Childminder in Manchester

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 500267 Inspection date 09/02/2011 Inspector Christine Tipple

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and eight years in the Higher Blackley area of Manchester. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools. The childminder uses her car to transport children.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently 11 children attending and of these three are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with special educational needs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a Level 3 childcare qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's individual needs are very well supported which enables them to settle and be secure in their surroundings. The children's safety and well-being is managed effectively overall due to the childminder's consistent and informed approach. The range of well presented resources and activities support the children to make good progress in the areas of learning. Partnerships established with parents are excellent and the childminder has good links with other provisions and services in the community. The childminder has evaluated her practice which enables her to recognise her strengths and to identify areas to develop further.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve the information in the risk assessments to cover all outside activities accessed by the children.

p.4

the early years provision

The children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. This supports her to take action if she has concerns about a child. Information on the relevant safeguarding agencies is recorded and parents informed of the childminder's responsibility to the children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There are very detailed risk assessments in place which are regularly reviewed by the childminder and include the activities children visit in the community. However, some assessments of these services are not sufficiently detailed in relation to the requirements of the minded children attending. The comprehensive policies and procedures are fully shared with the parents to ensure they are well informed of the childminder's practice. Other records and documentation for the safe and efficient management of the childminding provision are in place. The children have

p.4

the early years provision

a wide range of good accessible resources and equipment which enable them to be sufficiently independent in what they want to do in following their interests. The childminder provides an environment which promotes positive attitudes to diversity. Children have a good selection of resources and images which promote other cultures and traditions very well. Celebrations through the year include stories and foods related to the various festivals and events which children enjoy being part of.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has taken positive steps to evaluate her childminding practice. This has enabled her to build on her strengths and to identify those areas she wishes to improve. This includes the development of resources and activities to promote diversity more effectively with the children and their families. The excellent partnerships formed with the parents enable a positive sharing of information which supports the children's individual needs very well. Good oppportunities are provided for parents to discuss their child's day with the childminder. There are daily diaries to support this further and enable parents to add their comments, which the childminder encourages. Children's learning files are shared with parents and this enables them to add or share information about what their children do at home. The display of information is very well presented and offers parents a wide range of detail about the Early Years Foundation Stage,

p.5

the early years provision

safety procedures and the activities offered to their children. Feedback from parents gives high praise to the childminder's commitment to their children and the progress they have made since attending. The children have lots of opportunities to use community activities and services which support their skills and learning experiences effectively. The childminder has good working relationships with the local schools and liaises with teaching staff to share support and continuity of children's needs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children are settled and secure in their relationship with the childminder. This enables them to access the range of resources and activities offered each day. This supports them to develop their independence and progress with confidence. The childminder encourages the development of the children's interests and plans a flexible day to promote this effectively. She completes regular detailed observations on the children which enable her to assess what they can do and where they need to progress next in the six areas of learning. The use of photos provides additional visual information of the children at their activities, which includes their outings.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children have good access to books and stories and the childminder uses props to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 extend children's enjoyment. The childminder provides resources to engage the children to learn different words through describing what they see, feel and smell to develop their vocabulary. Children are able to use various tools to mark make with, such as, chalks, pens and brushes. Children attend rhyming sessions at the library and enjoy singing songs. Numbers are displayed in different ways for the children to identify and other images promote their recognition of different shapes and colours. They use number games and activities to sort and match objects, such as shopping games. Children also have songs where counting is used. Children enjoy the role play and small world activities where they can express themselves and develop their imagination well. Children have good opportunities to

p.5

and outcomes for children

explore their surroundings, to grow seeds and visit the garden centre. Other visits, such as to the museum and going on nature walks widen their experiences effectively. Daily access to activities through the week offer children a range of physical and energetic activities. They access various tools and equipment which enable the children to explore, test and develop their skills well. Children have good opportunities to develop their ideas through the creative activities which are supported with a good selection of tools and malleable materials and mediums. Children enjoy painting and printing and making various collages and celebration cards.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is effective in promoting health and hygiene practices with the children. They are confident to wash their hands and know why this is important. There is information for the parents on the care of children when ill and the exclusion periods required. Meals and snacks are provided by the childminder and she provides a varied menu. The selection promotes a balance of healthy foods which ensures fruit and vegetables are included and children are encouraged to taste and try different foods. Children's behaviour is very well managed by the childminder who is sensitive to their needs. Routines and boundaries are used very effectively to support the children in managing their behaviour, to develop their skills to share and take turns. The childminder ensures a consistent approach with the children, to praise and encourage them as part of building their self confidence and for them to feel proud of their achievements. The childminder has

p.6

and outcomes for children

comprehensive information in place which promotes a high level of knowledge and input with the children in relation to their safety and well-being. The childminder speaks with the children on a daily basis about road safety. The use of safety equipment, such as, car seats and smoke alarms are checked. Children regularly take part in the evacuation procedure with the childminder which supports them to be aware of their own safety and what to do in an emergency situation. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8