Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 322002 Inspection date 23/10/2009 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

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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 has been registered since 1996. She is also registered as a co childminder with her daughter on these premises. She lives with her family in Crofton on the outskirts of Wakefield. There are shops, schools and recreation areas within walking distance and good public transport links. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and the toilet facilities are located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden and patio available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The family have a number of pets on site including dogs, a cat, guinea pigs and rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with a co childminder the numbers of children on the Early Years Register may be increased to provide care for no more than nine children under eight years; no more than six maybe under five years, and of these, not more than two may be under one year. There are currently eight children on roll aged from two to seven years. Of these, five are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for children aged over five years to twelve years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed required childminding training and 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 childminders knowledge of each child’s needs ensures that the childminder promotes all children’s welfare and learning well. The environment is well resourced and enables all children to make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development. All aspects of children's welfare are promoted well. The childminder has good relationships with the parents and she understands the importance of working with others involved in children’s learning and care. There are effective systems in place to reflect on and evaluate her practice. The childminder is committed to developing her service and she is proactive in bringing about continual improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the observations and assessments from parents and others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to identify learning priorities within the planning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop a system to monitor that all areas of learning are being covered for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures for child protection to ensure that the well being of the children is maintained. She and the co childminder she works with have attended training and know how to access all the relevant child protection legislation to ensure that they can carry out their responsibilities in protecting children from harm. She has access to up to date information on the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures. She is fully aware of, and implements, a procedure to ensure that a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is obtained for all adults over 16 years of age in the home. All of the records required for safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare are maintained. The risk assessments cover everything with which a child may come into contact. The childminder has compiled a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that inform parents

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the early years provision

well about the service she provides. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and are well organised.

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the early years provision

The deployment of resources is good and the childminder is taking good steps to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. For example, the childminder makes a conscious effort to recycle household waste. The childminder is very experienced and has been caring for children for over a decade. She demonstrates a commitment to continued professional development. This is because the childminder has completed several training courses recently and is currently studying for an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 qualification. She keeps up to date with current childcare practice through reading publications, visiting the local Children’s Centre, links with Local Authority advisors with whom she meets and discusses current practice and emerging issues. The childminder demonstrates effective ambition, vision and drive to develop the service further and has identified that she would like to complete additional training in Equality

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the early years provision

and Diversity. An effective system of self-evaluation enables her to demonstrate that she is reflecting on her practice and identifying strengths and areas for development. The implementation of the recommendations made at the last inspection to improve aspects of some of the policies and procedures; further demonstrates her commitment to maintain continuous improvement within her service.

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the early years provision

The childminder meets the individual needs of children well irrespective of background or ability. She does this by developing positive relationships with parents and children and this contributes to inclusion, meeting children’s needs consistently and providing continuity of care. Friendly exchanges were observed with a parent on the day of the inspection and children clearly benefit from this partnership. Parents clearly expressed their satisfaction with the service indicating that they have no hesitation in recommending the service to others. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities and progress through daily verbal discussion and in the assessment records. Although children are making good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress within all areas of learning, the assessment records do not clearly indicate that all areas of learning are covered equally. The parents are encouraged to look

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the early years provision

at their child’s observations and achievements and some have indicated that they would like to see it more often. Sharing this information with parents allows the childminder to meet the child’s ever changing needs and keeps both parties informed.

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the early years provision

Effective links have been made with other providers, such as the local nursery and school. The childminder is communicating with practitioners about individual children’s learning experiences to promote continuity. However, the childminder is not sufficiently demonstrating how information from parents and others delivering the EYFS is being used to identify learning priorities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates that she has a good understanding of the learning and development and welfare requirements, which contributes to her effectively promoting children’s welfare and learning. Relationships between the childminder and children are good and she effectively recognises and meets children’s individual needs. Children make good progress in their learning in relation to their capabilities and starting points. This is because the childminder provides a very child-centred environment in which there is a wide range of toys and activities, there are lots of posters and displays of children’s artwork. In addition, the childminder makes good use of resources within the local community to extend children’s experiences. For example, children go on nature walks, regularly visit the local Sure Start Children’s Centre and local park, which provides a varied range of experiences, such as playing on the play equipment, walks and space to run and

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and outcomes for children

Children are given time and space to be able to play independently. They are supported by the childminder well when necessary, demonstrating that she understands when and when not to intervene. Good interaction is demonstrated through a caring relationship that has developed between all the children and the childminder. Young children with specific needs are well supported in all aspects of their care and development and there is good information shared between parents and speech therapists. Young children were observed to be inquisitive and interested in exploration and investigation of many of the sensory toys and activities. The toddlers particularly enjoyed pushing the dolls in the prams and exploring the musical instruments. Praise and encouragement are given to the children throughout the inspection. Children demonstrated that they are settled and confident in the childminders care.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder collects information from parents and observes the children to find out what they know, can do and enjoy, when they start. This forms the basis for an ongoing assessment. Observations are matched to the areas of learning and the next step of learning for individual children is identified within the assessment to inform plans. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure within the setting because they are settled and confident to independently explore their environment. This is because caring and trusting relationships have been established between the children and the childminder. Children have a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder understands that suitable types of activities and appropriate levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills.

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and outcomes for children

She knows their capabilities well. They learn how to evacuate the home safely in an emergency and practise fire drills, and a record is kept of these. They are kept safe on outings and safety is reinforced at all times.

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and outcomes for children

The children learn to develop an understanding of adopting good personal hygiene practices. For example, children are encouraged to clean their hands at appropriate times throughout the day, and posters reinforce and remind children of this. The childminder encourages children to learn about the benefits of healthy eating and offers a balance of nutritious meals in which plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are offered. The children enjoy being active and taking part in a wide range of physical activities, which supports children’s physical development.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in communicating, literacy, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication technology; therefore developing their skills for the future. This is because a good range of activities are provided by the childminder and children actively explore their surroundings with curiosity and interest. The children are developing a good understanding of diversity and difference as they experience an environment that promotes positive attitudes to all people in society. Children bring with them a wealth of diverse needs to share with each other, and this enables them to become aware of similarities and differences and increase their understanding of the wider world. Children celebrate festivals and talk about the community and wider world in which they live. They learn to care about and respect each other, through learning to share and take turns. They also learn to respect and care for the pets and the plants in the

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and outcomes for children

garden. 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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