Walker, Carole Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 316577 Inspection date 25/01/2011 Inspector Karen Tervit

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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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Bury. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet cockatiel.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range on a full and part time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder has an Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education.

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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 understanding of children's individual needs and successfully supports their welfare and learning. Consequently children make good progress in their learning and development because they are interested in the activities. The environment and wide range of learning resources are exceptionally well-organised. Good relationships with parents ensure that each child's needs are met. Most required documentation is in place. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice and is committed and enthusiastic about continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that procedures are in place to request written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice at the time of the child's admission (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 26/01/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the systems for summative assessments in order to track children's progress  develop systems for self-evaluation in order to help to promote continuous improvement to the provision and outcomes for children. 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 a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and this means children are well protected. Effective procedures are in place for identifying a child at risk of harm and liaising with the appropriate child agencies. The childminder has the required procedures and documentation for the safe and efficient running of the early years provision. These are maintained to a good standard, such as, accident records. However, she does not have written parental permission to seek emergency medical aid or treatment from all parents. Risk assessments are thorough and include daily checks, and specific risk assessments for outings. This means that children are protected from harm in the home and on outings.

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the early years provision

The environment is stimulating, well-organised and conducive to learning. Children's work is imaginatively displayed giving them a sense of belonging. The exceptionally varied resources are clearly labelled and easily accessible. This means that children are motivated to play and can easily choose their favourite play equipment. Children begin to learn about recycling when they place paper and cardboard in designated containers. The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children. She creatively adapts activities and resources so they can all join in. This means children make good progress in relation to their starting points. Children have excellent opportunities to learn about the diverse world in which they live. They see positive images of people's differences through posters, books and resources and find out about food and clothes in different countries. The childminder understands the value of working alongside other agencies and

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the early years provision

parents to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder has positively addressed the recommendation from her previous inspection by attending further safeguarding training. The childminder is motivated and keen to improve her service and evaluates a number of aspects, such as, her play planning. Her self-evaluation demonstrates she has a good understanding of her strengths and ideas for future development. However, it does not always focus on improving specific outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a highly positive relationship with parents and carers. They receive a wealth of excellent information about the setting and their children. The daily communication books are particularly impressive, these highlight activities and achievements. Parents are encouraged to comment on these and add things of interest from home. Parents comments are very positive about the care children receive. The childminder has well-established relationships with other settings and this makes a strong contribution to the children's progress and well-being.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This successfully promotes children's learning and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development. Activities are well planned and are based on interesting observations. Children have their own learning journey folders. These include samples of photos and their art and craft work. Observations are comprehensive and clearly link to the areas of learning, children's next steps and planning. Children are enthusiastic about their learning, make good progress and spend their time purposefully. However, systems to develop summative assessments to track children's progress have not yet fully evolved. The childminder's interaction is a key feature and supports the children's learning and curiosity. Children know the routines well and eagerly tell adults that it is time for a story as they have their

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and outcomes for children

snack. Even very young children join in, successfully predicting what happens next in favourite stories.

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and outcomes for children

Children show they feel secure and confident in the setting. They behave well and often say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children eagerly help the childminder make indoor snow in the large floor tray. They are beginning to understand about taking turns as they add water to the powder and watch it expand. The childminder helps children to learn about diversity, for example, they are beginning to learn how to use chop sticks and simple sign language. They bake bread for Hanukkah and visit China Town when it is Chinese New Year. Children are imaginitive as they enthusiatiucally care for their babies, brushing their hair and showing concern that they are in a wheelchair as they cannot walk. Children learn about the community in which they live by taking part in an exceptional range of interesting and exciting outings to places, such as natural play parks, indoor ski slopes and the butterfly house. Children thoroughly enjoy splashing in the puddles, hunting for insects or

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and outcomes for children

feeding the ducks. The childminder helps children develop their skills for the future. For example, they are becoming increasingly confident in information and communication technology, such as programmable toys, computers and cash tills.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a number of safety precautions and procedures in place. These include a written evacuation procedure and secure systems for the collection of children. The good organisation of the premises encourages children to make their own decisions. For example, they choose to make a train track on the floor, or sit at a small table to make rainbow mosiacs. The childminder helps them to learn about keeping safe. For example, they learn basic road safety through interesting stories and songs. Children begin to understand about a healthy lifestyle. They have their own bottle of drink and help themselves when they are thirsty. The childminder is aware of dietary needs and provides a wide range of healthy and nutritous snacks and meals. Children take part in a broad range of physical activities and enjoy plenty of fresh air. Children are developing their physical skills through outdoor activities

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and outcomes for children

including visits to the park to use the play equipment, regular walks and sledging. 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 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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