Y.G. Sirol Blaenffos

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 400661 Inspection date 11/08/2009 Inspector Sandra Elizabeth Williams

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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 1986. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and mother 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 play room. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder co-minds with another registered childminder. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children when working alone and a maximum of 12 when co-minding. She is currently co-minding 36 children aged from one year to 11 years. There are 18 children in the early years age group. The childminder provides support for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local childrens groups in the area and is the chairperson of the local play group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a member of a childminding network. She is accredited to receive funding to provide early years education for three and four-year-old children. She holds the Diploma in Pre-School Practice and a certificate in Childminding Practice. The childminder has gained the North Yorkshire Quality Assurance Award, 'Achieving Excellence'.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good, with outstanding features. Children are cared for in an extremely nurturing and inclusive environment where their uniqueness is recognised and valued. Effective implementation of inclusion is a priority within the childminder’s everyday practice, ensuring that all children are well supported to take full advantage of the range of wonderful activities and experiences available to them. Their welfare is promoted very well, and they are making excellent progress in their learning and development due to the experience and dedication of the childminder and her co-childminder. Exemplary partnerships with parents and others contribute significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met to a very high standard. The childminder's effective self- evaluation and monitoring systems ensure continuous improvement in her practice and she has a clear understanding of her 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?

 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

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provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and maintains excellent records and policies which help the smooth running of her childminding business. She and her co-minder work very well together and provide a consistent and caring service for all children. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibility for safeguarding children and has undertaken training in child protection, in order to keep up to date with current legislation. Written risk assessments for the premises are comprehensive. The childminder keeps children secure and safe when they play outside as she vigilantly supervises them. However, the garden gate is currently not lockable and therefore is not completely secure. Also there is currently no system in place for recording the names of visitors to the setting. There is a written risk assessment for outings in general, however, this is not specific for each type of outing undertaken. Fire safety

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provision

equipment is in place, including smoke alarms and fire blankets. The childminder teaches children about fire safety by undertaking regular emergency evacuation practices which she logs and by showing the children a pictorial booklet about evacuating the house, produced by the co-minder.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are relaxed and friendly and ensure each child's needs are thoroughly met. There is an excellent two-way flow of information on a daily basis, which the parents value highly. A wonderful display of information, photographs and attractive displays of the children's work also help to keep parents fully informed about their child's progress. A number of parents have completed questionnaires about the provision and comment on the excellent care provided. Positive steps are taken to build partnerships with other professionals who also work with some of the children. This has a beneficial impact for the children.

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provision

The childminder puts a considerable amount of thought into evaluating her practice, which successfully takes into account the views of parents. She accurately identifies her strengths and areas for further development by using her own self- evaluation system. The two recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed. Her high level of commitment to her practice clearly demonstrates how the childminder strives to maintain her professional development and continuous improvement. She undertakes a tremendous number of training courses and is able to demonstrate how she applies her knowledge to her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals due to the childminder's exceptional knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Planning for activities is clearly based on children's individual needs and interests, and observations are completed to inform assessments. The childminder has produced learning journeys for each child as well as progress reports and on track forms which are shared with parents and the school teachers. The children have individual play plans which are reviewed every half term. The childminder effectively uses this information to inform future plans for each individual child's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 next steps in all areas of their learning. Each child has a scrap book and folder with their work in and some of the children really enjoy writing their own diaries about the activities they enjoy whilst with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The exceptional and extensive range, balance and variety of activities that are available to children of all ages fully promote their all round learning and enjoyment. The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and is highly effective in its purpose. It gives children the confidence to explore and learn in a stimulating and exciting environment. Children are confident, happy and settled as they move freely between rooms, which encourages their independence to select and choose from the resources both indoors and outside. They benefit immensely from learning and playing together with children of different ages. The older children relate very well to the younger children and spontaneously help them to join in the activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children of all ages love books and have access to a wide range of age appropriate books as well as enjoying visits to the library for story time. They also have access to a range of mark making resources ranging from paints, pencils and chalks to mark making in foam. Children's early writing skills are really encouraged as they write in their diaries about their day. Children have a growing awareness of numbers. The childminder uses every opportunity to develop their understanding, for example, the children count out the number of plates and cups needed at lunch time. The children also learn to count as they throw the dice whilst playing a board game. The game is challenging as it is in French, so it encourages the children to help each other to understand and translate what is written on the cards.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have excellent opportunities to learn about making healthy choices as they thoroughly enjoy a delicious lunch together. Their independence skills are developed as they choose which filling to put into their wraps. They choose from ham, tuna, cheese, houmous and a vast choice of fruit and vegetables. They develop social skills when eating together and talk about the food they are eating. They learn about where food comes from as they help the childminder to grow fruit and vegetables in the garden. They help themselves to fresh drinking water from the jug when they feel thirsty. The children learn very good hygiene skills due to the guidance of the childminder and the posters and books produced by the co- minder, which helps young children to understand why and how to wash their hands properly. Daily access to outdoors and fresh air fully promotes the children's health and well-being. The excellent range of outings to places of interest in the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

area is beneficial to the children and they enjoy looking at the photographs taken whilst on these outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing many skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. For example, as they become increasingly confident in using computers, printers and cameras. They develop their creative skills as they play with musical instruments, such as an organ and some ethnic drums and shakers. They enjoy dressing up in costumes and pretending to be policemen and spacemen. Children make excellent progress in their overall learning as they fully participate in the stimulating environment where the childminder and co-minder care very much about their well-being. 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? 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?

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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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