Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY390297 Inspection date 15/09/2009 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 2009. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and 11 years in the Dukinfield area of Tameside close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is currently minding two children on the Early Years Register. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends the local adult and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

The childminder has developed a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Consequently children's attainment in relation to their starting points is good. She places a high priority on valuing the uniqueness of each child and her practice ensures that some areas are outstanding. Procedures and practices which are for the most part effective contribute towards the safety and welfare of the children. Purposeful partnerships with parents and others involved in the lives of the children ensure that everyone works together to support the children consistently. The childminder places a strong emphasis on her capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 18/09/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to review the risks associated with knives in the kitchen. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection matters and procedures which contributes towards safeguarding children's welfare. She has developed a wealth of written policies and procedures which work well in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. However, the childminder does not request permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This is a requirement in regulations. Comprehensive risk assessments have been undertaken for the premises and outings to monitor hazards and keep children safe. Some knives are accessible in the kitchen and pose a minor hazard to children. All adults in the household are suitable to be in close proximity to children.

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the early years provision

Space, time and resources are well organised to meet children's individual needs. The childminder demonstrates high regard for children's well-being as she attends ongoing training to further develop her childcare practices. She puts her training to effective use as it helps her to develop her practice in relation to risk assessments. She uses her self-evaluation to help her identify her strengths and areas for development. Since registration she has extended her resources to reflect the interests of the children in her care. The childminder places a strong emphasis on her capacity to maintain continuous improvement. She has made strong links with a development worker who visits to offer support and advice.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and homely environment where all children and families feel welcome. Parents are provided with a wealth of information about the provision which helps to forge good working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. Written comments and discussion with parents reveal they are happy with the service provided and the levels of care and activities afforded. Parents value the fact their children 'come on in leaps and bounds'. They also feel that the childminder is professional and approachable. Parents are made aware of her responsibilities to report any concerns and the procedures to follow in the event they are unhappy with any aspect of her service. The childminder works closely in partnership with parents and others to help her provide continuity in children's care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed a good understanding of the EYFS. Daily routines include a balance of adult directed and child-led activities. Assessments clearly demonstrate the progress that children are making towards the early learning goals, given their starting points. The childminder has a beneficial understanding of all children's likes, dislikes and capabilities. She asks lots of open-ended questions to encourage children to become independent thinkers. As a result, they are constantly challenged throughout the day to extend their knowledge and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 All children are encouraged to develop self-help skills and make decisions. For example, children can choose resources which are easily accessible and they make their own selections from the fruit provided. Children's differences are recognised and valued. For example, they learn about customs, language and food from

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and outcomes for children

countries around the world, such as Spain. This encourages a beneficial understanding of the diversity of the world in which they live. Children are not stereo-typed and the childminder has a superb understanding that the learning styles of girls and boys may differ. They are taught to recycle paper and to switch off taps in order to save the planet. Creative opportunities, using a variety of media, allow children to develop their artistic talents. They make spiders from play dough, paint with their feet, collage leaves and decorate gingerbread men.

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and outcomes for children

Children share warm relationships with the childminder and are well behaved. They clearly respect one another and learn the importance of sharing, taking turns and playing cooperatively. Communication and language skills are developing well as children confidently express their wishes and desires to the childminder. Children enjoy listening to stories and regular visits to the library helps to develop their love of books. Mathematical concepts are incorporated into daily routines. For example, the children are encouraged to count the stairs as they go to the bathroom and measure the sunflowers they are growing in the garden. Planned activities, such as baking and exploring the properties of sand, help develop children's awareness of shape and capacity.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from being cared for in a home which is clean, warm and very well maintained. Their individual routines are recognised and respected. Highly effective hygiene practices are routinely followed to minimise the risks of cross infection. Children enjoy wonderfully nutritious meals. These are home made using fresh ingredients and take account of likes, dislikes and individual dietary needs. Drinking water is freely available to ensure that children remain hydrated throughout the day. The outdoor play area is freely available, well designed and resourced to support many areas of children's learning. Exceptional attention is paid to raising children's awareness of personal safety. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own actions as they practise fire evacuation procedures each month and have their own checklist to raise their awareness of the potential dangers. 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 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

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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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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: 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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