Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY336211 Inspection date 17/01/2011 Inspector Jean Thomas

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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 assesses 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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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 husband and two children aged five and two years old. The whole of the ground floor of the house, with the exception of the front lounge is used for childminding. The toilet facilities are situated on the ground floor level. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and accesses Local Authority support.

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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

The childminder is an extremely dedicated and committed practitioner. Children benefit immensely from her understanding and implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage to make outstanding progress in their learning and development. The childminder provides a fully inclusive and welcoming setting in which children are happy and confident. The systems to ensure continuous improvement are highly effective, which significantly impacts on outcomes for children. Exemplary systems are in place to work in partnership with parents to promote continuity and progression in children's learning and development.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 develop the self-evaluation systems to involve all service users to reflect on practice

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding to effectively protect children from harm. She identifies working with other agencies to help safeguard children. The childminder has undertaken training and researched the subject to ensure her knowledge is very secure of the possible signs of abuse and the procedures to follow. The childminder has completed comprehensive documented risk assessments for the provision and for each type of outing to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide a very safe environment for children. Children's well-being is significantly enhanced due to the exceptional organisation of the provision. This includes the maintenance of the required documentation and providing a rich environment full of opportunities and activities which children thoroughly enjoy.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to continuing her personal and professional development to improve outcomes for children. She holds a recognised childcare qualification to level three. Since the last inspection she has completed a level four qualification in Early Years Practises. The childminder makes excellent use of her experience and knowledge to meet children's individual needs and to support their progress to their full potential. The childminder has energy and enthusiasm to maintain the continuous improvement of the provision. She fully understands the subsequent impact this has on children's achievement. The childminder self- evaluates her service and invites parents to participate in the process. This reflective practice does not involve the children or result in a response from all parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an exceptionally strong commitment to the provision of inclusive practice. The children's uniqueness is fully respected which greatly promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. The childminder has undertaken training to ensure she has the knowledge to effectively identify children's needs and were appropriate implement procedures for integrated working with parents and other agencies to meet these. The promotion of equality of opportunity is intrinsic in all aspects of the provision. A wealth of resources are provided and activities are planned to nurture children's understanding and respect towards people who are different to themselves.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are highly effective. Meticulous records of observations, planning and the tracking of children's progress are shared with parents. Parents contribute to these records as they work in close partnership with the childminder to be actively involved in their child's learning and development. Parental observations are recorded and used by the childminder. The partnership is forged by the childminder as soon as the arrangement commences. Together they establish the child's starting points which form the base line for the individual planning. Currently the children are not attending other settings where the Early Years Foundation Stage is delivered. The childminder is proactive in preparing procedures to share relevant information with other practitioners should the situation arise to support the children's progression and continuity.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children's learning and development highly effectively. Her enthusiasm in delivering the quality of her provision significantly impacts on ensuring excellent outcomes for children. The childminder is fully conversant with the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has high aspirations for children's achievements. The childminder completes weekly observations on each child and this is used to identify the weekly next steps in their learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder tracks children's progress towards the early learning goals. This rigorous system ensures children's learning and development is consolidated before moving on to the next expectation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder plans activities to offer children challenges and variety to extend their learning and development. She has a flexible approach to implementing these and

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and outcomes for children

responds creatively to activities initiated by the children and their interests.

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and outcomes for children

Children are highly motivated; they eagerly and confidently play with purpose. Children of all ages make their own choices in play. They select from the continuous provision of an extensive range of age appropriate resources set out at a low level. The current planning is based on a 'pirate' theme. The childminder introduces additional resources relating to the theme to stimulate the children's play ideas, such as maps, large golden coloured coins for treasure and dressing up clothes. The children use these resources in their creative play. They study the maps and use descriptive and mathematical language as they plan to find the treasure. The children's language and communication skills are rapidly developed through the enjoyment of books, singing and the use of sign language. All children learn signing from an early age and use it to make their needs known and to be fully included in activities. The childminder has an excellent range of books. These

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and outcomes for children

include books which are used to help children understand different life experiences, such as visits to the dentist, potty training and recycling of goods. Mathematical concepts are very well promoted through daily experiences and activities. Children use problem solving skills in many play situations as they are encouraged by the childminder to try to complete tasks themselves. Their level of concentration is excellent as they are allowed to spend time at their chosen activity and go back to consolidate their own learning. Children are developing skills and an extremely positive attitude towards learning which will significantly impact on their future economic well-being.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder values outdoor learning equal to indoor learning. The outdoor area is exceptionally well resourced with play materials that can be adapted and used in different ways. Weather permitting the children have access to the outdoor play area throughout the year. Prior to going outside the older children independently put on their coats and boots. The younger children wear all-weather suits. The younger children who are mobile equally enjoy the freedom of movement outside. They crawl and walk on the grassed and paved areas. The children show a strong desire to explore and investigate as they dig and discover insects in the soil. The childminder encourages children to compare the insects they have seen to those shown on reference posters displayed on the fence. The children's learning about nature and the world around them is further enhanced through outings to an extensive range of places including the urban farm, zoo and

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an excellent awareness about the importance of a safe and healthy life style. They enjoy energetic play outdoors where there is space to be exuberant and expressive in their movements. Whilst playing at this energetic level they learn how to play safely through explanations from the childminder. Children's enjoyment in walking is being encouraged through planning interesting activities on route, such as taking items to the recycling centre or playing games. Children become independent in attending to their personal care needs from an early age. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 For example children have their own towel which is recognised by the colour and their photograph displayed above the hook. Children are provided with a nutritious and balanced diet. They choose their own snack from healthy options. The children's behaviour is exemplary. They play cooperatively together and it is

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and outcomes for children

apparent that they enjoy each others company. The childminder is an excellent role model for children's behaviour. The children are extremely happy and have a close and affectionate relationship with the her. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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