Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342566 Inspection date 25/03/2010 Inspector Susan Lyon

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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. She lives with her two children in Bury. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time, no more than two of whom may be in the early years age range. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, play room, kitchen, dining room, upstairs bathroom and back garden. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. There is a pet fish in the household. There are currently six children on roll, some attend part time.

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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 children are happy and settled. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Effective observation and assessment arrangements help children make steady progress. All children are included and their individual needs are met well. The children's safety and welfare is promoted well, although water is not always freely available. All documentation is in place. The childminder demonstrates strong capacity to continually improve the service provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times in order to keep children healthy and hydrated.

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the early years provision

Children’s safety and welfare is promoted well through detailed written risk assessments carried out for the premises and outings. Numerous safety measures in place create a safe and secure environment, such as use of a visitors book, safety gates and cupboard locks. Strong emphasis is placed on keeping children safe on outings. For example, older children walk together and reins are used for younger ones. An emergency escape plan is in place and practised with children contributing to their safety while on the premises. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. All documentation is in place to ensure safe and efficient management of the provision. Children are protected through the childminder’s clear understanding of her role in child protection and her awareness of the vetting of household members.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly reflects on her practices using reflective journals and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 written action plans to clearly identify areas for improvement. For example, she has recently introduced a suggestion book for parents and children, and labelled toy boxes to indicate the contents. The childminder remains enthusiastic and motivated through enjoying seeing the children learn. Feedback is sought from parents as she gives out questionnaires and acts on comments received. The childminder has taken reasonable steps to bring about improvements to the service by completing recommendations from the last inspection, such as providing treasure baskets to develop children's curiosity and using daily diaries to record children's routines. These improvements enhance children's care and learning and increases information for parents. Furthermore, the childminder is fully committed

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the early years provision

to attending ongoing training to increase her knowledge and skills, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, safeguarding and food safety.

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the early years provision

A working with parents policy is in place to help the childminder meet the needs of children. Children benefit from the childminder working closely with parents. For example, potty training is discussed and introduced together, and methods are agreed in order to provide consistency and continuity of care for the child. Parents are involved in children’s learning and development through daily chats and the sharing of the learning journeys. New parents receive a wealth of information regarding menus, activities and a comprehensive range of policies. Relevant information recognising the uniqueness of each child is obtained from parents, such as the language spoken at home, religion and culture. Children’s individual needs are discussed with parents and recorded on child record forms including health and dietary needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder talks to children about people who are different in order to promote respect and understanding. Diversity is valued through activities recognising festivals from different cultures, such as making lanterns and dragons for Chinese New Year. Books, globes and posters are used well to discuss different countries and languages and French words are displayed. All children are included in activities through the childminder changing or adapting the way play is provided to suit all levels of ability. The childminder has established strong links with the local nursery providing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework through daily communication and sharing ideas and resources in order to ensure progression and continuity of care and learning. The childminder clearly understands the benefits of working with other agencies to support children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to learn by talking and explaining to them, and skilfully asking them questions to make them think. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and provides a rich learning environment covering all areas of learning, such as mark making, books and imaginative play. Babies use single-word utterances, such as 'more' and 'chair.' Older children frequently speak clearly and with confidence. Children maintain concentration well during activities of their choosing. Children seek to do things from themselves, such as putting on their coats and shoes. They learn some things This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are shared as the childminder talks to them about taking turns. Children know how to operate simple equipment as they ably press buttons to operate toys incorporating technology. Children show interest in the world and are curious

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and outcomes for children

about the environment as they enjoy going for walks to feed the ducks, watch the trains and look for aeroplanes. Children say and use number names in order as they count the steps. They successfully fit shapes into spaces and use positional language, such as 'over', 'under' and 'through'. Children move in a range of ways. They pedal bikes, kick footballs and climb through tunnels.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage in activities requiring hand-eye coordination, such as using rollers and cutters in the play dough. Children create collages, paintings and drawings and say proudly 'I made that.' Children freely explore the environment as they easily access play resources and at times benefit from adult-led activities, such as looking at books together and craft activities. Babies and young children develop their senses through exploring a good range of wooden objects, pine cones, brushes and different textures. The childminder finds out what the child can do on entry to the setting and ensures each child makes steady progress through effective observation and assessment arrangements. The childminder helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe through frequent discussions. Children show they feel safe as they move around freely and safely. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise and understand the benefits as the

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and outcomes for children

childminder explains fresh air is good for our bodies. An exclusion policy is in place and thorough nappy changing routines help prevent the spread of infection.

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and outcomes for children

Appropriate action is taken when children are ill and children understand the importance of hand washing as they say it is because 'we have dirty hands'. Children make healthy choices at meal and snack times, although water is not freely available to keep their bodies hydrated. The childminder treats children with kindness and consideration, and as a result children have fun and enjoy themselves at the setting. They are eager to play and join in activities. The children enjoy positive relationships with the childminder and feel a sense of belonging as their art work is displayed around the playroom. A good range of play resources help children become aware of the wider world, such as books showing different cultures and disabilities, ethnic dolls and Chinese bowls. Children are valued as they are gradually admitted through visits with parents to help them become familiar with the childminder and the surroundings at their own pace.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s behaviour is managed positively through clear boundaries and explanations, contributing to their confidence and self-esteem. 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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