Harris, Marie Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY280137 Inspection date 20/01/2011 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 2004. She lives with her husband and children aged 16, nine, and one whom is an adult in the Roundhay area of Leeds in 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 six 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 two 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 two children being cared for in this age group. The childminder goes to several toddler groups weekly. She holds a Level 3 childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 and outcomes are exemplary as a result of the childminder's excellent knowledge and implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All children, including babies, make significant gains in their learning. Their individual progress is excellent in relation to their capabilities and starting points as a result of superb individualised observational assessment and partnership working and a vibrant and highly accessible environment. Utmost priority is given to equality and diversity resulting in children's individual needs being exceptionally well met, which promotes inclusion. The childminder is highly motivated and her extremely effective self-evaluation, which involves parents and children, reflects rigorous monitoring and searching analysis of what she does well and what needs to be improved. This means that plans for the future are exceptionally well targeted in order to continue 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?

 enhancing development portfolios by including further details about children's next steps and more accurate information about their progress.

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the early years provision

Utmost priority is given to safeguarding children. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection issues, including the requirement to ensure that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 all persons in the household over 16 years of age are vetted. She keeps her training, policies, guidance and procedures up to date to ensure that any concerns are efficiently passed on to protect children. Risk assessments are highly comprehensive in ensuring that all hazards are identified and minimised, including through daily checklists. In addition, a broad range of equipment and documentation is in place to support safety procedures along with excellent practices, for example, when toddlers and babies are sleeping or eating. The maintenance of records and implementation of policies and procedures is highly effective in ensuring the safe and efficient management of the Early Years

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the early years provision

Foundation Stage and in meeting children's needs. Documentation is exceptionally well-organised and reviewed and updated regularly.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent commitment to inclusion. She knows the children and their stages of development exceptionally well, which means that their individual needs are unquestionably met. She has a comprehensive awareness of narrowing the achievement gap for individuals or particular groups of children in order to ensure that no child is disadvantaged. Her positive attitude towards diversity and inclusion permeates throughout her provision. For example, even very young children learn to value and appreciate the similarities and differences between themselves and others. They see a wide range of images depicting diversity positively, such as in resources, photographs, posters and picture cards, and they take part in wide ranging activities linked to their own and others' cultures and beliefs.

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the early years provision

The childminder has high aspirations for quality through first class ongoing improvement. This includes addressing previous recommendations and the excellent use of resources including training opportunities. For example, since her last inspection she has gained a Level 3 childcare qualification and completed an extensive range of training, reflected in a training plan. In addition, strong links are held with other childminders and facilities within the local community to plan and evaluate the provision for the children and run groups. The childminder is currently working towards becoming an accredited childminder so that children can remain at the setting for their funded nursery education in order for their sense of security to continue to be fostered.

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the early years provision

There are excellent communication systems with parents. Extensive information is exchanged both verbally and through documents, such as an 'all about me' booklet and comprehensive welcome pack. This is offered in large print, on coloured paper or via audio recording to promote inclusion. There is additionally a wide array of displayed information. Parents are highly involved in supporting their children's learning and development. They have regular access to their child's profile and written reviews are regularly completed with parents in order for them to express their views on a wide range of aspects. Written feedback is extremely complimentary about the care provided. The childminder has a very good understanding of working in partnership with others where children have a special educational need and/or disability or attend other settings, although there is no requirement for her to do so at present.

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Furniture, equipment and resources are extremely considerable in promoting children's development and are of excellent quality. Children are inspired by a rich and stimulating environment, created, for example, through bright posters, picture cards and photographs. It is highly accessible because toys are stored invitingly and innovatively on window ledges, around the playroom and in low level units. The childminder uses photographs and words to indicate what is inside wicker baskets and tubs so that even the very youngest children, not yet able to communicate, can successfully choose their preferred toy. Children flourish as they take part in a wealth of inspiring activities, complimented with excellent outings. These are comprehensively and purposefully planned in line with children's interests, next steps and themes. They provide optimum challenge and help children make very rapid progress in their learning and development. Assessment

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and outcomes for children

is rigorous and reflected in generally meticulous individual profiles.

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and outcomes for children

Children are undoubtedly developing the skills that will help them in the future. For example, toddlers explore their surroundings with great interest and are active and inquisitive learners. They are excelling in the skills that will help them in the future as a result of the childminder's skilful questioning, effective use of spontaneous events and introduction of an extensive range of vocabulary. For example, toddlers clearly know the childminder is talking about the banana when she asks them what is yellow and round and they copy or use complex words without prompting. In addition, they identify the white substance from the bread on their hands as flour. The childminder explains that she regularly bakes with the children. Babies' hand and eye co-ordination is developing extremely well. They show high levels of concentration and determination as they pick up the tiny pieces of banana. They clearly enjoy the slimy texture of this as they babble while exploring it and then

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and outcomes for children

observe the patterns their water makes after tipping this out on the highchair tray. Children's creatively is highly valued and an exceptional range of sensory materials are provided for children to explore and investigate.

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and outcomes for children

There is high quality adult interaction, excellent positive reinforcements and exemplary organisation of routines. This means that babies and young children gain an exceptionally strong sense of security and feel safe within the setting. The childminder creates a comforting and calm environment for them as baby massage music plays quietly in the background along with musical sounds from the dangling chime. She offers gentle, soothing reassurance if babies are a little upset, for example, when they are tired or in pain because they are teething.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an exceptional understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle from a very early age. They have superb opportunities to benefit from fresh air and exercise through extensive indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder models and encourages highly effective hygiene routines and uses age appropriate discussions about the importance of these. She uses posters to reinforce children's understanding and plans a wide range of activities, including those highlighted in the Pre-School Learning Alliance's healthy activities information booklet. Children make wedges with the potatoes grown in the garden, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 print with fruit and vegetables and sample different coloured fruits associated with all the colours of the rainbow while on a picnic. Mealtimes are exceptionally relaxed and sociable occasions. This means that toddlers and babies enjoy their

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and outcomes for children

food and are able to sit and eat at their own pace. Children are provided with nutritious, homemade meals and healthy snacks and they are involved in buying food from the local greengrocer and butcher in order for them to learn about the different ingredients that go into these. Babies and very young children are extremely content and settled because their individual health, physical and dietary needs are met to an exceptional standard. 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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