Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY396853 Inspection date 05/02/2010 Inspector Hilary Mary Mckenning

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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 registered in 2009. He lives with his wife and two children aged one and five years in Altofts, close to Wakefield. He works alongside his wife who is also a registered childminder and at times an assistant is used. All of the downstairs rooms are used for childminding and one room upstairs for children to sleep. The garden is accessible to children for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. This can be increased to 10 children under eight years when working with another childminder or an assistant. He currently cares for seven children in the early years age group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children are confident and show a strong sense of belonging as they are welcomed and supported to make a positive contribution to their own development. Interest in the local community is promoted through regular outings and visits.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s learning and development is promoted appropriately, although observations do not identify children’s next steps. The childminder has a sound partnership with parents and takes time to develop a good understanding of children's individual needs. He provides a variety of resources and experiences to promote inclusive practice successfully.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

All the required documentation is in place and maintained appropriately. The childminder is developing a system to evaluate his practice and identify strengths and weaknesses in order to ensure further improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the information from observations to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child’s stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals  develop systems to share information with other providers.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. There are clear procedures in place for identifying any child at risk of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 harm and he has good, up-to-date knowledge of the possible signs of abuse and neglect. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment as the childminder completes a daily health and safety check prior to children arriving. Risk assessments are completed for the premises and for each type of outing when children are off the premises. The environment is very child-friendly and organised to allow children to choose and access areas and resources that meet their individual interests independently.

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the early years provision

Children access a range of resources and experiences where they can learn about themselves and explore differences. There are some resources that reflect positive images of diversity. Interest in the local community is promoted well through regular outings and visits to local groups and play areas. The childminder promotes equality and diversity, helping children to understand about the community they live in and the wider world. The childminder keeps comprehensive records regarding children in his care. These include detailed information about children's individual needs and the necessary permission forms. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are shared with parents to support the care of the children and include current information regarding the complaints process.

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the early years provision

Parents are kept informed about their child’s day and the activities they have been involved in as they receive verbal information. Parents are invited to share their views regarding the service they receive through a questionnaire. Parents comment about the confidence children are now showing and how they eagerly recall the days activities. In discussion, parents are very happy and welcome the advice and support from the childminder. They comment on how reassured they feel knowing their child is cared for in a caring, home-from-home environment.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is beginning to develop his knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. He is developing a system to monitor and evaluate children's progress relative to their starting points. This identifies children's next steps towards the early learning goals. However, these are not used to inform planning in order to meet children’s individual developmental needs. Children's achievements and photographic evidence are shared regularly with parents and their contributions are encouraged and welcomed. The childminder has a positive relationship with the children's parents. Relationships with other providers are developing and he is starting to share general information regarding the children’s welfare. He is aware of topics they are involved with and is looking to develop activities within the childminding environment that complement children’s learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are introduced to safety and how to keep safe as the childminder involves them in regular fire drills and safety discussions, particularly around road safety when walking to and from school. Children follow good daily hygiene routines and are well protected from illness and infection. Procedures are in place for when children become ill, along with detailed recordings for any accidents and the administering of any medication. Children enjoy a well-balanced range of healthy meals, snacks and drinks. They are developing an understanding of healthy eating This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 as they are introduced to swapping items for a piece of fruit.

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and outcomes for children

Children make their own choices about their play from a wide range of resources that cover the areas of learning, developing their independence and self- confidence. Children make a positive contribution and the childminder ensures all children are involved in all areas of play, making activities easily accessible. Children are encouraged to share, be kind and have mutual respect for others. Older children help younger children build with the large construction bricks and collect the animals to place in the farmer’s tractor. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and confidently explore the immediate environment with interest. Children eagerly count the tadpoles as they read the books together. They excitedly recall building snowmen in the snow.

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and outcomes for children

Close, caring relationships are evident as children are relaxed, settled and are confident to explore. They readily select the books they wish to look at. The childminder interacts with the children, engaging in their activities. Children eagerly show the childminder the pictures they have completed and ask for further materials. The childminder is aware of individual children’s interests and ensures children can access familiar resources. The childminder is developing a system to evaluate his service which identifies his strengths and outlines areas for further development to help promote children’s learning. 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 3 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 3 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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