Childminder, Out-of school day care in Oldham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 505069 Inspection date 16/02/2011 Inspector Susan Lyon

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 1992. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Oldham. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The rooms and areas of the house used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen, dining room, upstairs bathroom and back garden. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder provides an out of school service from local primary schools. The family have a dog, a rabbit and three hamsters. There are currently three children on roll, of whom all are in the early years age group.

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

The children are happy and settled in the setting. The childminder instinctively helps children to learn and children make good progress. However, the observations are not always used to identify the next steps in their learning. Children's safety and welfare is mainly promoted well. The partnership with parents, local schools and other agencies successfully ensure that the needs of all children are met. The childminder demonstrates a strong capacity to evaluate her practice and continually improve the service provided.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 use information from observations consistently to identify and plan for individual children in order to help them achieve the early learning goals  include outings in the recording of risk assessments in order to show that steps are taken to minimise hazards to children before each outing.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She is fully aware of the vetting requirements for household members and parents are well-informed of the childminder's procedures. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Detailed risk assessments of the premises and outings are carried out to keep children safe. However, action taken to minimise hazards to children on outings is not recorded. The emergency escape plan is in place and practised regularly with children. This contributes significantly to the children's safety while on the premises. Space and resources are organised well to allow all children to move around freely and safely. All documentation is in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provision. The childminder constantly evaluates her practice to bring about

p.4

the early years provision

improvements. For example, she regularly increases her play resources in response to children's interests and needs and she has improved the 'starter pack' for new parents by adding more information. The childminder asks parents if they are happy with the care and acts on any comments received to bring about improvements. The childminder remains motivated to mind children as she loves seeing the children enjoy themselves. She has taken appropriate steps to bring about improvements to the service by completing the recommendation from the last inspection. For example, she has improved the recording of medication by obtaining two signatures from parents. This enhances the care and welfare of children at the setting.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is fully committed and attends a broad range of training courses to increase her knowledge and skills. For example, she has completed Asthma training, Epilepsy Awareness and Food Safety training. Children benefit significantly from the childminder working closely with parents in order to ensure consistency of care for children. Parents are welcomed into the setting and a two-way flow of information keeps them informed. New children settle in at their own pace through visits with parents. Parents are fully involved in their children's learning and development as observation files are shared with them at anytime they choose. New parents receive a wealth of information about the setting with a 'starter pack'. This includes a comprehensive range of detailed policies and information regarding activities and routines. Relevant information recognising the uniqueness of each child is obtained from parents, such as, likes, comforters and favourite activities.

p.5

the early years provision

This information enables the childminder to provide an individualised service. The childminder has established strong links with local schools and playgroups providing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. She communicates well with staff and complements and copies themes and topics in order to promote progression and continuity of learning. Children benefit greatly from the childminder working effectively with outside agencies. She shares information and supports the delivery of individual plans in order to improve outcomes for all children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder effectively helps children to learn as she consistently interacts with them and skilfully asks them questions. Colourful displays of numbers and letters, posters and pictures create a welcoming and inviting environment for children. The childminder finds out what children can do on entry to the setting through carrying out initial observations. This information enables her to establish the child's stage of development. Ongoing observations generally help children make good progress in their development. However, the information is not always used to identify and plan for the next steps in their learning. This impacts on their achievement of the early goals. Children make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development as the childminder encourages them to do things for themselves, such as, washing their hands and feeding themselves with a spoon. Children learn that somethings need to be shared as the childminder talks

p.5

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to them about taking turns. Children enjoy positive relationships with the childminder. They frequently chat and smile together. Children's behaviour is managed positively through the childminder making the boundaries clear and giving the children explanations. This contributes to their confidence and self- esteem. All children fully participate in activities of their choice as the childminder changes or adapts activities to provide an inclusive service. Children's communication, language and literacy is promoted well. They frequently make single word utterances in social interaction, such as, 'there' and 'clock'. Children learn that print carries meaning as the childminder provides opportunity for them to recognise their own names. Children develop a good understanding of numeracy and problem solving as they count the steps coming down the stairs. Babies enjoy

p.6

and outcomes for children

filling and emptying containers. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is promoted well. They plant and grow tomatoes and gain knowledge of recycling as they talk about why they put paper and bottles in separate bins. Babies competently learn to press buttons to operate electronic sound and musical toys.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe through frequent discussions. Children show they feel safe as they move around safely and confidently. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school everyday. They are fit and active as they play out in the garden using a good range of equipment. This develops their physical skills and supports a healthy lifestyle. Good hygiene routines prevent the spread of infection. Children make healthy choices at snack time and drinks are freely available throughout the day keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated. Children are active learners as they easily access resources and successfully help to tidy up. Good opportunities to explore natural objects and textures are provided for babies. Children gain good awareness of the cultures of others through planned themed activities. For example, they eat noodles with chop sticks at Chinese New Year and look for and

p.6

and outcomes for children

talk about different countries using a world map. A good range of play resources, such as, displays of Chinese writing and ethnic dolls help children become aware of the wider world. Frequent discussions take place that help children talk about similarities and differences and the reasons for these. This promotes positive attitudes to diversity. 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 2 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