Home Childcarer in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY331725 Inspection date 16/03/2010 Inspector Linda Cook

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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 2006 and is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and their three children, aged eight years, six years and 14 months. Their home is in a village on the outskirts of York, a short car ride from schools, shops and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor except for the games room is used for childminding, including a lounge, dining room, kitchen and toilet facilities. The first floor apart from the main bedroom is also used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five years on a part-time basis.

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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 develops positive relationships with parents. Detailed information is sought from parents before children are minded, which enables her to identify the children's starting points and meet their individual needs well. All children are welcome and make good progress in their learning and development. Strong links with parents help to involve them in their children's care and education, and they are kept fully informed of their children's progress. The childminder is aware of her strengths and areas she needs to develop through reflective practice to improve 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 a more formal system of self-evaluation.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a broad range of policies and procedures. These are implemented extremely well to ensure the safeguarding and welfare of all children. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns, and safeguarding information is kept on file for reference. The childminder's home is safe and written risk assessments are completed on all areas of the home and for outings. Records, such as those of accidents, medication and attendance are kept up-to-date and signed by parents where appropriate.

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the early years provision

All children clearly benefit and thrive as a result of the childminder's care and they make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder provides a safe environment, which is conducive to learning. A very good range of toys and resources are made freely available, and all children are able to access these This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 independently. This enables them to make choices and decisions about what they do. A high level of communication with parents, both written and verbal, means that children's individual needs are fully promoted. There is an effective two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents, both at the outset of care arrangements and as children grow and develop. Parents are provided with written information in the form of daily diary sheets, and progress records are shared. This ensures that children are valued as individuals and are therefore

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the early years provision

settled and make good progress. The children currently cared for do not attend other settings, however the childminder is fully aware of the importance of working with other providers to ensure continuity of care for children and to aid smooth transitions.

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the early years provision

The childminder has recently attended self-evaluation training. While she has not yet introduced a formal system of self-evaluation she is very aware of her strengths and areas for development. For example, after returning to work following maternity leave she worked with the local authority development worker to ensure she was fully aware of any changes in the requirements. As a result, she has worked hard to introduce effective systems to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage with regard to learning and improving outcomes for children. She demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, accessing training through her local authority on a regular basis. The recommendations made at the last inspection have been fully addressed. A complaints procedure has been introduced and the written consent of parents is obtained for children to travel in a vehicle. Clearly defined procedures for the emergency evacuation of the premises

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the early years provision

are in place and displayed. Regular evacuation drills are now carried out and recorded, further ensuring children's safety.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is a qualified child carer and has a good knowledge of child development and how children learn through their play. The regular observations of children show an intuitive insight into their enjoyment and engagement with the broad range of activities. They also identify aspects of children's development and possible lines for their continued development across the six areas of learning. Children are very settled and at ease in the childminders care. The childminder is very proactive in her interactions with the young children so that they develop their communication skills well. Babies are happy and settled, they communicate through smiles and gestures and are beginning to speak their first words.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's calm, professional manner, relevant use of praise and encouragement, and genuine attention to children's needs mean that they learn to play cooperatively together and behave well. The children also learn to respect and value each others differences due to effective support and continually developing resources and activities. This creates a very pleasant learning environment where children are motivated to explore freely and enjoy their developing skills. This is further promoted through the successful arrangement of the facilities and resources. Children are eager to use the good quality resources in the homely environment. They have great fun as they build towers with the childminder and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 delight in knocking them down or post shapes into shape sorters which the childminder counts as they do so. They have access to a wide range of books

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and outcomes for children

which they enjoy sharing with the childminder. They learn the necessary skills to keep themselves safe and healthy as they pull themselves up on the sturdy furniture or explore the clean, hygienic environment. Each week the childminder attends the local childminding support group with the children. Here they have opportunities to mix with their peers and take part in a wide variety of play opportunities, such as, messy play and arts and crafts activities.

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and outcomes for children

The children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and learn about the wider world. They make regular trips to the village green to feed the ducks and have fun playing in the well-resourced garden. Photographs show the children enjoying fixed play equipment in play parks and feeding animals at a children's farm. The childminder works carefully with parents to make sure that children benefit from a healthy diet. Children have free access to their own water throughout the day. The childminder is willing to provide meals and snacks for children or accommodate the wishes of parents who prefer to send packed meals. Well-nourished and effectively hydrated children enjoy being active and concentrate well at their play. 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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