Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 321245 Inspection date 16/03/2010 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and their two teenage children in a three bedroom semi-detached property in the Acomb area of York. Their home is within easy walking distance of the school, pre- school groups, shops and other local amenities. There is a regular bus service into York city.

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Description of the childminding

The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding and includes a lounge, conservatory and kitchen. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden at the rear of the property for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years of age. She is included on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently eight children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age group. Children attend for a variety of sessions including out of school care.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Woodthorpe childminding support group.

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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 has an excellent knowledge of the children which she uses very effectively to promote their individual welfare and learning needs. Children are safe and secure at all times, and enjoy learning about their local area and the wider world around them. Partnerships with parents are a key strength, ensuring the children's needs are met and the childminder can take account of parents' wishes. She has developed relationships with the local school, nursery and preschool, as well as other agencies, which has ensured children have received any additional support they need. This means the children make good progress whatever their starting point, age and ability. The childminder has always tried to improve her practice through training and consultation with parents and has recently completed the self-evaluation form in hard copy to support this process.

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further?

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

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further?

 include notification of Ofsted in the lost and uncollected child policies  develop the recording of the emergency evacuation procedure to ensure all children become familiar with the process  develop a procedure to link achievements in the children's development in all areas, and identify the next steps to support them. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. These are made available to parents and regularly reviewed, although notification of Ofsted is not included in the lost and uncollected child policies. Children's safety is of the highest priority and the childminder ensures they are well supervised at all times. She also regularly reviews risk assessments in place for the premises and outings, and has taken steps to protect the children from hazards in the garage when they are going outside.

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the early years provision

The childminder keeps the necessary recording of accidents and medication, and tells parents how to raise complaints and concerns, with the Ofsted contact details on display. She also records the emergency evacuation practises but there is insufficient information to enable her to ensure all children become familiar with the procedure. Safety equipment is in place and regularly checked.

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the early years provision

A wide range of resources and activities is provided, with planning to ensure they cover all areas of learning. The childminder has a good understanding of how children develop and make progress but does not formally record observations or next steps to support her knowledge or monitor their progress. She has in the past worked with parents to ensure children have additional support to aid their development. Each child has a photographic record to show their development but this is not linked to the areas of learning, nor have the next steps needed to promote this further. However, the record does show the children participating in an exciting range of activities both on and off the premises, and how they have developed while in the childminder's care.

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen to improve her practice and since the last inspection has ensured children are aware their drinks are available all the time. She has completed the hard copy self-evaluation form comprehensively, and has included plans for future training and resources. She has highlighted diversity and inclusion as one area for improvement. She has a good range of resources and is very conscious of the need to treat all children as individuals and to raise their awareness of other cultures, however feels this aspect could be enhanced. She is inclusive in her practice and promotes children's individuality in a positive manner.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is a key strength of the setting with information from parents kept up-to-date. A daily diary and verbal feedback keeps them informed about their child's day. Questionnaires have been used by the childminder to gauge the parents' and children's satisfaction with the service she provides and to obtain their suggestions for future development so she can ensure the setting meets their needs successfully.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good relationship with the local school, and the exchange of information has ensured children get the additional support they may need. She is also developing relationships and communication with the playgroup, nursery and outside agencies to enhance the care children receive. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The children are comfortable and settled with the childminder, show no concern when visitors arrive and happily going back to their play after welcoming them. They are developing good social skills, sharing and taking turns when playing, and showing concern for each other. The positive environment provides encouragement for them to develop independence and confidence. They behave very well, with clear house rules in place to guide them. They also learn to use resources with care, tidy up so the environment is safe for babies or to give themselves room for other activities.

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and outcomes for children

A wide range of activities is available for the children to select and learn through play. They are very keen to learn and the older ones appreciate their time alone with the childminder when babies are asleep. All the children enjoy music and take advantage of the range of musical instruments from the toy library made of natural materials. They investigate the different unusual sounds they can make, and enjoy accompanying simple songs and rhymes. They also participate in number and action songs, which promote their counting skills.

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and outcomes for children

The children are learning about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle with the childminder. They have a healthy diet with fresh vegetables and fruit from which they can choose. They have also grown vegetables in the garden, although the tomatoes were not a roaring success. The children can suggest or help to prepare meals or snacks. They are developing an awareness of the need for good hygiene and wait until their hands have been wiped before eating. They also wash their hands after blowing their noses, which they know prevents the spread of germs.

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and outcomes for children

Fresh air is also a part of the healthy environment in which they play, whether using the garden or visiting the local park and play area. The provision of more varied learning opportunities when outside was part of a recent training course which the childminder is currently implementing to support the children's knowledge and play. The plans include more opportunities to learn about the natural world by growing things, and investigating insects and birds.

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and outcomes for children

The children are encouraged to develop their vocabulary through conversation and discussion, and are becoming confident speakers. They make their views known and happily ask for assistance or different resources. If they are hungry or have finished their drinks even the younger children are able to communicate their needs successfully. The children say they enjoy being with the childminder, like the food they have and the activities she provides. 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 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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 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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