Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY393760 Inspection date 26/01/2010 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 August 2009. She lives with her husband and three children aged seven, three and four years old in the Catterick Garrison area of North Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 5.30pm for 48 weeks of the year. The family has one pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child, and meets their learning and developmental needs well. All documentation to promote the safe and effective management of the provision is in place. Systems for observations and assessments are developing. The childminder gets to know each child well and provides a secure and stimulating environment for them. She mostly promotes children's welfare successfully and implements mainly robust safeguarding practices. She enjoys mostly effective, cooperative relationships with parents. The childminder understands her strengths and weaknesses and has a sound capacity to make continuous improvement, demonstrated by sharing good practice with advisers and other childcare providers. Her commitment to ongoing self-evaluation ensures she is constantly improving the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that adults looking after children, or having unsupervised access to them, are suitable to do so by obtaining an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure in respect of every person aged 16 years or over who lives on the premises on which the childcare is provided (Suitable people) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 25/02/2010

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process and develop procedures for them to contribute to their child's learning and development record  continue to develop procedures to ensure that identified next steps in learning are clearly linked and implemented into planning.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in a very welcoming and secure environment. They are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures and has completed training in this area. She is knowledgeable about the possible signs of abuse and has a clear understanding of what to do in the event of a concern. There is a written safeguarding policy in place that is shared with parents. This means that they are made aware of the childminder's role and responsibilities in protecting children from harm. Children's welfare is also assured as the childminder has had all suitable checks completed. However, although the childminder has informed Ofsted recently about changes to persons living within the household aged over 16 years, the vetting procedure has not been fully completed as yet. This is a requirement within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The childminder is well organised and all the

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the early years provision

required documentation is in place. She has taken positive steps to minimise potential hazards and keep children safe. For example, comprehensive risk assessments on the premises and for all outings are carried out regularly and the childminder ensures children are appropriately supervised at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed a self-evaluation, which is a fair reflection of practice observed. She reviews her practice on a regular basis and gains feedback from her local authority adviser and other childminders. She has recently developed questionnaires for parents to help her broaden her view of the service she provides. The childminder promotes equality and diversity in a very naturalistic way, which is meaningful to the children. The setting is welcoming and inclusive. Colourful displays of the children's work on the walls and noticeboards for parents help to create a welcoming environment and promote children's self-esteem. The childminder speaks positively about how she would support a child with additional needs or who speaks English as an additional language. She makes good use of resources overall to stimulate children's learning; many of the toys and books are easily accessible.

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the early years provision

Suitable liaison with parents helps the childminder to meet children's individual needs successfully. Parents are well informed about the provision and the care provided. They receive copies of the childminder's written policies and written diaries, giving them an insight into the way she operates. Before children are placed with the childminder, she gathers information from parents about children's interests and abilities, so that she has a good understanding of their starting points. However, although children's progress is discussed daily on an informal basis, parents are not fully involved in contributing to children's learning and development records. Currently, the childminder has no children who access the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 EYFS at other settings. However, she demonstrates a very positive attitude towards sharing information to ensure continuity of learning and care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and confident in the childminder's care. They come to her for cuddles and feel secure in her care. Their individual needs are clearly understood by the childminder. She knows what children enjoy doing, what they are good at and where they need support. The childminder interacts warmly with children, intuitively interpreting their non-verbal communications. Interactive toys, like activity cause and effect toys, are placed close by, so children can see and select them as they wish. The childminder offers clear praise consistently and this encourages children's positive behaviour. As a result, children are at ease in the setting and clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder has a sound understanding of the EYFS and plans a range of suitable activities to support all areas of children's development both indoors and outdoors. As a result, children are making steady progress in their learning and development. Individual

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and outcomes for children

development records are in place for children. These include photographs, along with information about the children's activities, which the childminder is linking to the areas of learning. Next steps in children's development are highlighted; however, procedures to ensure that these are used to inform future planning are not clear to see.

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and outcomes for children

Children gain an awareness of shape and their problem-solving and reasoning skills are nurtured as they explore different shape-sorting, matching and sequencing activities. Their understanding of the living world is promoted when they visit the farm and go for walks on local nature trails. The childminder also has a wormery in the garden for children to explore and investigate. In addition, there is a bird box and bird feeder that encourage the birds and squirrels into the garden, which the children love to watch. Children use information and communication technology to support their learning; for example, they use interactive resources that have lights and sound and are beginning to develop skills in using the mouse and keyboard on the computer. This helps them to develop skills for the future. Children’s communication skills are effectively fostered through various activities, including songs and rhymes. They love to explore simple picture books with the childminder

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and outcomes for children

and this is complemented with trips to the local library. Children find out about their local community as they go for walks and visit local parks and various groups to socialise with their peers. The childminder is beginning to incorporate the celebration of a range of religious festivals which promotes children's understanding of other cultures. In addition, children attend French classes weekly to learn a new language and, due to the environment in which the childminder lives, they socialise with children of many cultures, particularly Nepalese Buddhists and Fijian Christians.

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and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed into clean and well-kept premises where they have ample space to play. Ongoing explanations from the childminder about safety issues, and regular fire drills, help children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe. Regular use of the garden and outings to the park and leisure facilities provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 suitable opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage children’s physical development. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents’ wishes. They are encouraged to enjoy healthy snacks, including fresh fruit. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up to date. This safeguards children’s well-being. The childminder’s good relationship with parents and her effective procedures ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill.

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and outcomes for children

This reduces the risk of the spread of infection. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability to care for children or have regular contact). 25/02/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability to care for children or have regular contact). 25/02/2010

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