Byard, Anneli

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY254589 Inspection date 10/09/2009 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2003 and lives with her family in Ossett, on the outskirts of Wakefield, within walking distance of local shops, parks and transport links.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll aged from 15 months to nine years. Of these, two are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special needs and disabilities. The childminder has completed required childminding training and holds an appropriate level three qualification in Early Years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Effective knowledge of each child’s needs ensures that the childminder promotes all children’s welfare and learning. The environment is welcoming and well resourced. This enables all children to make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development. Most aspects of children's welfare are promoted; however, the requirements in relation to risk assessments are not fully met. The childminder has good relationships with the parents and she understands the importance of working with others involved in children’s learning and care. The children’s behaviour is good and they understand what is expected of them. There are systems in place to reflect on and evaluate her practice and the childminder is committed to developing her service and she is proactive in bringing about continual improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and maintain a record of when these particular aspects have been checked (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 05/10/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the risk assessments cover anything with which a child may come into contact including the bean bag that children may sleep on. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures for child protection to ensure that the well being of the children is maintained. She has attended training and accessing all relevant child protection legislation to ensure she understands her responsibilities in protecting children from harm. She has access to up to date information on the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures. She is fully aware of, and implements, a procedure to ensure that a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is obtained for all adults over 16 years of age in the home. Most of the records required for safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare are maintained. However, the risk assessments do not cover everything with which a child may come into contact. This is because the bean bag that a child sleeps on has not been included and poses an element of risk. Also a record is not maintained of when the risk

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the early years provision

assessments have been checked. This does not fully meet with the requirements. The childminder has compiled a range of policies and procedures that inform parents well about the service she provides. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and are well organised.

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the early years provision

The deployment of resources is good and the childminder is taking steps to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continued professional development. She does this by completing regular training, liaising with representatives from the local Children’s Centre. She keeps up to date with current childcare practice through publications and links with other childminders with whom she meets and discusses current practice and emerging issues. The childminder demonstrates effective ambition, vision and drive to develop the service further and this is demonstrated within the childminders effective system of self-evaluation. This enables her to demonstrate effectively that she is reflecting on her practice and identifying strengths and areas for development to maintain continuous improvement within her service.

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the early years provision

The childminder meets the individual needs of children well irrespective of background or ability. She does this by developing positive relationships with parents and children and this contributes to inclusion, meeting children’s needs consistently and providing continuity of care. Friendly exchanges were observed and children clearly benefit from this partnership. Parents clearly expressed their satisfaction with the service indicating that the care is excellent and that the childminder is very flexible and will accommodate where she can. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities in several ways through daily verbal discussion, in a daily contact book and the assessment records. The parents are encouraged to contribute to their child’s progress and assessment record by sharing their observations, child’s abilities and achievements. Sharing this information with parents allows the childminder to meet the child’s ever changing

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the early years provision

Effective links have been made with other providers, such as the local nursery and school. The childminder is communicating with practitioners about individual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children’s learning experiences so that she can complement and build on these within her setting to promote continuity and coherence. The childminder understands the importance of working with other professionals, agencies and parents if children need additional support and help.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates that she has a good understanding of the learning and development and welfare requirements, which contributes to her effectively promoting children’s welfare and learning. Relationships between the childminder and children are good and she effectively recognises and meets children’s individual needs. Children make good progress in their learning in relation to their capabilities and starting points. This is because the childminder provides a child- centred environment and space allows for a good range of resources to be presented that are arranged easily accessible to encourage children to make independent choices, and follow their own interests. In addition, the childminder makes good use of resources within the local community to extend children’s experiences. For example, children regularly visit the local Sure Start Children’s Centre and local park, which provides a varied range of experiences, such as

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and outcomes for children

playing on the play equipment, walks and space to run and play in safe open areas.

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and outcomes for children

Children are given appropriate time and space to be able to work independently. They are supported by the childminder well when necessary, demonstrating that she understands when and when not to intervene. Good interaction is demonstrated through a caring relationship that has developed between the children and the childminder. Interaction between very young children with specific needs that requires communication through Makaton sign language is very good. The childminder is learning signs that are familiar to the children. Young children were observed to be inquisitive and interested in exploration and investigation of sensory toys and activities. The school age children enjoyed using their imagination through role play activities with the dolls. All children enjoy looking at books of their choice with the childminder. She asks open-ended questions that provide challenge and extends learning. Praise and encouragement are given to

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and outcomes for children

the children throughout the inspection. Children demonstrated that they are settled and confident in the childminders care.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder collects information from parents and observes the children to find out what they know, can do and enjoy, when they start. This forms the basis for an ongoing assessment. Observations are matched to the areas of learning and the next step of learning for individual children is identified within the assessment to inform plans. An effective system is being to be used to ensure that all areas of learning are all being consistently covered.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure within the setting because they are settled and confident to independently explore their environment. This is because very caring and trusting relationships have been established between the children and the childminder. Children have a balance between freedom and safe This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 limits. The childminder understands that suitable types of activities and appropriate levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. She knows their capabilities well. They learn how to evacuate the home safely in an emergency and practise fire drills, and a record is kept of these. They are kept safe on outings and safety is reinforced at all times, such as hazards posed by the road, prickly plants and dog fouling on the pathways.

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and outcomes for children

The children show a good understanding of adopting good personal hygiene practices. For example, children independently wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day and they talk about how germs can make then ill and they have been involved in making ‘Germ Monster’ pictures. The childminder encourages children to learn about the benefits of healthy eating and offers a balance of nutritious meals, some containing organic produce, such as cheese and bananas. Children are involved in growing their own herbs and the childminder talks to children about making healthy choices. The children enjoy being active and taking part in a varied range of physical activities, which supports children’s physical development.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in communicating, literacy, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication technology; therefore developing their skills for the future. This is because a good range of activities are provided by the childminder and children actively explore their surroundings with curiosity and interest. Praise is given, celebrating children’s achievements and valuing what children have to say has a positive impact on children's self image and good self esteem. The children are developing a good understanding of diversity and difference as they experience an environment that promotes positive attitudes to all people in society. Children bring with them a wealth of diverse needs to share with each other, and this enables them to become aware of similarities and differences and increase their understanding of the wider world. For example, children celebrate festivals and talk about the community and wider world in which

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and outcomes for children

they live. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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