Childminder in Leeds

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 320183 Inspection date 11/08/2009 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

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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 has been registered since 1997 she lives with her family in Beeston, Leeds, close to local transport links, schools and shops. The sitting room, kitchen and conservatory, all on the ground floor, and the bathroom upstairs are used for childminding. There is an enclosed outdoor area suitable for outdoor play. Family pets include a rabbit.

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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 four children on roll aged from two to 10 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.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed the certificate in Childminding Practice level 3 and NVQ level 3 in Children's Care Learning and Development. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a stimulating and safe environment where their individual needs are always considered and met. Their welfare is promoted well irrespective of background or ability. This enables all children to make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development. Children learn to appreciate diversity through experiences that broaden their understanding of the wider world. The childminder has a positive commitment to continuous improvement through continued professional development and has made a start on reflecting on her practice through a basic system of self-evaluation in order to identify strengths and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the observations and assessments from parents and others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to identify learning priorities within the planning  continue to develop the system of self-evaluation that identifies strengths and areas for development in order to maintain continuous improvement and demonstrate how parents' views contribute towards it in a meaningful way.

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provision

The children are safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a clear knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities and how to implement the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures for child protection if necessary to ensure the well-being of the children is maintained. She is fully aware that all adults over 16 years of age in the home have to have a CRB check.

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provision

The childminder is experienced and well organised. She demonstrates a commitment to continued professional development by keeping up to date with current childcare practice through training and her close links with the local Sure Start Children's Centres. She regularly attends childminder support groups and meets with other childminders to discuss current practice and emerging issues.

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provision

The capacities to improve and maintain continuous improvement are demonstrated well through effectively implementing the recommendation made since the last inspection. This involved obtaining written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This documentation is now in place for the safe and efficient management of the setting and to meet the needs of the children. The childminder has made a start on the self-evaluation process; however, this does not demonstrate how the views of parents and children have been sought.

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provision

A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are implemented to ensure that all of the children in her care are safe and well cared for and all of the required records are in place. There are robust procedures for conducting daily checks to make sure that any hazards highlighted through the extensive risk assessment process are minimised or eliminated for indoors, outdoors and outings.

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provision

Positive feedback from parents through „Witness Testimonials,‟ clearly demonstrates their appreciation of the service that the childminder provides. For example, “we are confident that our child is happy, safe and enjoys his day with the variety of activities they do and would be devastated if he had to go anywhere else.” This demonstrates a successful partnership with parents and contributes to promoting inclusive practice, which enables the childminder to support the individual needs of children and provide continuity of care for them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are clearly happy and settled and this is evident by them being confident in independently following their own interests. For example, they engaged in exploring the musical instruments with great delight, developing their creative skills as well as choosing their favourite books to be read. The childminder asked open- ended questions that challenged the children‟s thinking and encouraged the children‟s communication, language and literacy skills. Good interaction is demonstrated through a warm, caring relationship between the children and the childminder. Children are supported by the childminder well, who demonstrates that she understands when to engage with them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals. This is because the childminder has embraced the changes brought about by the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She does this by providing a stimulating and child centred environment. The resources are arranged well to be easily accessible to encourage all children to make independent choices and follow their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 own interests. There is effective planning for play and exploration both in and outdoors, with a balance of adult-led and child-led activities and spontaneous events that results in children being active learners and being creative. This includes planning for individuals to ensure that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across the areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder observes the children to find out about what children know, can do and enjoy when they start, and this forms part of an on-going assessment. Observations are clearly matched to the areas of learning and the next step of learning for individual children is identified to inform future plans. The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents and other providers delivering the EYFS for children, such as the local nursery, to exchange information about children‟s progress. However, this information is not sufficiently used to identify learning priorities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about the local community and the natural world around them. They learn to have an awareness of the seasons through a wide range of outings and outdoor activities, such as to the local Sure Start Children's Centres, park and soft play gyms. Children learn to develop positive attitudes to differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, learning difficulties and disability through the wide range of resources that represent positive images. This helps children to value themselves and respect differences in others so that they can grow up making a positive contribution to society.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being is well met because they learn the importance of cleanliness through good daily hygiene routines. Children are actively encouraged to use tissues to wipe their nose and place them into the bin afterwards. Children effectively learn the benefits of eating for their healthy growth and development encouraging them to lead healthier lifestyles. They are offered and enjoy a varied balance of nutritious meals and snacks. These are freshly prepared using fresh ingredients.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a balance between freedom and safe 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. Children learn how to evacuate the home safely in an emergency because fire drills are practised regularly and evacuation routes are displayed at child height to reinforce the procedure. Children behave well because the childminder successfully provides a wide range of activities that captures children's interests and, therefore, they behave well. They learn to care about and respect each other, other things and the environment. For example, children learn to care for plants that they are growing, recycle household waste and to care for the rabbit that has recently been acquired. 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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