Greaves, Helen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 320762 Inspection date 07/12/2009 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 January 1998. She lives with her husband and their two sons aged 11 and 16 years. Their home is on the outskirts of Rothwell and is close to shops, local parks and motorway networks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden at the rear of the premises for outdoor 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 eight children in the early years group and seven older children. The childminder offers part- and full-time care in term time or school holidays and provides an after school service from several local primary schools. At times she works with an assistant.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to level 3 in childcare. She is a member of the South Leeds Childminding Network and of the National Childminding Association.

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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 welfare and learning with great success and recognises and values their uniqueness. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and plans in line with children's individual needs, interests and next steps, alongside creating a highly accessible and stimulating environment. Excellent reflection and self-evaluation of her practice demonstrate the childminder's unquestionable commitment to the continual improvement of the 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?

 continuing to pursue the systems already in place in order to develop further the links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

Extremely well organised and effective systems, policies and procedures underpin this exemplary provision and ensure children are safeguarded at all times. The childminder has up-to-date knowledge of child protection procedures and fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understands her responsibilities to ensure the children's welfare at all times. This is further enhanced through her role within the childminding group where her responsibility is ensuring everyone has the latest information and contact details from the Local Children Safeguarding Board. Her detailed policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and copies issued to parents. All adults living and working on the premises are checked and suitably vetted. Children's safety is further promoted by the highly effective written risk assessments, which successfully identify and eliminate possible hazards and risks both on and off site. In addition,

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the early years provision

regular emergency evacuation drills are undertaken to ensure children have a clear understanding of keeping themselves safe should such a situation arise.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very professional about her service and is highly committed to the continual improvement of her setting. This is clearly demonstrated through her excellent self-evaluation and reflective practice. Parental involvement in this process is highly encouraged through the use of questionnaires and these demonstrate their utmost satisfaction and are all extremely positive and complimentary. For example, they say their children have fantastic experiences covering all aspects of their development. In addition, there are personal 'thank you' letters and references from parents both past and present. The childminder keeps up to date with all training and holds two level 3 childcare qualifications. As a result, she has an excellent knowledge of child development and uses these skills effectively in her role. In order to further extend her service to parents she has applied for accreditation to her local authority, which will enable her to provide

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the early years provision

funded educational places for children of the appropriate age.

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the early years provision

The childminder has excellent working relationships with the parents. She communicates with them verbally on a daily basis as well as writing a detailed account in either their home diary or on daily sheets. These effective methods ensure full continuity of care and learning. Children's very detailed individual development folders are made freely available to all parents and effective methods enable parents to complement and extend their children's learning at home. For example, children take home their library books and share them with their parents. In addition, parents regularly add information to these records, such as recording family events on the 'special events sheet'. Comprehensive information is given to all parents, ensuring that they are fully informed about the provision, activities and routines. This includes copies of all her policies and procedures and informative monthly newsletters. The childminder is very proactive in trying to develop

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the early years provision

effective partnerships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), although this is not always reciprocated. In addition, she encourages the parents to share their children's learning records with other settings to ensure consistency of care and learning along with a smooth transition into school.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is highly motivated and enthusiastic in her approach and this is reflected in her inspiring provision. She has transformed her conservatory into a bright, welcoming and highly stimulating environment for children. The effective use of posters, photographs and displays of children's artwork makes them feel This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 valued and part of the family. The excellent range of top quality resources are presented at child height, enabling children to self-select and develop their own ideas and interests. The childminder has highly effective planning systems in place to ensure children's learning is maximised and supported. She provides an excellent balance of child-initiated play along with new and exciting topics and interests, many of which are supported through trips and outings. The childminder uses her written observations and assessments very effectively to support their

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and outcomes for children

individual next steps in learning. As a result, all children are suitably challenged and are making good progress in the EYFS. The childminder is highly effective as she plays alongside the children; her skilful questioning techniques enhance and reaffirm their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy, settled and confident. They benefit from the warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and know that all they say and do is fully appreciated and valued, due to her positive praise and encouragement. Behaviour is very good, children are well mannered and assist with tidying away resources when asked. Equality and diversity are effectively promoted through the resources and the childminder's input. For example, whilst children play with the small world ambulance and figures the childminder explains why one is in the wheelchair and talks about another with its leg in plaster. She helps children to recall past events and learn about keeping themselves safe to avoid such accidents. Children develop a positive self-image, respect each other's differences and learn about the wider world and their local community.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a very positive interest in books and stories. This is effectively promoted through the regular trips to the library where children help to select the books and take them home to share with parents. The childminder asks about their most recent book, which is 'Fireman Sam', and children are able to remember the story well and say that the Christmas tree was on fire. Children have good opportunities to write, draw and make marks using various resources. The effective labelling throughout the setting promotes children's awareness of writing for a purpose and their early reading skills. In addition, on arrival children self- register by recognising and selecting their name from the list. Children are learning to recognise the colours and this is very well supported. For example, the childminder asks if they can find a blue piece of road track and they do so. Children tell the inspector they are sitting on the red chair because they are

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and outcomes for children

wearing red today. Babies are completely supported and included in the daily activities. For example, the childminder makes sure they are taken along with the older children as they move from room to room. They particularly enjoy the treasure basket, lifting out the different items and examining them with their hands and mouth. They laugh, chuckle and enjoy the feeling as the childminder tickles their tummy. They lay on the mat watching her intently as she smiles warmly and talks to them, and they respond with happy facial expressions and gurgles.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is fostered extremely well. The nutritious and well-balanced meals are freshly prepared and these are thoroughly enjoyed by the children. For example, on the day of inspection children had roast lamb, potatoes and fresh vegetables. Children gain good awareness of health and hygiene through the related play activities and effective routines. They have lots of opportunities to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoy regular fresh air and physical activities. They sleep soundly outside in their pushchairs, well wrapped up and under the childminder's constant supervision. During regular trips to the park they play football, climb, balance and swing on the fixed apparatus. 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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