Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 319753 Inspection date 10/12/2009 Inspector Christine Snowdon

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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 1991. The family live in the Whitkirk area of Leeds. They live within walking distance of parks, a primary school and shops. The dining room, kitchen and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for six children under eight years and offers care for children up to 11 years. She currently cares for two children in the early years group and four older children, who all attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an NNEB childcare qualification.

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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

Excellent knowledge of each child's individual needs, gained from highly effective partnership working, ensures that the childminder promotes all aspects of children's safety, welfare and learning with immense success. Equality and inclusion is exceptionally well promoted and high priority is given to ensure children truly value diversity and differences within their local community and the wider world. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of child development and how to plan in line with children's individual needs, interests and next steps, alongside creating a highly accessible and stimulating learning environment both inside and outdoors. This means that all children make excellent progress in their learning and development. Superb self-evaluation demonstrates the childminder's unquestionable commitment to the continual outcomes for children.

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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 promote the sharing of the children's learning profiles with other early years settings.

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the early years provision

Extremely well-organised and effective systems, policies and procedures underpin this exemplary provision and ensures children are safeguarded at all times. Through attending additional training, the childminder has renewed and updated her knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children. Her detailed policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and parents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 read and sign to acknowledge that they have read and understood them on an annual basis. In addition, she has the information and contact details of her Local Safeguarding Children Board on file for future reference. There are very detailed and effective risk assessments in place, covering the premises, garden and all visits and outings. In addition, daily tick sheets are completed prior to children's arrival to ensure everything is safe and ready for them. The childminder gives utmost

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the early years provision

priority in ensuring that children learn about the dangers of traffic and other hazards around them; for example, through practising fire drills and effective role play.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity are of key importance to the childminder and are very effectively promoted with the children. A varied and interesting range of resources and planned and spontaneous activities, ensure the children develop a positive self-image, an interest in others and their local community, as well as an active curiosity about the wider world in which they live. The childminder has transformed her dining room into a wonderfully bright and stimulating playroom for children. She has an excellent range of resources which are stored at child- height and this effectively promotes their independence and free choice. Without question, children benefit from the importance the childminder puts on the outdoor environment, promoting their good health and learning. This is clearly demonstrated through her effective planning, written evidence and children's learning outcomes. The childminder has completed a very detailed self-evaluation

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the early years provision

document which successfully identifies her many strengths and any additional areas for future development. This process has been enhanced by involving parents and children in discussions and regular questionnaires.

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the early years provision

The childminder has excellent working relationships with the parents. She communicates with parents verbally every day and shares the children's profiles with them on a regular basis. Through in-depth discussions and written information from parents, children's starting points are firmly established and effectively supported. Parents are provided with a sheet for their comments and observations and are encouraged to support their children's progress at home. The childminder actively works alongside other early years settings to complement and extend children's knowledge and understanding. For example, she is helping them learn their school Christmas songs. These effective systems ensure continuity of care and learning for all children. The children's very detailed profiles are given to parents and the childminder hopes these will be shared with their next early years placements. The childminder displays her notice informing parents of her

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the early years provision

inspection, their many letters, cards and comments both past and present are highly supportive of her excellent practice. For example, parents say her wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable and they recognise the wide range of cultural celebrations their children take part in. In addition, they report that she is very supportive to both their children and themselves and that they value her as a friend. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are motivated and eager to learn because the childminder provides an exciting and interesting curriculum which is fun, enjoyable and builds on their individual interests and ideas. The environment is rich in print and labelling which effectively promotes their early reading and recognition skills. The many photographs of the children at play displayed around the walls, in their profiles and albums make children feel valued and at home in the setting. The childminder provides an excellent balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activities. She knows the children very well indeed and uses her knowledge, observations and assessments effectively to plan a wide range of exciting activities. As a result, children are suitably challenged and are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The children have a very warm and trusting relationship with the childminder; she constantly encourages and praises them so that they know their efforts are valued and appreciated. As a result, behaviour is very good, children are well-mannered and develop good independence skills, such as clearing away their own toys after use. Children clearly enjoy looking at books and listening to stories. The childminder reads them the Christmas book and spends time talking to them and asking related questions. The children are able to recall past experiences when they played in the snow and made footprints. They excitedly show the inspector the photograph displayed of the snowman they built in the garden. Children have lots of opportunities to write, draw and make marks. They practise writing their name and the childminder sounds out the phonic letters of their name and hers. Regular baking activities promote their understanding of weight and measure; they

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and outcomes for children

count confidently and use mathematical language in their play. Through very meaningful planned activities, children have excellent opportunities to learn about the wider world in which they live. For example, they celebrate the Indian festival of Rakhi and make colourful bracelets. During Diwali they make lanterns and Mehndi hand patterns. All these are displayed around the setting as colourful reminders of their experiences. Through taking part in effective role play activities, children develop an excellent understanding of keeping themselves safe. For example, when out and about the childminder teaches them about the dangers of traffic and road safety. This is later reinforced in the garden when they dress up as police officers and practise crossing the road using the green man signals they have made, saying when to stop and go.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is highly effective in promoting outdoor play. She truly recognises the importance to children's good health and well-being through plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. Children spend a great deal of time in the garden where they help dig the soil, plant the seeds and tend them as they grow. They enjoy tasting the freshly grown strawberries and help pick the apples for their snacks. This successfully promotes their understanding of healthy eating along with activities, such as making melon boats, fruit kebabs and a five-a-day poster. Children have a clear understanding of why they need to follow good hygiene practice and wash their hands regularly. During role play the childminder reminds them they need to wash the play-food fruit, as they pretend to make some for her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 snack. Children tell the inspector about the various types of wildlife that visit the

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and outcomes for children

garden. They say there are robins and squirrels and that they leave some of the apples on the trees for them to eat during the winter. Following visits to various farms and places of interest, they make posters and draw pictures of the animal and birds they have seen there. 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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