Bruce, Sarah Madeline

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY344853 Inspection date 25/01/2011 Inspector Rachel Ayo

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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 their children, aged nine and six years in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Local amenities include schools, nurseries, parks and a library. Shops and public transport links are close by. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes along with a first floor bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for five children in this age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and there are currently six children being cared for within this age group. The childminder collects children from nursery and attends groups within the community during the week. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is accredited through the Children Come First Quality Assurance Scheme. She holds the Diploma in the Theory and Practice of the Montessori Method of Education.

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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 setting is highly effective. Outcomes for children are exemplary as a result of the childminder's superb knowledge and implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All children make very rapid progress in relation to their starting points as a result of an excellent range of purposefully planned activities indoors and outdoors and overall first class individualised observational assessment. Utmost priority is given to equality and diversity and partnership working with parents and other providers is generally extremely effective in ensuring children's individual needs are met. The childminder is highly motivated and her extremely robust self-evaluation, which involves parents and children, reflects rigorous monitoring and searching analysis of what is done well and what needs to be improved. This means that plans for the future are exceptionally well targeted in order to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance partnership working further by obtaining more detailed information from parents when children's starting points are being established and develop consistent links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

There are comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures. A thorough knowledge of child protection issues is held and comprehensive risk assessments ensure a hazard free environment. Children's safety on outings is extremely well considered and a wide range of safety equipment is used, such as florescent strips. Record keeping systems are highly effective in ensuring the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage and in meeting children's needs. Documentation is extensive because the childminder has a wide range of additional information that she has accumulated to enhance her practice. The childminder regularly reviews and updates her policies and procedures to ensure her practice is current and effective.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity including narrowing the achievement gap for particular individuals or groups of children. She has attended numerous courses to support her practice, such as promoting learning outdoors, inclusive practice and raising boys' achievements. The childminder knows the children and their stages of development extremely well and unquestionably meets their individual needs. Children learn to value and appreciate the diverse society in which they live exceptionally well. For example, they celebrate their own and others' festivals through interesting and practical age appropriate activities.

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the early years provision

Positive relationships are held with parents. There are generally superb communication systems and parents written views are extremely complimentary. Parents share what they know about their children through a detailed starter sheet, such as what they enjoy doing, home routines and likes and dislikes. Although, information gathered to help establish starting points is more limited. Parents receive extensive information, for example, through newsletters which include training courses and any proposed changes or improvements. A 'what I did today' sheet is given to parents or sent through an email and it details a wide range of information about children's care, significant activities, observations and next steps, which parents can compliment at home. Parents access profiles regularly and feedback forms enable them to add comments and share their own observations of their child's progress. Although there is some good partnership

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the early years provision

working where children attend other settings, effective channels of communication are not consistent between them.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely self-motivated and has high aspirations for quality through first class self-evaluation systems and her significant commitment to improvement. She has made excellent strides since her last inspection. Considerable use is made of resources and facilities within the community and local authority including available training. Knowledge gained on courses is successfully applied in the setting to significantly enhance outcomes for children. The childminder has attained quality assurance status and accreditation and has successfully applied for funding which entailed her having to complete an inclusion This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 audit. The childminder has used the grant extremely purposefully to enhance outcomes for children, in particular, outdoors.

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and outcomes for children

Children flourish in a home from home environment that enables them to develop high levels of confidence and independence and a strong sense of belonging. The childminder's enthusiasm and interest in what the children say and do reflects in their excellent behaviour and high levels of concentration and interest. There is a wealth of inspiring activities that are superbly planned across the six areas of learning. These skilfully incorporate children's current interests, next steps, topics and themes. For example, as part of the forthcoming Royal Society for the Protection of Birds watch event, children have been observing birds at Harlow Carr Gardens. This is reflected in an attractive display in the kitchen along with posters, and follow up activities include making bird feeders and bird food. Observations are plentiful, precise and meaningful and the childminder responds to the information she collates with efficiency in order to help children make optimum

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and outcomes for children

progress. Children's excellent progress is also attributed to the childminder's skilful teaching including highly effective questioning which fully supports children's language skills and communication.

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and outcomes for children

There are excellent opportunities for children to benefit from fresh air and exercise because the childminder has an outstanding understanding, enhanced through courses, of how invaluable access to outdoors is. Outdoor suits have been purchased in addition to a canopy being added to the house to enable children to go out in all weathers. The childminder brings indoor activities outdoors, such as water, mark making and painting, which children clearly enjoy. In addition, an exceptional range of stimulating and inspiring outings are planned. For example, children visit Harewood House and Bolton Abbey to take part in activities and themes, such as nature detectives, pumpkin trails, ancient Egyptians and autumn glory. They also visit museums, go on safari and visit other places of interest, such as a falconry centre and digital art and craft studio.

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and outcomes for children

Children are undoubtedly learning about a wide range of mathematical concepts and developing excellent early skills in reading and writing through innovative and meaningful practical activities. For example, they take photographs of different signs, labelling and numbers in the environment and these are displayed in booklets which children can revisit and talk about past events. There are also booklets on flowers, planning a journey to the library and festivals. While outdoors, children enthusiastically make marks on a large piece of cardboard and make patterns on the paving flags with water and chalks. The childminder helps them to draw a road and a parking space for the wheeled toys that have laminated number plates. As children draw a circular shape the childminder exclaims. 'It's like a roundabout' and she writes different words, asking children what letters they begin with.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing an excellent awareness of dangers and how to stay safe. They clearly know that the booster seat safety strap must be fastened securely as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they attempt to do this before having a snack. The childminder frequently discusses potential dangers, for example, when dressing up shoes are left in the entrance to a room, and children engage in interesting activities, such as road safety role play. Children are actively encouraged to take managed risks under close supervision in order for them to develop an excellent awareness of keeping safe. For example, toddlers learn to negotiate the steps leading to the barked area of the garden and physical apparatus while the childminder supervises them closely.

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and outcomes for children

Children are exceptionally well nourished and learn to make healthy choices about what they eat. Meals and snacks are very purposefully planned in a weekly displayed menu and children are actively involved in contributing their ideas. The childminder fully incorporates fruit and vegetables and uses as much fresh produce as possible in her home cooked meals. For example, all soups are homemade, chicken nuggets are made from chicken breast meat and breadcrumbs and a fresh fish company delivers fish directly from Grimsby. Children learn where food comes from as they visit the local farm shop and grow tomatoes and potatoes in the childminder's garden. They also effectively learn about other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, for example, as part of a topic about oral hygiene children visit the dentist. They brush their teeth at the setting and the childminder makes this fun as she enthusiastically sings, 'Brush your dirty teeth'.

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and outcomes for children

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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