Dickinson, Allison

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 319980 Inspection date 25/02/2011 Inspector Judith Kerr

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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 1992. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and 15-year-old daughter in the Carlton area of Wakefield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs and a guinea pig.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for six children in the early years age range. She works with an assistant. The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a recognised childcare qualification.

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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 are happy and settled in the childminder's comfortable and well-presented home and inclusion is positively promoted. They enjoy a broad range of opportunities and experiences aimed at addressing their individual needs and, as a result, are making good progress. The childminder effectively identifies most of the strengths and weaknesses of her practices in order to prioritise improvements. The positive relationship in place with parents and carers, as well as the effective communication with other professionals, supports the childminder to provide care which is coordinated and consistent. A generally strong focus is placed on ensuring that children are safe and develop healthy lifestyles.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 25/02/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her responsibilities to protect children and is able to recognise the potential signs and symptoms of abuse. She has systems in place to record any concerns she may have as well as the contact details to make a referral if necessary. The childminder usually seeks written permission for administering medication but on some occasions it is not asked for. This is a requirement in regulations. Children are protected as vetting procedures check the suitability of adults in the household. Risk assessments have been completed to identify the potential hazards in the house and on outings. These are clearly recorded and reviewed at regular intervals. However, the childminder does not obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings.

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the early years provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her complaints policy to ensure parents are fully informed. The childminder works alongside her assistant and both adhere to the same policies, procedures and systems. A commitment to ongoing training and development as well as effective self-evaluation ensures that their practices are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the children and their families.

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the early years provision

Parents and carers are provided with a good range of written information. They have access to all of the childminder's policies and procedures. Children's starting points and progress against the Early Years Foundation Stage is jointly discussed and their contributions welcomed to identify future developmental goals. The childminder also recognises the importance of working cooperatively with other professionals to meet children's care and learning needs. She liaises with other childcare settings attended by the children to ensure consistency and continuity.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their development as a result of the childminder's secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She provides a stimulating range of well-supported activities and experiences they enjoy. The childminder maintains clear records of observations undertaken on each child illustrated with photographs. These are linked to the areas of learning and include details of the next steps planned for individual children. Children's achievements are tracked against the early learning goals to identify their progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children play happily with their friends and confidently approach the childminder and her assistant for attention or support, demonstrating their sense of security within the setting. A good range of toys are accessibly arranged for children to make their own choices. These engage their interest and help develop their independence and self-esteem. Children make good use of the role play resources, exploring the toy kitchen equipment and preparing pretend meals and snacks. Mark-making resources are readily available for children to practise their pre- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 writing and writing skills. They weigh and measure ingredients for baking biscuits and cakes which encourages them to concentrate and to problem solve. The childminder is skilled at extending children's learning and enjoyment through their freely chosen games and also plans activities which are aimed at addressing

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and outcomes for children

specific areas such as shape and colours.

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and outcomes for children

Good opportunities exist to explore the local environment. Children visit a tropical centre where they learn about bats, fish and crocodiles. Children also go to the nearby park and toddler group where they enjoy playing with different equipment and learn to cooperate with their peers. They learn about growth and change as they plant and care for potatoes, carrots and tomatoes. This also helps them understand about sustainability. The childminder uses spontaneous situations and discussions to help children learn about and respect diversity. For example, when filling shoeboxes for underprivileged children, they discuss where and how the recipients might live. The support and encouragement they receive to learn about the wider world is linked to interesting topics, such as the world cup. They make flags for different countries and decorate t-shirts to support various teams.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning about the importance of being healthy. A strong focus is placed on helping them to understand what constitutes a nutritious and balanced diet. They regularly take part in physical activities and are taken outdoors each day to enjoy the fresh air. They are developing independence in their toileting and routinely wash their hands before eating. Children respond well to the praise and recognition they receive for trying hard and behaving well. They are learning why certain behaviour is unacceptable and refer one another to the house rules which are simply portrayed with ticks and crosses. The childminder ensures that children are given the skills to learn how to keep themselves safe, for example, by teaching them how to cross the road. 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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