Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY344483 Inspection date 05/11/2009 Inspector Lindsay Helen Dobson

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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 2006. She lives with her partner and child aged four years in a town house in the Whitwood area of Castleford. The childminder uses the ground floor of the home for childminding purposes and this consists of a kitchen, dining area and conservatory. There are toilet facilities on the ground floor and access to an enclosed back garden. The home is situated close to a local school and park. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. There are currently 10 children on roll, of which five are in the early years age range.

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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

Children are happy, settled and secure due to the childminder's commitment to meeting their individual needs. Effective partnerships are established with parents, therefore the ongoing exchange of information successfully benefits children's continued welfare and development. The childminder provides children with a good range of activities and resources within the home to stimulate their interest and support their learning, although, the outdoor play area is not yet fully developed. She has detailed written observation, monitoring and assessment procedures in place, which are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder uses effective systems to evaluate her practice and regularly attends training to extend her own skills to further promote the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the outdoor environment to ensure all areas of learning are promoted.

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the early years provision

Effective written policies and procedures are in place, including parental consents, which ensures that children are appropriately safeguarded. All documentation and records are very well organised and confidentially maintained. Children's safety is given priority as detailed risk assessments are used, taking into account both the indoor and outdoor environment, including outings. The childminder has a good understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, having attended This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training. She fully recognises her responsibilities for protecting children. The childminder’s written safeguarding policy includes the procedure to be followed should an allegation be made against her or a member of her household.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very strong commitment towards moving forward with her practice. She is clear that keeping up-to-date with best practice and attending courses is beneficial to herself, the parents, but most of all the children. She is currently broadening her skills further by studying for an additional qualification in childcare and the Foundation Stage. In addition, the childminder has implemented the recommendations raised at the last inspection, and in doing so has improved safety for children by checking the identification of visitors and implementing a visitors book. The detailed self-evaluation of her provision has identified what she does well, and which areas need developing. As a result, areas to develop current practice are well targeted and will have a positive impact on the well-being of the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive setting where all children are respected and valued. Children begin to learn about diversity within society as they have access to resources, such as books that reflect positive images of how others live. The childminder has a good knowledge of children’s backgrounds and needs. Each child is recognised as a unique individual and an effective partnership is established with parents to ensure the care provided is appropriate and consistent. Individual journals record the activities children engage in during the day, along with an observation of the activity. This enables parents to have a clearer insight into how their children manage the activity, and what they achieve. In addition, the childminder gives parents details of the theme she will cover in the children’s play for the month. Effective links are established with schools the children attend to share all relevant information to ensure continuity in each child’s learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children form trusting relationships with the childminder as she dedicates her time to supporting their individual needs. They are confident, happy and settled within the welcoming and caring environment, and develop independence as they explore the wide range of age-appropriate toys and resources freely available in the designated conservatory playroom. The childminder has a good working knowledge of the EYFS and is very confident in using this. She has developed effective systems for recording observations of children's progress and planning for their next steps. Planning provides children with a stimulating range of activities which means children are making good progress in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy regular outings, such as trips to the local children's centre, parks, and visits further afield, such as the sea life centre. Children are encouraged to play outside regularly and therefore experience the benefits of getting fresh air and exercise. They develop their physical skills as they use the climbing frame and show good control as they climb the steps on the slide which promotes their balance and coordination skills. Younger children develop these skills in a safe environment through visits to the local soft play area. Although the childminder's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 garden supports children in their physical development, it is not currently being fully utilised to promote development in all areas of learning. All children enjoy the good range of creative activities they take part in, for example, children make colourful rockets and paint pictures following their bonfire theme. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

takes an interest in children's activities and is always close by to offer appropriate support; she is adept at asking open-ended questions to fully promote children's language and thinking skills. Children are introduced to number and counting through activities and everyday routines, such as counting the number of stickers on the rockets and the number of photographs displayed on the conservatory wall. The childminder expertly follows the children's lead within their play. For example, she has planned for children to develop their use of construction, however, as the children make a boat their play moves to talking about under the sea. The childminder supports this through the provision of additional resources and small world figures of fish and sea creatures, which the children set out and knowledgably talk about. For example, a child tells the childminder that the octopus has eight tentacles. This play is further extended through the provision of

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and outcomes for children

story books, which the childminder and children read together.

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and outcomes for children

Children are taught to be polite and develop good manners, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you' during the day. They begin to understand boundaries and expectations due to the childminder's calm and consistent approach and the shared house rules. Children are encouraged to take turns and share as they play with the toys and receive lots of praise and encouragement for working well together. They learn about road safety as they go out and about in the local community which raises their awareness about keeping themselves safe. Photographic evidence shows the children talking to the lollipop lady and looking on the internet to consolidate this learning. The childminder further ensures the children's safety on outings as they all wear high visibility vests with her mobile phone number printed on them. Children follow good hygiene procedures and know why they need to wash their hands before they eat. They are able to support

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and outcomes for children

themselves as they use liquid soap and recognise their own individual towel, which prevents cross-infection. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and light meals, which include fresh fruit and yoghurt, this helps to promote their good health. 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 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

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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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