Hollingworth Fold

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 136132 Inspection date 22/03/2010 Inspector Zahida Hatia

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and an adult son in a three-bedroom, mid-terraced house situated in Mangotsfield, Bristol. The property is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, pre-schools, shops and play parks. The ground floor of the property is registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age group. Care is provided on a full and part-time basis throughout the year. She currently has eight children on roll on a part-time basis, five of whom are in the early years age group.

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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

Children are cared for in an extremely warm, caring and inclusive environment where the childminder is fully aware of children's individual interests and capabilities. She shows a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is skilled in delivering its requirements. This is evident from the very good progress children are making in their learning and development. The childminder places utmost priority in keeping parents well informed. Strong and purposeful links have been developed with parents which further supports children's overall well-being.

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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 develop links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity of care and education

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the early years provision

The childminder places priority in safeguarding children and fully understands her role to ensure children are well protected and remain safe while in her care. She has attended safeguarding training and a clear and straightforward written policy is in place outlining the steps to take in the event of any concerns. Thorough risk assessments are in place which reduces risk to children further. There are well- maintained systems in place to record attendance, the administration of medication and accidents. A valid first aid certificate ensures that the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is able to respond effectively to any accidents. The childminder ensures that children are kept safe on outings as she implements effective procedures, such as securing young children into pushchairs, obtaining written consents from parents and being constantly vigilant at all times. She teaches children to keep themselves

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the early years provision

safe and has involved them in making simple house rules to ensure their safety and well-being.

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the early years provision

The childminder recognises the importance of evaluation and uses the Ofsted self- evaluation form to good effect. She has a clear action plan in place for her future development and training. She reflects on her practice continually by evaluating activities. For example, parents’ and children's views are sought verbally and through questionnaires. This helps her identify the strengths and areas for improvement of her childminding service. Documentation is very well organised, readily available for inspection and stored securely to protect confidentiality. Parents are provided with copies of the childminder's policies and procedures providing them with relevant information with regard to the childminder's role and responsibilities. The childminder keeps parents very well informed about her day to day activities with the children by using a parents' board which provides excellent information about daily routines and outings. The childminder shows an extremely

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the early years provision

positive attitude towards equality and diversity and children are encouraged to participate in the full range of available activities. They are taught to respect other people and their way of life and have access to a very good range of resources to further develop their awareness and understanding of the wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder works hard to provide an enabling and inclusive environment which makes parents and their children feel very welcome. The learning environment is well organised with easy access to resources that fully meet the needs of all children. The very good range of play equipment is extremely well maintained and age appropriate and offers interesting variety. The childminder ensures excellent partnerships with parents are maintained. Contracts are used to set out clearly the expectations of both parties and daily discussions about the children's day keep parents very well informed. Children's individual development files are very well written which record observations and assessments of the children. All records are linked to the areas of learning and clearly show children's progression and development. Consequently, parents can contribute towards their children's learning at home from the clear information provided to them. The

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the early years provision

childminder has a good understanding of the benefits of making links with other providers such as local authority advisors and other childminders, to ensure continuity and coherence in children's learning and development. However, links with some providers are not yet fully developed.

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. The extremely good range of activities provided clearly covers each area of learning. This demonstrates the childminder's thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. The childminder's comprehensive understanding of children's individual needs, personalities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 background ensures that a challenging learning experience is provided for all children. Very good systems are in place to observe and assess children's progress. Children's learning records very clearly show their progress towards the early learning goals. Excellent use is made of observation and assessment, which the childminder skilfully uses to plan the next steps in children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual needs are well met and are extremely effective. Children are happy to make their own choices and can independently select from the very good range of resources available to them. They are at ease with the childminder and happily initiate play with her. She is sensitive to their needs and fully engages with them in their play, supporting them and encourages them to try new things. Children are beginning to interact well with one another and have great fun. For example, older children pretend to be the teacher, helping younger children to count numbers pointing to the number chart displayed in the playroom. Children make excellent progress in their communication and language skills as the childminder skilfully engages them in sharing their favourite books such as 'each peach pear plum'. They are beginning to understand that print brings meaning as they skilfully turn the pages of the book whilst repeating the frequent phrase 'I

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and outcomes for children

spy' and anticipating what will happen next. Children have excellent opportunities to independently select resources to help them to practise their mark-making and writing skills, as they have access to a wide range of resources such as crayons, paints, chalks, scissors, glue and pencils. The childminder listens carefully to the children and recognises the sounds and words they are beginning to use. Children make very good progress in their problem-solving and numeracy skills as the childminder supports the children to develop their understanding further. For example, she encourages children to count out the shapes they have cut out from their play dough. Evidence of children's artwork and creativity is displayed throughout the childminder's home and in their individual files, which provides the children with a real sense of belonging.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides children with rich and varied experiences to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. They visit venues, such as the Soft Play centre, Sure Start Children's Centre and different play parks throughout the week. Children are extremely well behaved in the childminder's care as effective behaviour management strategies are implemented. The childminder has realistic expectations in accordance with each child's age and stage of development and is a positive role model towards them. The children's health and well-being are very well promoted. They eat appetising meals and snacks and have regular drinks throughout the day. Regular opportunities to enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise are provided through daily walks and from the stimulating outdoor area which includes facilities for children to get involved in growing plants and vegetables. This contributes to their good health and helps them gain increasing control over

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and outcomes for children

their bodies. In addition, regular hand washing, individual towels and the policy for sick children all help to contain the spread of illnesses. Children flourish in the excellent care provided and the positive experiences help them to develop skills for future success. 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 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 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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