Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY334732 Inspection date 08/09/2009 Inspector Sheila Iwaskow

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner in Hyde area of Stockport. Children have access to the playroom and lounge on the ground floor. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for physical activity and outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit. An assistant is employed to work with the children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when she is working alone and with her assistant. There are currently seven children on roll; of these six are on the Early Years Register. Children attend on a variety of placements. The youngest child is one year and the oldest is five years old. The setting is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to allow the childminder to care for older children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder can take and collect children from a local primary school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an early years qualification.

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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

Children thrive in a setting where they are valued as individuals, and inclusion is well promoted. The childminder has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the underlying principles. Children make good progress in their learning and welfare needs in most areas are successfully met. Activities are exciting, age related and help children develop skills for the future. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, and recognises where key areas for further development lie.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain a valid first aid certificate which is approved by the local authority, and consistent with the guidance set out in the Practice Guidance for the EYFS (Suitable People) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 30/09/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 invite parents to contribute to children's assessment profiles to allow them to take a more active part in their children's learning  develop the assessment system to chart children’s progress, along the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 elements, towards the early learning goals in the six areas of learning and link this to planning to identify specific learning outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

All adults working with the children have been vetted by Ofsted to ensure that the welfare of children is safeguarded. The childminder is working within the terms of her conditions of registration, and all aspects of documentation examined at inspection are in good order and organised to respect confidentiality. A range of comprehensive polices are also available, giving parents and carers an appreciation of how the childminder's service works in practice. Children are afforded high levels of supervision both as they play and rest. The premises are safe and risk assessments have been conducted for all areas of the premises used for childminding and for outings. The childminder has a secure understanding of the indicators of abuse and procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child's welfare. However, children's safety is compromised as the childminder's first aid certificate has expired. This is a breach of a legal requirement. The childminder

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the early years provision

can clearly demonstrate the steps that she has taken to try and update her knowledge of first aid, and is due to attend a training course in the near future.

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the early years provision

The childminder has worked hard to provide a stimulating learning environment for children. A dedicated playroom is available where educational posters, photographs of children at play and examples of their art work are beautifully displayed. Some clearly defined areas of continuous provision are also in place, such as, a creative area and mark making table to allow children to engage in independent learning. Patio doors in the playroom enable children to have free flow access between the house and garden. A good range of resources are available to allow children to acquire new knowledge and skills.

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the early years provision

Although the childminder has not completed a self-evaluation form, through discussion she is able to critically analyse her practise, recognising her strengths and priorities for further development. She has attended a number of courses to develop her knowledge of childcare since her last inspection. Training opportunities and plans for the future are well targeted. For example, an awning is being erected in the outdoor play area to allow children to play outside irrespective of the weather. Recommendations raised at the last inspection have been successfully addressed. For example, the childminder now ensure that written permission is obtained from parents before medication is administered.

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the early years provision

The childminder strives to provide a service that is inclusive to both families and children. New children are settled in gradually the childminder obtains all relevant information from parents to ensure welfare needs are met in practice. The childminder also works with parents to identify children's starting points with regard to learning and development. Ideas on how to develop children's learning at home are shared with parents together with observational records, although their contributions are not invited. Verbal and written feedback, via a daily diary, is provided at the end of the day. Valuable documents, such as information on the daily routine, play plans and the EYFS poster are clearly displayed for parents to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 view. Parents are very happy with the care their children receive. Tentative links with other providers of the EYFS that children attend have been established.

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy the time that they spend with the childminder and her assistant. Both have a caring and sensitive approach, which helps children feel, happy, safe and secure. The day is well organised to provide children with a good balance of rest, learning and play. Children benefit from first hand experiences, which encourages them to be inquisitive and active learners. Activities are planned to allow all children to participate and take into consideration the differing learning styles of girls and boys. Children's progress is monitored through written observations and photographic evidence. However, assessments are not always securely linked to the elements of the framework or used to clearly identify children's next stages of development to inform learning outcomes for short term planning. Routines include a balance of adult directed and child initiated play. From planning and photographs it is evidence that a broad and balanced curriculum is

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and outcomes for children

being delivered to the children. The childminder clearly knows the children well, and makes good use of questioning to encourage them to become independent thinkers

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and outcomes for children

Children smile happily and are warmly welcomed by the childminder when they arrive in the morning. They display good levels of concentration as they make marks with paint and confidently follow instructions during a music and movement session. Children become engrossed as they listen to their favourite stories and laugh with delight as they cover their eyes and play peek-a-boo with the childminder. Conversation flows freely throughout the day and words are repeated slowly to help with language acquisition. Children happily count in sequence as they play, name the colour of the paint and create a collage using a variety of shapes. Singing songs, such as 'Five little men in a flying saucers' helps children to develop early problem solving skills.

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and outcomes for children

Younger children receive lots of hugs and cuddles and are well supported as they try to balance and walk. Exploring the texture of sand and making prints of their feet and hands using paint helps to develop their sensory awareness. Physical play outside is well promoted. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend outdoors running around in the fresh air and testing out their physical skills on the interesting range of toys and equipment available.

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and outcomes for children

Children have many opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. They develop an interest in living things by helping to care for the rabbit and by planting flowers and watching them grow. Outings in the immediate and surrounding locality to the farm, museum and park are popular activities with the children. By celebrating cultural festivals and accessing resources which depict diversity, children are learning about the cultures and beliefs of others. The childminder recognises the importance of valuing linguistic diversity and of welcoming children with learning difficulties and disabilities into a sharing and inclusive environment. Children have many opportunities to engage in meaningful This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 role play as they pretend to be a shopkeeper, play with small world toys and dress up.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good heath is adequately promoted as the premises, toys and equipment are clean. Good nappy changing routines are followed and hand towels are changed frequently throughout the day, to help stop the spread of infection after hand washing. Regular discussions take place about the importance of washing hands with soap to get rid of germs, which helps to develop children's awareness of the underlying concepts of effective hygiene routines. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks which include fruit, bread sticks and tuna sandwiches. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate, which ensures that food preparation meets environmental health guidelines. From an early age children learn the importance of sharing and taking turns. The childminder and her assistant act as positive role models, and the frequent use of praise helps children feel good about themselves. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe.

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and outcomes for children

They are reminded to be careful when climbing the stairs, made aware of road safety and of the importance of not talking to strangers. 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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3 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: 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 described in the Early Years section of this report (CR1) 30/09/2009

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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 described in the Early Years section of this report. 30/09/2009

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