Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 310873 Inspection date 21/01/2010 Inspector Janet Skippins

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 1991, she is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and adult son in Denby Dale. The childminder has developed an extended lower ground floor area exclusively for childminding which incorporates a bathroom and dining- kitchen area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children in the early years age range. Children are able to attend on a full or part-time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 a good knowledge of each child’s individual needs and promotes their welfare and learning effectively. Detailed observation and assessment records show children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. However, these require further development. The childminder works in partnership with parents, which contributes to ensuring that the needs of children are well met. Policies, procedures and documents are in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. There is a good system for self-evaluation in place which the childminder uses to develop her practice. She demonstrates her positive commitment to continual improvement by attending many training courses.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation and assessment records to show the next steps for children's learning consistently.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding children because she keeps updated by attending training. She is confident that she would recognise signs of abuse and would implement her safeguarding procedure to protect children. She works well with parents, ensuring that the welfare and protection of children is her priority. The childminding area of the home is very safe and she maintains well written records of risk assessments, which cover all areas of the premises and outings. Children learn about the dangers of fire through practising emergency evacuations, which are well documented.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a system in place for self-evaluation which has helped her to identify her strengths and weaknesses. She has acted on her findings, for example, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 she has increased resources and activities to help children learn about diversity, placing emphasis on disability. Since the last inspection the childminder has attended numerous relevant courses, including topics such as, the Early Years Foundation Stage, look listen and note, food hygiene, preparing for inspection, self-evaluation, empathy dolls, music, treasure baskets and heuristic play. She has also started to attend training to raise her level of qualification to a National Vocational Qualification level 3. This demonstrates her very strong commitment to continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has put her Early Years Foundation Stage training into practice by making well written observation and assessment records for each child. These show that children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points. However, they do not all show the next steps for children’s learning. The childminder has given attention to the recommendation made at the last inspection by updating her complaints procedure so that parents are aware of how they can contact Ofsted if necessary. Records, policies and procedures are well organised, easily accessible, used appropriately and made available to parents. Parents are provided with a booklet which provides useful information about the childminding service. They also have the opportunity to give feedback on the service by completing questionnaires regularly. Information regarding children's welfare, achievements

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the early years provision

and progress is shared through regular discussion, daily diaries, and observation and assessment records. Parents say they are highly satisfied with the service the childminder provides. They like the way the childminder introduces the children to new activities and encourages them to be sociable with other children. The childminder has a good relationship with the nursery some of the children attend. She works closely with the teachers to provide continuity and coherence in the children’s learning, development and welfare.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures that children feel happy and secure in her care. They are able to access a wide range of resources independently. The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of child development to plan interesting activities for the children. She treats children with equal concern, respecting their individuality and meeting their needs. The childminder effectively promotes inclusive practice by encouraging the children to take part in activities, which are appropriate to their different needs and abilities. For example, booster seats are used to enable children to take part in painting activities together at the dining table. The older children use paint brushes while babies are supported to paint with their fingers. Children learn about diversity through celebrating festivals and using resources, such as, books and model wheelchairs.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop physical skills through regular use of equipment, such as, ride-on toys and balls in the garden. They make choices about what they want to do, for example, when taking part in role play activities with dolls which they put in prams and sit on potties. They develop problem solving skills when they try to fit wooden inset jigsaw pieces in the correct place. They eagerly help themselves to books and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take them to the childminder who reads stories to them. Language skills are developing well through the good interaction which takes place between the childminder and the children. They explore their local area when they go on country walks to see the farm animals. They also have regular outings to the childminder support group where they learn to socialise with other children and adults. Creative play activities are given high priority. The children enjoy using

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and outcomes for children

paper plates, cotton wool and glue to make snowmen. These are displayed attractively, which helps them to feel proud of their achievements. As a result, the children are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Books, toys and equipment are easy for children to access themselves. The environment is very clean, safe and secure. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, for example, the childminder teaches them about road safety on the regular walk to nursery where they walk along, and cross a busy road. Routines, like regular hand washing before eating, are in place to help the children learn about health and hygiene. The childminder follows good hygiene routines when nappy changing. The childminder is trained in first aid, therefore, she is aware of how to care for children in the event of an accident. The children learn about healthy eating through discussion while eating their meals and snacks with the childminder. They behave well and are learning to share. The childminder follows her policy on managing behaviour using positive strategies, such as, praising the children when they behave well. 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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