Childminder in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 301166 Inspection date 07/02/2011 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and adult son in Oldham in Lancashire. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of these, three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children, of whom, three are in the early years age range and one is over the age of eight years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and to the park. The family has a pet dog. The childminder 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from the positive relationships developed between the childminder and their parents. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of partnership working with other early years providers and specialist services, promoting consistency for the children in her care. Children enjoy their time in the childminder's care because they receive a balanced range of activities and experience that effectively help to promote their learning and development. Children have access to a good range of resources to support their play and learning. All required documentation is in place and most are updated regularly. The childminder uses a range of methods to evaluate her practice, identify areas for improvement and has undertaken training showing a commitment to improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that risk assessments for outings show when these are reviewed and updated.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is effectively protected because the childminder understands her responsibility to record and report any child protection concerns to the appropriate agencies. Regular risk assessments of the home, garden and resources ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment and use toys which are in a good condition. The childminder has implemented a range of safety measures in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 home, such as, making cleaning fluids and sharp knives inaccessible to children. Exterior doors and gates are kept locked. Consequently, children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder has completed risk assessments for outings and everyday events such as visiting the park. However, these do no show when these are reviewed and updated. Consequently, it is unclear if there have been any changes that may affect the children's welfare. The childminder creates a

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the early years provision

welcoming and homely environment with child-sized furniture and a good range of toys which are rotated and available for children to access at will. Consequently, they develop the skills to make choices.

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the early years provision

Parents receive a copy of the childminder's policies at induction ensuring they are aware of the service provided. They are kept informed of their child's day through daily discussions and diaries on request. All parents have ongoing access to their child's learning journeys because the childminder actively encourages them to take this home to read. Parents provide photos and their own comments for the learning journeys helping to provide a holistic view of the children. The childminder is not currently caring for children who attend other early years providers. She clearly explains how she liaises with the staff when needed to share planning and learning journeys so that consistency is promoted in the children's learning. The childminder has a good understanding and shows a willingness to work with parents and specialist agencies for the benefit of children with Special Educational Needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder has undertaken a self-evaluation of her provision and clearly highlighted areas for improvement. Parents have been involved in this process through discussions and questionnaires. The childminder also has regular visits from her local early years advisor to ensure that she is continually improving her practice. Since her last inspection the childminder has attended training to improve her knowledge and skills. She has taken the appropriate steps to meet the recommendations set at her last inspection showing a further commitment to continual improvement.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Consequently, children receive a variety of planned experiences, such as, craft activities, music and dance, counting and number games and role play. All planned activities are evaluated ensuring that the learning aims are met. The childminder uses sensitive observations of the children to ascertain their achievements and to identify their learning priorities. This information is then used to set individual targets for each child and plan further developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Consequently, all children are making good progress in their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children routinely use mathematical language as they talk about cutting out squares during a sticking activity. They choose the colour of the paper to use and show well-developed fine motor skills as they competently use scissors and spread glue on their paper. Children are engaged and persevere with activities, solve This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 problems, using their language skills effectively to talk about what they are doing. For example, as they are complete a jigsaw, they explain they need to turn the pieces round to make them fit. They also state they are 'looking for the hedgehogs feet' and use the picture on the box to match the pieces to the correct place in the jigsaw. Children benefit because the childminder ensures they spend time outdoors daily. She extends their learning well during this time through further interesting activities, such as planting, looking at insects and collecting natural materials for

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and outcomes for children

craft activities. Their physical development is also promoted as they use a good range of outdoor play equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and happy in the childminder's welcoming home. They learn about being safe as they regularly practice the emergency escape procedure and how to cross the road safely when walking to and from school. Children understand the benefits of good hygiene, such as, hand washing and cleaning their teeth. They are protected from the spread of germs as they use disposable hand towels and are not cared for when they are ill. Children develop an understanding of sharing and caring for their friends because the childminder promotes this through realistic rules, such as being kind. All children feel valued because the childminder promotes the use of the children's home language in her home. They enjoy tasting different food from around the world. They learn to understand how others may be feeling as they make get well cards for their friends. 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 2 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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