Firth, Emma Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY278369 Inspection date 28/09/2009 Inspector Shazaad Arshad

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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 2004, and lives with her husband and children aged 13 and 10 years old in the Wilsden area of Bradford, West Yorkshire. She co- minds from her home with another registered childminder, who takes joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The whole of the ground floor is used for childcare purposes along with two first floor bedrooms and a bathroom. Children have access to a rear and front garden for outdoor play. The childminder is close to local amenities, including a library, parks, playgroups and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time, or nine children when working with another childminder. She is currently jointly caring for eight children in the early years age group and nine older children, who all attend on a part time basis before and after school. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and has the NVQ level 3 in home based childcare. She is also an accredited childminder, and her service is quality assured under the local authority.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and an exceptional commitment to delivering the highest standards. Consequently, children are progressing extremely well in all areas of their learning and development. The planning systems incorporate the individual needs of all the children, and there are ample resources available that supports and extends children's play. Children are very happy, confident and settled within the warm, welcoming homely setting. Partnership with parents is outstanding and a key strength of the provision as the childminder works very effectively with parents to meet children's individual needs. The setting promotes inclusive practice throughout, and the childminder shows a very positive attitude to continual improvement through training attended and meeting the previous recommendations. The process of self-evaluation is robust and reflective of the

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

strengths and weaknesses of the setting.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to extend current written planning systems to highlight individual learning objectives for each child. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded extremely well in the provision. The childminder is aware of the responsibility she has in the safeguarding of the children in her care. She regularly updates her knowledge with regard to child protection, through the attendance of training courses, so she has up-to-date understanding about current legislation.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a comprehensive safeguarding children policy and is fully aware of the procedures to follow in the event of having a concern about a child in her care. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding about how to help children feel and keep safe. She has comprehensive risk assessments in place which she reviews periodically to ensure risks and hazards are kept to a minimum. Risk assessments cover all aspects of the home and garden and include additional outings away from the setting. The home setting is safe and secure and systems are in place to ensure that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Fire evacuation procedures are displayed in the setting and these are practised regularly with the children to ensure that they are aware of the procedure to follow in the event of a fire or emergency situation. There is an effective arrival and departure system in place to ensure children's safety. Checks on visitors

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the early years provision

identification are robust and visitors records are maintained.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude to reflective practice, and uses self- evaluation very effectively to identify strengths and areas for further development within her provision. She works closely with her co-childminder to ensure that they both have input into the process of self-evaluation, and so that they can both critically evaluate in order to deliver higher standards of care. The childminder uses parent questionnaires to involve parents in her evaluation processes. The self- evaluation form clearly highlights how she meets children's needs, ensures their safety and enables them to develop to their full potential. The childminder is continuously looking at ways for developing her setting further and attends courses to increase her understanding in different areas relating to childminding. For example, she has completed observation and planning courses relating to the EYFS, safeguarding, inclusive practice and specialist training on Forest School

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the early years provision

methods. In addition she has completed the NVQ level 3 in home based childcare and has successfully gained quality assurance status with the local authority.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses the inclusive practice audit toolkit to deliver and promote equality and diversity. This area is addressed in a positive way that benefits all children. She ensures all the resources are accessible and available for all children. For example, in the garden there is a sensory play area for children to experience the range of sensory touches. In addition there are a some good range of positive images of diversity and ethnicity.

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the early years provision

The childminder has also developed strong links with other partnerships such as the local nursery and tries to complement and extend activities and topics that they complete with the children. For example, she has discussions with early years teachers in order to provide continuous provision and activities that link in with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 current theme. The childminder is extremely well organised and all documentation is well maintained and available for inspection. Children's files contain all relevant information and parental consents are stored in individual sections. The childminder has established excellent partnerships with parents, and ensures that they are very well informed about their child's progress through verbal feedback and through the daily diary. Parents are given a portfolio at the start of their child's placement, and this includes the childminder's policies and procedures. The

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the early years provision

childminder uses parent's comment boxes to help her to assess and review her practice and comments in these are extremely complimentary on the service provided.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's learning and development exceptionally well. She provides care in a stimulating and welcoming environment for all children. She skilfully organises space and resources to enable children's choice and meet their individual needs. The childminder maintains a fully inclusive practice and recognises and plans for the unique skills and abilities of each child. Excellent planning and organisation linked to the themes and principles of the EYFS ensures that children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. Children play very well together and have a very close relationship with the childminder, chattering away to her and each other as they play. The childminder uses observations and assessments well to recognise children’s abilities, identify next steps in learning and plan well targeted and motivating experiences for each child. The childminder uses short post it notes and observations as well as more comprehensive written

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and outcomes for children

observations detailing next steps. The childminder is currently developing her planning further to clearly highlight individual learning objectives for each child although she is very knowledgeable verbally about their individuality and their development. Activities are planned that cover all six areas of learning and the childminder also takes into consideration any changes or specific interests. She ensures activities flow with the children’s interests so that they remain engaged in the learning experience and are motivated to continue. This means that children make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. They behave well as they engage well in the wide choice of activities on offer, and respond quickly to the childminder's positive behaviour management techniques.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming increasingly able to use language and communication to convey their own thoughts, feelings and needs. Children enjoy the broad range of activities available and are able to have free flow between the inside and outside of the setting. The garden area is an extension of the indoor area with water, sand and a range of physical equipment such as large and small slides. The childminder encourages children to access the resources independently and involves them in decision making such as what items they want to place in the water. The activities are extended when children start talking about the different weather patterns and children choose to use the rainmaker to make different splash noises and echoes of thunder and large and small splashes. The childminder also provides adult directed activities that stem from children's own interest. For example, after talking about the different animals and sea creatures they have fun painting and talk

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about things they see in water. The childminder uses their interest to extend their learning and development further, such as their language development. For example, she asks where they would find dolphins and crabs, and children eagerly answer and attempt to describe the characteristics of the dolphin and it's shape. The childminder then encourages and praises them as they form recognisable single words. Children are curious; they thoroughly investigate other resources. For example, they put on their own wet suits and use umbrellas to role play games outdoors. Children enjoy many outings and learn about road safety on the journey. They enjoy the large play equipment in the park, and the childminder makes good use of other local attractions to help children become aware of their environment and world around them. Children are aware of the environment and take part in

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and outcomes for children

many panting activities. They talk about where food comes from, and why the vegetables they grow are good for them. The childminder encourages the children to be active learners, using a wide range of activities and her skill of interacting and extending their development through play. Resources available help children to develop skills for the future with help and encouragement from the childminder. These include electronic toys, number and problem solving games and puzzles and reading and looking through books.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder strongly promotes healthy eating. Children enjoy home cooked, highly nutritious and freshly prepared meals. Younger children are becoming independent in feeding themselves as the childminder provides age appropriate cutlery and easily managed plates of food. The menu plans are organised and incorporate the guideline for children's healthy eating. The mealtimes are used as a social occasion and extra food is available when children request it. Children talk about the food they like and why certain foods help make them strong and healthy. Children are developing a very good awareness of their own personal hygiene, for example, they are aware of the need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children play in a clean environment where the childminder minimises the risk of cross infection through effective practice of the comprehensive health and safety procedures that are in place.

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and outcomes for children

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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 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 1

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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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