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 EY295848 Inspection date 13/08/2009 Inspector Alison Margaret Walker

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and children aged 13 years and eight years in Crossgates, a residential area of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

There are three places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care for children aged between six and seven years before and after school: this provision is registered on the Childcare Register. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. There are seven children on roll aged between eight months and eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she attends local carer and toddlers groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Partnerships between the provider and parents are effective, which ensures that parents' preferences and children's individual needs are fully met. Good links have been made with the local nursery to ensure consistency in the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is enthusiastic and as a result the welfare of the children is promoted well. This is enhanced by the childminder's policies, procedures and practice, which are implemented with a thorough level of consistency. The children are learning and developing well and they are achieving their full potential in an inclusive and very welcoming environment. Robust procedures are in place to ensure the children’s safety and overall well being. The childminder is committed to continually improving her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information on children's starting points to inform future planning.

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provision

The children's welfare is maintained through accurately completed documentation and comprehensive policies and procedures which contribute effectively to the continuity of the children's care. Strong and trusting relationships between the childminder and parents have been established. The childminder gives daily feedback to parents to inform them of their child’s day. The childminder also does a profile on each child which gives parents further information on how their children are progressing towards the early learning goals. The profiles include observations and assessments and the childminder uses these to help with planning. She also consults the children when planning future activities. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 profiles are a pleasure to read, they are clear, concise and include photographs and samples of the children’s work. Parents can access these any time and take

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provision

home to look at in more depth if they wish. The children love to look at their special books and they recall past events and activities with enthusiasm. This has a positive impact on the children's care, welfare, development and learning. The childminder shows dedication to her work and is continually evaluating her practice to identify areas she wants to improve. For example, she has done an action plan to outline her training needs. These include developing her observational, assessment and planning skills.

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provision

The childminder has developed very effective relationships with the local nursery. She works closely with them to ensure consistency in the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She looks at the children’s profiles in nursery which helps her formulate profiles for the children in her care. She follows on topics children have done at nursery. For example, at nursery children have been learning about people that help us. With the childminder the children enjoy role playing opticians. The children are keen to talk about trying on different glasses and explain that some people wear glasses because they cannot see very well. All areas used by the children are organised creatively to ensure children can see what is available and select with confidence. Children are able to enjoy a wide range of play and learning opportunities, appropriate for their stage of development. For example, young children select a variety of objects from the

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provision

heuristic play basket. Using these they work together to create a puppet theatre using their skills in improvisation and imagination.

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provision

The childminder reflects diversity through a broad range of resources and activities, which shows positive images of race, religion, gender and disability. For example, the children like looking at books about different countries and finding out about different cultures. This is extended by doing activities linked to different festivals and celebrations, such as Hanukkah and Chinese New Year. The childminder has a very calm and sensitive approach which has a positive impact on the children’s behaviour. They learn about acceptable behaviour from an early age. They receive positive reinforcement and praise from the childminder and as a consequence they behave well. Children take turns and share when playing. They are kind and caring towards each other, for example, they give younger children a cuddle when they wake up. The childminder has a very clear understanding of her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe and secure during their time with

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provision

her, both within her setting and on outings. For example, rigorous risk assessments are done on the home, garden and each specific outing. Effective systems are in place for the safe collection of children and the childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection procedures, ensuring the children in her care are safeguarded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with commitment and enthusiasm. She is developing her skills well in observation, assessment and planning; however, children’s starting points are not considered. Children experience a wide range of activities which provide good levels of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 challenge both inside and outside the home. Activities and outings are thoughtfully planned, taking into account children's individual interests and needs. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder’s care and they respond well to her. The childminder is competent in enhancing children's learning through play and education. The children choose activities where they can engage with her and ones where they play alone. For example, when colouring they ask the childminder to help them write their name. The children show an interest in mark making and are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

able to write some letters. They are keen to point to their names on a display in the hallway and use positional words, such as top and bottom, when describing the position of their name. The childminder supports their speech and language development sensitively through conversation, repetition and singing. Children are confident singers and have a wide repertoire. Whilst looking at a picture of Little Bo Peep they burst into song, singing the nursery rhyme perfectly. Children show an interest in numbers from an early age, such as counting as they stack bricks, and some are beginning to solve simple problems. For example, when counting fingers they count five on one hand then five on the other and say there are 10 in total.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain a sound awareness and interest in their environment, as they visit local amenities such as parks, toddler groups and shops. The childminder also plans some different outings to give children new experiences. For example, recently the children went to see an army parade in town. Children talk excitedly describing different vehicles they saw. The children enjoy and have regularly opportunities to have exercise and fresh air, to extend their physical development. This includes visiting a variety of different play areas, where they are able to do activities such as climbing, running, throwing and catching. Children are beginning to understand good health and hygiene practices to prevent cross infection. Parents provide the children's main meals and the childminder stresses that these must be healthy and nutritious. She provides healthy snacks, and drinks are always available. All dietary requirements and preferences are discussed with parents and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

recorded before the child starts attending to ensure their individual dietary needs. 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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