Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 320035 Inspection date 08/09/2009 Inspector Katy Elizabeth Wynn

p.1

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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and teenage children in Garforth, a residential suburb of Leeds. The property is located close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The children have access to kitchen and dining room and a conservatory which gives access to the garden. The garden is fully enclosed and offers safe opportunities for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog and a rabbit.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is qualified to level three in childcare.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children feel settled and happy within this welcoming family home because the childminder has a secure knowledge of their individual needs and abilities. The childminder has developed a highly positive relationship with parents and ensures that consistent communication ensures children make good progress in their learning and development. A good range of well written policies and procedures have been implemented to ensure children's safety and well-being. The childminder shows a good capacity for continuous improvement. She has undertaken training since the last inspection to increase her understanding of first aid procedures, the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and planning and observations. The childminder has started to conduct self-evaluation and has identified some strengths and areas to develop to benefit the children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 continue to use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  extend the strategies used for self-assessment and reflective practice to identify strengths and priorities for ongoing development that will improve the provision for all children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Robust steps are taken to safeguard children, for example, the childminder has a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection issues. She keeps accurate records of any existing injuries that children may arrive with and has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board document which she shares with parents so they understand her responsibility. Children play safely within the home and garden as the childminder has completed comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards. She uses these effectively and makes constant updates and amendments to ensure children's ongoing safety. Risk assessments for outings are also covered to the same high standard.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has developed highly positive partnerships with parents, ensuring children's welfare is consistent with parental wishes. Settling in visits are individual to each child and their parents prior to the commencement of the placement. This enables each child to integrate at their own unique pace and ensures inclusion is successfully promoted. Parents are well informed about all aspects of their own children's achievement, well-being and development. The childminder fully values the role of parents, encouraging them to share what they know about their child and contribute to the planning of activities. Parental involvement and suggestions from the childminder about continued learning at home enables parents to play an active role in their child's learning which significantly impacts on the progress children make. Parents give the childminder glowing testimonies and describe in detail how pleased they are with the care provided. The childminder also works

p.5

the early years provision

effectively in partnership with other professionals, for example, she often meets with the local school nursery to discuss individual children and share the learning profile.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to further improving the care provided. She has attended relevant training and regularly seeks the views of parents. She has started to evaluate her practice and has identified some areas for improvement, however, her self-evaluation is not yet sufficiently detailed to ensure she focuses on developing significant areas in need of enhancing. The indoor environment is child-friendly as children are free to move around between the indoors and the outdoor rear garden which is safely enclosed. Resources are presented at low level, which ensures children can be independent and freely access them, which leads to them using their own initiative to instigate their play.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and relate very well to her friendly, enthusiastic interaction. She knows the children well through discussions with their parents and from information gained by making her own observations. The childminder recognises children's individual needs and works with parents to meet them, for example, she provides a range of jigsaw puzzles for a child that shows a particular interest in completing them. Children take part in a good range of activities that cover all six areas of learning. The childminder shows great energy and copes well with the changing demands of the children, for example, as they move freely from indoors to outdoors. The children relish their time in the garden which contains an area with equipment designed to develop their physical skills, such as a swing, see-saw and ride-on toys. They extend their knowledge and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

understanding of the world by digging the earth and watering flowers. Children learn about living creatures as they help care for the pet rabbit and dog.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children make choices about what they want to do and select freely from the good range of toys and resources available. They enjoy handling books and show great interest and concentration as they turn the pages. Children listen to stories read by the childminder in a very animated way and respond eagerly to the questions she poses to make them think. Their love of books is further developed through regular trips to the local library and even the very young children are beginning to understand that print carries meaning. Their understanding of the society in which they live is beginning to develop through discussions, stories and play resources, increasing their awareness of culture and gender.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's achievements are recorded through observations and are accompanied by photographic evidence. They clearly show children's next steps in learning but the childminder has not fully linked her recording of observations to children's current interests. For example, some of the photographic evidence is put in every child's file and is therefore not unique to that individual. Children experience a good balance of adult and child-led experiences and the childminder is competent in supporting their learning. Children make good progress in the learning in relation to their starting points. Children show good levels of self-esteem and build strong relationships with both adults and peers. They respond effectively to praise and encouragement from the childminder, which has a positive impact on their behaviour.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are happy, content and settled because their health, physical and dietary requirements are all met. They enjoy good quality meals and snacks, provided by the childminder. They eagerly enjoy fresh fruit and lunch is a sociable event taken at the table where children are able to make choices about what they would like to eat. Children develop good hygiene routines as they wash their hands with soap and water before snacks and meals. The childminder is methodical in her own hygiene practices. She washes her hands before preparing lunch, cleans the table and maintains high levels of cleanliness within the home. This means children play in a pleasant environment in which germs are unlikely to spread. Children show a good awareness of safety issues and even the very young children remind other children not to throw toys. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8