McVeigh, Angela

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY250326 Inspection date 07/10/2009 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

p.1

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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives in Wortley near Leeds, West Yorkshire, with her family. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll and of these one is within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. At the time of the inspection there were no children present.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed required childminding training and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of each child’s needs, and makes sure that she promotes all children’s welfare and learning. The environment is welcoming and there are a wide range of resources that are inclusive. This enables all children to make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development. Most of the requirements related to children's welfare are promoted appropriately; however, those related to documentation are not fully met. The childminder has made a reasonable start on a system of self-evaluation in order to reflect on and evaluate practice in order to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure that written consent is requested from parents, at the time of the child's admission to the provision, for seeking any emergency medical advice and treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 03/11/2009

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure that it is clear within the Safeguarding procedures how to obtain access to up to date Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  use the observations and assessments from parents and others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to identify learning priorities within the planning  develop the observation and assessments of individual children’s progress in order to make clear links to the early learning goals and use them to identify learning priorities within the planning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of her responsibilities to act if she has any safeguarding concerns about a child. A recommendation at the last inspection requested that the childminder obtain the Local Safeguarding Children Board policies and procedures. The childminders safeguarding policy that provides information to parents, states that copies of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures are available. However, these were not available at the time of the inspection. Therefore the policy does not accurately reflect how the procedures are obtained in practice. Following discussion the childminder is now aware that these procedures can be accessed on the internet. The childminder is aware of, and implements, a procedure to ensure that a Criminal Records Bureau check is obtained for all adults over 16 years of age in the home.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder clearly expresses that she enjoys caring for children. The deployment of resources is well constructed and she takes some steps to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. For example, household waste is recycled and trips are made to the recycling banks. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory commitment to continued professional development. She does this by keeping up to date with current childcare practice through accessing some training, publications and links with other childminders with whom she meets and discusses current practice and emerging issues. The childminder demonstrates some ambition, vision and drive to develop the service further. This includes, for example, more training on observation and assessments. The childminder has completed the electronic Ofsted self-evaluation form and this demonstrates that she has made a start on reflecting on her practice. The recommendation at the last

p.5

the early years provision

inspection to carry out the fire procedure with all children has been implemented and the childminder now practices fire evacuations regularly with the children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder meets the individual needs of children 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. A Thank you card displayed, demonstrates satisfaction with the service provided. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities through daily verbal discussion, and through individual records that include observations, and photographs. However, the assessment records of individual children's progress do not make clear links to the areas of learning or identify next steps to inform future plans.

p.5

the early years provision

Links have been made with other providers, such as the local school because over the years the childminder has been involved in taking and collecting children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 However, information from parents and others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage is not effectively used at present to demonstrate that they are contributing to the assessment process in a meaningful way to identify learning priorities within the planning.

p.5

the early years provision

Most of the records required for safe and efficient management of the early year’s provision are maintained. A record of the risk assessments includes indoors and outdoors. However, a record is not maintained for outings. Written consent has not been obtained from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. This aspect does not fully meet with the requirements. The childminder has compiled a comprehensive range of information for parents that is well presented. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has made a sensible start to implementing the welfare, learning and development requirements. This results in children making appropriate progress in their learning in relation to their capabilities and starting points. She does this by providing a stimulating, child centred environment. Space allows for a wide range of resources that are stored and arranged to be easily accessible to encourage children to make independent choices, and follow their own interests.

p.6

and outcomes for children

There were no children present at the time of the inspection therefore the childminder explained how children are given appropriate time and space to be able to work independently; and how they are supported well by the childminder when necessary, demonstrating that she understands when and when not to intervene. It was stated that a balance of adult lead and child led activities and spontaneous events are offered, this results in children being active learners. Lots of photographs within the children’s assessment files, clearly demonstrates that children are actively involved in a wide range of activities which capture their interest and enjoyment.

p.6

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 basic assessment process. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge of how to assess and record the children’s progress.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure within the setting because the photographs show children are happy 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 good levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. She knows their capabilities well.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to learn about healthy lifestyles. They follow appropriate personal hygiene routines. Photographs demonstrate that children engage in a varied range of physical activities, both indoors, outdoors and on outings to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 park and play gyms. This increases their understanding about the importance of regular exercise. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs and routines, which are consistent with those discussed with parents. In addition, the childminder provides a varied range of healthy balanced snacks that contains plenty of fresh fruit. This complements the packed lunch that parents provide for their children, which contributes to them being well nourished.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children learn about the local community, the natural world around them and learn an awareness of the seasons through local visits and outings. For example, they visit the local Children’s centre where children are developing their knowledge and understanding of the world. Children learn an awareness of diversity through age appropriate activities, for example, through books, role play activities and learning about different cultural festivals. 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.

p.7

and outcomes for children

Children make progress in communicating, literacy, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication technology, therefore, developing their skills for the future. This is because a varied range of activities are provided by the childminder. Discussion indicated that clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promote children’s understanding of right and wrong. They learn to care about and respect each other, through learning to share, take turns and learn to use good manners. They also learn to care for plants in the garden by watering them. This helps children learn to care about and to respect their environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9