Childminder in BradfordOfsted inspection, 20 Apr 2009

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 EY385034 Inspection date 20/04/2009 Inspector Ingrid Szczerban

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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 lives in the village of Baildon, in West Yorkshire with her husband and 11-year-old child. The living room, dining room and conservatory are used by children with toileting facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor 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 caring for six children on a part-time basis. Five of the children cared for are within the early years age range. Regular outings are undertaken with children to toddlers groups and to the park. Children are taken and collected from school and nursery. The childminder receives support from the local authority. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good in meeting the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Good attention is given to meeting the learning and development needs of children. Children partake in a wide range of activities and make good progress in all areas of learning. Inclusive practice is promoted well and children are very much valued and respected as individuals. The childminder is able to assess her provision well and can accurately identify areas for improvement. She demonstrates a good capacity to continuously improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the childrens next steps for learning are identified in the development records  extend the written risk assessments to include all specific types of outings  develop the links made with other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

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provision

The childminder manages her provision well. She uses effective means to evaluate and improve the service she provides. She has identified areas for development in her provision. For instance, by obtaining advice from the local development worker and she has fully implemented the safety measures which she had identified at registration. Parents are involved in the evaluation process as the childminder talks to them about their satisfaction with the service. Children take part in the planning of activities and their interests are taken into account. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Partnerships with parents and carers are good. The childminder gathers information from parents prior to admission enabling her to effectively meet individual children's needs and to help with settling-in. Parents are informed of their child's activities and have free access to the development files. The

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provision

childminder talks with parents about current themes being followed so that learning can be extended at home and the plans of activities are displayed. However, there are only basic links with other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) regarding children's development.

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provision

Children are safeguarded well. All adults in the home are vetted and all necessary written consents are obtained from parents. The childminder understands child protection issues and knows the procedure to follow, should the need arise. All potential hazards on the premises are minimised and the written risk assessments of the home, garden and some of the specific types of outings, are effectively implemented. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and she keeps suitable records of all accidents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The welfare needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are met well. Very good hygiene routines are followed. The childminder sets a good example for children by washing her own hands before preparing lunch. Children know how to wash their hands thoroughly before eating and individual paper towels are provided for them to dry their hands, thus preventing the spread of any infections. The home is kept very clean and tidy and the sickness policy is rigorously implemented so that children remain healthy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Healthy, nutritious and predominantly home-cooked meals, are provided for children, and they enjoy eating fresh fruit, such as pieces of apple and banana. Through discussions children learn about which foods are good and bad for them. Children receive fresh air and exercise each day. They delight in playing in the childminder's garden and request to eat their lunch outside too. Babies are given plenty of space and encouragement from the childminder as they develop their physical skills and build stamina. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs so that they remain healthy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent practices are employed to ensure that children learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder talks to children about the harmful effects of the sun. She explains the reasons why they must wear hats and have sun cream applied to their skin. When setting out garden furniture with the childminder's help, children are reminded to make sure the stools they sit on are not wobbly in case they fall off and hurt themselves. Children know to close the safety gate when the babies are toddling around so that they do not come to harm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has begun to record observations and assessments in development files. These are photographs which show what individual children are achieving in each area of learning. Plans of activities are used flexibly to follow the direction the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child may wish to take, thereby sustaining their interest and promoting children's self-esteem and creative ideas. However, there is a lack of clarity about children's next steps for progression as no record is kept.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident, happy and settled in their warm and loving relationships with their childminder. Babies receive high-levels of attention and enjoy being included in all the activities. They like nothing better than being supported by the childminder to take their turn with the other children on the slide.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well-behaved and learn to consider the needs of others. They enjoy each others company, so much so that they take their games into the garden where the others are. Children take obvious pride in being helpful, for instance they assist the childminder to carry their plastic furniture outside. The children make their own decisions about what they wish to play with and can independently select their toys from the well-ordered layout in the conservatory.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain a growing awareness of nature as they help to plant and tend seeds and flowers. They have great fun with the garden hose, watering everything in sight and even putting some water into the sand to see what happens, thus they initiate and extend their own learning through being inquisitive which is valued and promoted by the childminder. Children also learn about the weather and they update the weather chart each day to reflect the day's changes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very chatty and talk about past events, such as family holidays to the seaside. Babies communicate their needs most effectively through simple sounds and gestures. This develops their communication and language skills. Problem solving is part of everyday activities and children suggest using the arm of the garden chair as a mouse-mat for the laptop.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The garden is used freely by children who can choose between being inside or outside whenever they wish. They are exuberant outdoors and their physical skills develop well as a result. Children like to learn to balance by walking on the sides of the ladder which is laid on the ground, and they step carefully to put their feet in between the rungs. The children learn to jump, throw, slide, kick and catch by using the outdoor play equipment. 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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