Childminder in Wakefield

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY388376 Inspection date 13/08/2009 Inspector Paula Fretwell

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and two in Crigglestone, West Yorkshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and an outside play house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder works alongside her husband, also a registered childminder. When working alone there are two places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and three places for children aged between six and seven years; this provision is registered on the Childcare Register. When working with the co-childminder, there are five places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. There are five children on roll in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children's welfare, learning and development needs are very well met in an inclusive environment which values their individuality. Plans of activities are based around children's interests and skilled observations of their progress helps inform the childminder of the next steps in their development. Good relationships with parents support children's individual needs. The childminder has a clear knowledge of the outcomes for children and she informally evaluates the quality of the provision.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop ways to evaluate the practice and the quality of the provision continue to develop ways to share the records of children's development with parents.

p.3

provision

The childminder works closely with her husband and effective teamwork ensures the smooth running of the provision. All documentation is well organised and effectively enables the childminder to meet the needs of the children. Policies and procedures clearly underpin the childminder's practice and these are shared with parents within a professional portfolio. Parents are kept well informed about their children on a daily basis. Individual records of children's achievement are maintained with lovely photograph examples of what they have been doing, along with samples of children's art work. Parents are welcome to see these at any time, although they do not yet contribute to them. The childminder understands the need to form links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage where This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant, to enhance the learning opportunities for the children.

p.3

provision

Safeguarding is given very high priority and the childminder is aware of the signs of possible abuse or neglect. She has a detailed policy and procedure to follow, in line with Local safeguarding Children Board procedures. All necessary contact numbers are easily accessible and the childminder is clear about her role in reporting any concerns. Children's safety and security are given very high priority, with close supervision and detailed risk assessments in place to help prevent accidents to children. Safety is discussed with children according to their understanding, such as when reminding them not to walk round whilst eating their snack.

p.4

provision

All children are welcomed and valued in the childminder's setting and she divides her time up well to ensure they receive individual attention. Resources are very well organised to enable children to experience a stimulating environment indoors and outdoors and their independence in play is encouraged. Systems for evaluating the quality of the provision are informal although the childminder has plans to review the service through discussion with parents.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care and they relate very well to the childminder and her husband, showing strong evidence of secure and trusting relationships. The childminder has a very good knowledge of the individual personalities and development needs of each child in her care. With this in mind, she plans appropriate and challenging activities and follows the children's interests to facilitate their learning through play. Excellent knowledge of how young children learn, along with high quality interaction, enables the childminder to provide a rich environment in which they can develop their curiosity and explore, making rapid progress in all areas of learning. Opportunities for children are extended outside the childminder's setting, such as through trips to local groups or places of interest.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy the outdoor area and they enthusiastically dig in soft soil for pretend insects, climbing right into the tray to experience the texture of the soil. They make sandcastles in the sandpit and enjoy watching how their shoes make patterns in the sand. Children help to plant vegetables in the childminder's garden and they taste the peas they have grown. The childminder is very aware of the youngest children's rapidly developing physical skills and she ensures there are many opportunities for them to climb, run and jump in safe surroundings and with a wide range of equipment. Children's language is promoted within all activities, through plenty of chatter, stories and singing. Within the play shed children choose their own activities and the childminder joins in to enhance their play, using opportunities to talk about shapes, number and colours.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Systems to ensure children's good health are implemented well and they are consulted about matters that affect them, such as whether to have a snack. Their personal hygiene is maintained through regular hand washing and all food surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial solution. Policies and procedures fully illustrate how This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's health and hygiene is managed. Children eat a variety of healthy snacks and meals and the childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of each child's dietary needs and preferences. They sit down together to enjoy healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, plain biscuits and soft cheese and their social skills are promoted well. Children are encouraged to use their manners and plenty of praise and encouragement is given. Children access their individual cups at any time which ensures they are not thirsty throughout the day.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective strategies are used to manage children's behaviour. The childminder and her husband have a calm and patient approach when interacting with children and the language used is positive and encouraging. Simple techniques, such as distracting very young children, prevent unwanted behaviour and older children have simple rules that are positively phrased to encourage good behaviour. Children are encouraged to share and take turns and the childminder understands how children may feel, offering a sensitive and consistent approach. Lots of praise is given to promote children's self esteem and they respond with smiles as they are acknowledged and affirmed. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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? 1 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7