Childminder in Bury

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 316691 Inspection date 09/02/2011 Inspector Carys Millican

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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 1990. She lives with her husband in Radcliffe, a suburb of Bury. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom of the childminder's home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear 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 aged under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently six children on roll, who are all the early years age group. The childminder walks to school to take and collect children. The childminder also takes children to local toddler groups and on various outings in the community.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Radcliffe and Bury Childminding Group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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's individual needs are effectively met by this experienced and dedicated childminder, who has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn best. The children therefore make good progress in their development. The childminder effectively promotes active learning and provides resources and play opportunities that meet all children's individual needs, interests and unique abilities. Therefore, children are enthusiastic in their play and remain interested and stimulated to learn. Most of the required documents, policies and procedures are maintained to ensure children's safety and well-being. However, there are two breaches of the specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are made. Excellent relationships with parents are established to ensure continuity of care and inclusive practice is promoted. The childminder has made a good start to the self-evaluation process and is aware of her strengths and

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information in advance from parents about who has legal contact or parental responsibility for the children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 23/02/2011

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment on all areas used by children, both indoors and outside, clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and 23/02/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 any action taken following an accident or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register).

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further?

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

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further?

 review the system for recording complaints  obtain written permission from parents where children are to be collected by another adult.

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the early years provision

Children are for the most part protected and safeguarded and play happily in this warm and welcoming environment. They feel safe and secure through the close supervision of the childminder as they follow their daily routines. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection matters and has attended training delivered by the local authority. Her written safeguarding policy contains most of the procedures that she is required to follow. Record keeping documents are available to detail any accident, incident and existing injury to children in her care. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to safeguard children while in her home. Visitors are required to sign her diary and are never left unsupervised with children. A selection of written policy statements and procedures are available and shared with parents when registering their child. These include a complaint policy containing the contact details of the Ofsted.

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the early years provision

However, the systems in place for recording complaints relate to the previous statutory guidance which is no longer in place.

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the early years provision

Children are on the whole protected from the risk of potential hazards through the use of safety equipment and visual safety checks completed before they arrive. However, written risk assessments are not completed for all aspects of the home environment. This is a breach of the specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are kept safe on outings through the comprehensive risk assessment and safety procedures conducted by the childminder. They are very clear on what they should do in an emergency situation and practice the fire evacuation procedure regularly. Children benefit from the childminder using the available space both inside and outside effectively to meet their needs. They have freedom of movement within the living room and access the garden and paved area for physical play and exercise. She provides a selection of resources that are age-appropriate, meet their interests and contribute to their development and

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the early years provision

Children are familiar with their surroundings and therefore settle easily. The childminder engages with parents in several ways. She verbally exchanges information about the children's day and activities and provides parents with written information about development and learning. Children benefit from this positive relationship with parents and the flexible and relaxed approach of the childminder. During initial meetings, discussions are held regarding the business This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 arrangements, parental consents and the individual care requirements for each child. However, some information is missing. The childminder has not obtained information about who has legal contact or parental responsibility for the children. This is in breach of a legal requirement of the Early Years Foundation stage. The childminder observes children on initial visits to obtain children's starting points.

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the early years provision

She uses information gathered from parents to assess children's development to plan for the next steps in their learning. She completes observations as children play and keeps records which are linked to development and the six areas of learning. Message books are used to share information and parents add comments in these about their child's development and learning. Parents complete detailed questionnaires which are highly complimentary of her service. There are no children attending other settings. However, the childminder understands the importance of making links with other settings children attend to ensure continuity and coherence in learning experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has many years experience as an early years practitioner and has previous experience working with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She has made a start on the self-evaluation process by reviewing her everyday practice. The childminder is clear on her overall strengths and has identified several areas she wishes to improve on, for example, she plans to develop children's development records. The childminder is proactive in considering her own professional development. She obtains early years publications and attends training sessions. Children benefit from the one-to-one support she provides as they receive her undivided attention as they play. Children play well together and form good relationships. Very active children with challenging behaviour benefit from the positive behaviour management strategies in place and positive praise and encouragement they receive.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy themselves and have fun during the time they spend at the childminder's. They are provided with ample opportunities to initiate their own play with a balance of activities provided by the childminder. The childminder knows the children's individual needs and interests well to ensure they are provided with activities that fully support their learning and development. Children's communication, language and literacy skills are exceptionally well supported. They thoroughly enjoy musical activities such as singing songs and playing musical instruments. The childminder is exceptional in how she positively challenges and extends children's learning through every activity they take part in. Children empty a bag of puppets on the floor and find the matching toys as they sing their favourite songs. They examine the model fire engine and have a detailed conversation about how they keep safe if the event of a fire. Children remember

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and outcomes for children

favourite stories and recite rhymes on their bear hunt in the garden. Children develop a strong sense of self. They look at themselves in the mirror and identify the different parts of their face and look at similarities and difference in eye and hair colour. Children's numeracy skills are supported in their play. They count, compare, match and calculate in many activities and competently use pencils and crayons for mark making. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children feel valued and respected. Their artwork is creatively displayed so parents can see it on arrival and departure. Children begin to show an interest in the differences in and diversity of the world around them and in the local community. They celebrate Chinese New Year by creating colourful dragon pictures and lanterns and look at books about different festivals and religions. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

helps children to understand difficult situations such as bereavement. She sensitively addresses such issues by obtaining books from the library and using them to prompt discussions that help them to cope with losing someone close to them. She has developed a close bond with the children. The childminder makes sure some resources are easily accessible to the children so they can make free choices and decisions about their play. There is a wide selection of resources stored in a designated store room in the kitchen. This is accessed under supervision.

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and outcomes for children

Children's healthy lifestyle is positively encouraged through actively engaging in numerous outings and outdoor activities. Children enjoy playing outside and competently use physical play equipment. They drive around in sit-and-ride cars, and enjoy ball games. Children explore their natural environment and they begin to learn how to look after living things. They look at the bulbs emerging through the soil and recall how they planted them last year. They talk about watering them and how they will grow into flowers. Healthy eating is effectively promoted by the childminder. She encourages children to eat nutritious snacks and lunches which she freshly prepares. The childminder ensures fresh drinking water is readily available. Good hygiene practices are followed by the children. Children wash their hands before eating meals and after playing outside. They talk about cleaning their teeth and enthusiastically do so before lunch. Children enjoy regular walks in the

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and outcomes for children

community and visit social groups where they meet other children and their carers. 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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of the premises and equipment) (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 23/02/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 update the Safeguarding policy with the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 23/02/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report(Suitability and safety of the premises and equipment) 23/02/2011

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