. The upstairs bathroom and the whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. 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 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. Most of the required documentation is in place and maintained appropriately. Children’s health is promoted appropriately, with their understanding of healthy living promoted particularly well, enabling them to gain a good understanding of healthy eating habits. However, some aspects of children’s safety in the outside area is not effectively promoted. There is a good range of resources and interesting activities available, which gives all the children experiences and opportunities in which to develop skills and understanding in most areas of learning. However, the systems for planning and assessing children’s development is not fully effective in promoting individual learning needs and restricts children from reaching their full potential, given their age, ability and starting points. Partnerships with parents and other providers are friendly and trusting, which ensures that the individual care of

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

all children are well met. The planning for improvement is appropriate, which results in some priorities for future development being identified and acted upon.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the planning system to reflect children's individual learning needs, the aims and objectives of the planning and links with other settings to support the children’s learning  develop the assessment system to ensure all the children's next steps in learning are identified and that children are being assessed in all the areas of learning  provide activities and resources that promote an awareness and a valuing of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning difficulties and disabilities  further develop self evaluation systems and implement any actions identified to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency advice and treatment (Safeguarding and welfare) 22/05/2009  ensure all risks are minimised in the outdoor area, with regards to outdoor equipment such as trampolines and swings (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 28/05/2009

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provision

Most of the required documentation is in place and organised well. However, the childminder does not meet requirements as she does not, at present, obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency advice and treatment. Individual needs are promoted successfully, with the childminder taking full account children’s individual needs, such as their religious and dietary requirements. She has a good understanding of protecting children from child abuse. For example, she is fully aware of signs and symptoms that indicate child abuse, a record system for existing injuries and concerns is in place and she has updated her knowledge of this subject by attending a safeguarding course. As a result, children’s welfare is safeguarded well.

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provision

The childminder has friendly, trusting relationships in place with parents. They are encouraged to help settle children in and to share what they know about their child. the childminder shares all required information appropriately. For example, the information on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and general information on the setting is shared through discussions and a file that consists of written policies and procedures. The children’s progress and achievement is also shared appropriately through daily conversations and parents are also informed verbally that they can see their children’s profiles at any time.

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provision

The childminder is aware of the need to evaluate her setting and the importance of maintaining continuous improvement. She has evaluated her own skills and understanding in promoting a quality service and has completed additional training as a result of this. For example, she completed a course on the EYFS. She has successfully addressed all previous recommendations, which has in turn effectively contributed to the promotion of safety and she has just begun to self-evaluate her provision. However, she has yet to identify and address any areas for improvement using this system. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a friendly environment where children are able to develop some good skills in independence and choice making. Good steps are taken inside the setting to safeguard children. However, she is in breach of requirements as there is little action currently taken to minimise risks when children are using outdoor equipment, such as the swings and a trampoline. In addition to this, her records of her risk assessment do not take these dangers into account. Good health is promoted appropriately and the childminder helps children to understand and adopt healthy habits regarding eating and drinking well. For example, they are able to grow their own vegetables and enjoy activities, such as comparing different fruits, talking about how they are good for them and then choosing what they want to eat.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a good range of resources and activities that reflect children’s interests in most of the areas of learning. For example, younger children who particularly like to dance are given opportunities to join in with dance and movement activities whilst visiting other settings. However, there are limited resources and activities available that promote positive images of disabilities, which mean that children have little opportunity to develop an understanding and a valuing of this. Although the planning system ensures a stimulating range of activities, it does not reflect children’s individual learning needs or reflect the aims and objectives of the learning. In addition to this, there are limited links with other settings that children attend which support their learning. The quality of the childminder's interaction to promote children's development is good and she extends some learning extremely well. For example, to promote communication,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

language and literacy she asks open ended questions that encourage the children to focus and concentrate and she gives them time to consolidate their thinking and assimilate their understanding. She also uses spontaneous opportunities effectively. For example, after attempting to write their names, she helps them to develop their fine motor skills by encouraging them to draw around her hands. The childminder includes all the children by adapting activities so that they can all participate. For example, younger children are supplied with sticky paper when creating birthday cards and glue pens are made available for the more able children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Information from observation and assessment is limited in ensuring that children achieve as much as they can. For example, although the written observations and photographic information clearly depict what children can do or understand, the childminder does not effectively use this information to identify their next steps in learning. There are also no monitoring systems in place to ensure that children are being assessed in all the areas of learning. Children are encouraged to develop good habits and behaviour, through the childminder implementing sound methods, such as using lots of verbal praise and encouragement and through setting a good example herself. 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? 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR5). 28/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR5). 28/05/2009

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