Childminder in North Yorkshire

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 955624 Inspection date 11/08/2009 Inspector Sandra Elizabeth Williams

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 has been registered since 1999. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She works with another childminder in a detached property on the edge of Ingleton village, North Yorkshire. The children have access to the first floor, comprising of an open-plan lounge with dining area and kitchen, bathroom and playroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children when working alone and a maximum of 12 when co-childminding. She is currently co- childminding 36 children aged from one year to 11 years. Of these, 18 are in the early years age group. The childminder provides support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local children's groups in the area. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, and is a member of a childminding network and is accredited to receive funding to provide early years education for three- and four-year-old children. She holds a level 3 qualification in nursery nursing and a certificate in childminding practice. The childminder has gained the North Yorkshire Quality Assurance Award, 'Achieving Excellence'.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children's welfare is promoted very well at this very stimulating and exciting setting. Children enjoy this nurturing and inclusive environment where their uniqueness is clearly known and valued. They are making extremely good progress in their learning and development due to the skills of the childminder and her co-childminder. The needs of all children are met to a very high standard due to the excellent working relationships between the childminders, parents and other provisions providing care and education for the children. The childminder's ability to effectively self-evaluate ensures she makes continuous improvement in her practice and has a clear understanding of her strengths and areas for development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 introduce a system for recording the details of visitors and also review the security system for the outdoor area  review the written risk assessments for outings to ensure they are specific for each type of outing undertaken. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder and her co-childminder have very good systems for working together as they share tasks and complement each other well. They have used information from parents and children to closely consider and evaluate their working practices. They have addressed the two recommendations made at the last inspection and they have developed a number of initiatives that they have incorporated into their practice since their last inspection. They have both attended a good amount of training courses and show a great interest in continued learning for the benefit of the children.

p.4

provision

There is an excellent two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents on a daily basis. The childminder effectively involves parents in evaluating her practice by completing questionnaires and parents comment positively about the excellent care provided for their children. A wonderful display of information and attractive displays of the children's work help to keep parents fully informed about their children's progress. The childminder has strong links with other professionals who also work with some of the children, such as staff at early years settings and schools. She liaises closely with them in order to provide a consistent approach to care and learning for all children. This has a beneficial impact for the children as everyone is working together to promote their welfare, learning and development to a high standard.

p.4

provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibility for safeguarding children and has undertaken training in this subject, in order to keep up to date with current legislation. A detailed record of risk assessments has been produced for the premises; however, the one for outings is not specific for each type of outing undertaken. Fire safety equipment is in place, including smoke alarms and fire blankets, and the childminder has produced a booklet for the children to look at regarding how to evacuate the premises safely. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children, particularly when they are playing outside; however, the garden gate is not totally secure and there is currently no record of visitors to the premises.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are thriving and making excellent progress in their learning and development due to the skilled and highly motivated childminder. She has a thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is very effective in planning imaginative and exciting activities for children, based on their interests. She is able to encourage and maintain children's interest in activities and effectively support them in their learning. Planning for activities is clearly based on children's individual needs and interests, and detailed observations are completed to inform assessments. The childminder effectively uses this information to inform future plans for each individual child's next steps in their learning journeys. She takes great care in producing and recording learning journeys for all children which are attractively illustrated with photographs and children's work. The children are very proud of their files and enjoy looking through them, identifying pictures of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 themselves and their friends on outings to interesting places.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The well organised environment and designated playroom give children the ability to explore and move freely and safely, thus encouraging their independence. Children learn by having fun and playing with the extremely wide range of resources and activities on offer. A wonderful selection of books is easily accessible at a low level and children can sit on comfortable sofas and cushions and develop an interest in reading and stories. The children also have opportunities to learn words in other languages, such as French as they play games, such as a French, version of Monopoly. They are actively encouraged by the childminder to learn about different countries, cultures and traditions through the imaginative activities and resources and by tasting different foods.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children learn good manners and social skills, particularly at mealtimes. They enjoy helping the childminder to set the table, counting how many plates and cups they need. Children are encouraged to eat fruit and vegetables as they tuck into a delicious lunch consisting of wraps and a wide choice of fillings to choose from. They develop their independence and their fine motor skills as they decide what to eat and carefully assemble their fillings in their wraps. Children learn very good hygiene practices as they wash their hands before eating. They enjoy plenty of fresh air as they play outside with the sand and water as well as planting vegetables and fruit and throwing and catching balls.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are developing many skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. For example, using computers and other programmable toys, such as cameras and electric organs. The children also enjoy going on outings to many different and interesting places, such as animal parks and mountain walks and picnics. They develop social skills and self-esteem as they meet people from their community and take part in a variety of activities, such as sponsored walks and gymnastics. Children make excellent progress in their overall learning as they fully participate in the stimulating environment where the childminder and co- childminder care very much about their well-being. 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? 1 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