Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 319972 Inspection date 28/03/2011 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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 1994. She lives with her family in Garforth near Leeds. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for five children in this age group. The childminder is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and there are currently eight children being cared for within this age group. The childminder takes and collects children from school and attends groups within the community during the week. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 are cared for in a friendly, safe and inclusive environment in which all of their welfare, learning and development needs are met. Children make good progress towards the early learning goals and the childminder is committed to improving outcomes for all children. Practice is monitored and evaluated and the childminder welcomes the views of parents and children. The childminder establishes effective partnership with parents to ensure children are individually cared for overall. Partnerships with others enable opportunities for children to be enhanced. The recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop ways to share records of children's progress with parents and include information about what parents know about their child.

p.4

the early years provision

Clear procedures ensure children are safeguarded and the childminder knows how to protect them from harm. All contact details are accessible should the childminder need to pass on any concerns or allegations. Risk assessments thoroughly identify potential hazards and ensure children are kept safe and secure at all times. Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe through effective discussion in their play. For example, they use the pretend kettle and the childminder reminds them about not touching real kettles as these might be hot. She also explains to older children why they cannot have small toys when babies are playing nearby. Resources are deployed well; children freely access the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 space they need to play and they are able to choose what they would like to do. Toys are easily accessible or visible so children can choose what they need. All toys

p.4

the early years provision

and equipment are maintained in good condition so that children play safely.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder evaluates her practice and monitors the quality of the provision, identifying strengths and areas to improve. Parents are very happy with the standard of care and service provided. They describe the childminder as flexible and reliable with a 'sensible and pragmatic approach' and say she treats children as her own. The childminder has good relationships with parents. She spends time finding out any important information so that she can best care for their child's particular needs. The childminder establishes good partnerships with others who work within the Early Years Foundation Stage, in order to enhance the learning and development opportunities for children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder values the uniqueness of each child and she enjoys caring for their individual needs. She manages mixed ages of children well together, encouraging older children to be aware of the needs of younger ones. Children help to learn about other people's differences and similarities through discussion, activities and the provision of positive images in their resources and books.

p.5

the early years provision

Policies and procedures which underpin the childminder's practice all support the childminder's good practice. She keeps up to date with all necessary training and she understands the legislation to which she works.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are at ease in the setting and good relationships with the childminder helps them to feel secure and confident. Children refer to the childminder as 'auntie'; they freely explore their environment and they communicate well with the childminder, who understands their needs and knows each unique personality. A good balance of child-led and adult-initiated activities is offered to children and the childminder is very aware of their differing attention spans. She encourages children to develop a strong sense of achievement by keeping them interested in challenges, such as completing a jigsaw. They discuss straight pieces and corners and children enjoy watching the picture assemble with each piece. Children's development is recorded with regular observations, photographs and comments and the childminder knows their individual progress within the six areas of learning. The childminder uses the 'look, listen and note' information when

p.5

and outcomes for children

compiling profiles. Parents are all aware that they are welcome to look at these records at any time, although the childminder does not routinely include information about what parents know about their child.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for their development and the childminder manages mixed ages of children well. Children's creativity is valued and they become engrossed in domestic role play, making 'cups of tea' and organising tea parties. The childminder skilfully involves herself in children's play and uses these opportunities to develop their language through plenty of conversation. Babies babble as they play or pretend to use mobile phones and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder chats along with them. The childminder talks to the children about colours, shapes and numbers in fun and interesting ways within the routine. She patiently answers children's questions to help develop their understanding of the world. The childminder helps children to learn about the wider environment through visiting the community centre, library, park and shops as part of the

p.5

and outcomes for children

Effective policies, procedures and routines ensure children s good health is promoted well. Activities help children to learn about how their bodies work and the childminder uses effective props, such as, 'Billy Bones' the skeleton model to illustrate different body parts, along with information booklets for children to learn in more detail. Children enjoy using the doctor's set and they ask the childminder to explain what the various items are for. They discuss wearing glasses, using a stethoscope and a thermometer and they role play with these. The childminder ensures the children have plenty of fresh air opportunities and they eat a healthy range of meals and snacks, with the childminder working closely with parents to ensure all dietary needs are met. Children are encouraged to try new foods, such as kiwi fruit and they enjoy sitting together to enjoy banana at snack time, even managing to peel their own. The childminder gives simple choices and children's

p.6

and outcomes for children

independence is encouraged to help them develop skills for the future. Drinks are always available to children so they do not become thirsty. Hand-washing and personal hygiene is promoted well within the daily routine. For example, children help themselves to a tissue if they need to. Children approach the childminder for cuddles and reassurance as they need to, helping them to develop a sense of security and belonging.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder uses effective strategies to encourage children to behave well. She knows that children enjoy positive praise and this is given in meaningful ways to develop their self-esteem and promote further good behaviour. Young children are distracted if behaviour is unwanted and the childminder chats with older children to help them to understand the feelings of others. Children show care and concern for each other, for example older children hug their younger playmates and the childminder encourages this kind behaviour with lots of praise. 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