Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY360404 Inspection date 20/04/2011 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband, who works as an assistant, and four children aged nine, six, five and two years, in Leeds. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play at the rear of the property. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time who may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The premises are situated within walking distance of the local schools, public transport services and shops. 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 safe and welcoming environment in which their welfare, learning and development needs are well met and they make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder establishes effective partnerships with parents to ensure children's individual welfare needs are met and she understands the need to develop partnerships with others so that opportunities for children are enhanced. Systems for evaluating the quality of the provision are developing and the childminder understands the setting's strengths and areas to improve.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 encourage parents to share what they know about their child when deciding the next steps in their development.

p.4

the early years provision

Clear procedures ensure children are safeguarded and the childminder has good knowledge of how to ensure they are protected from harm. All contact details are readily accessible should the childminder need to pass on any child protection concerns or allegations. The childminder and her assistant are vetted and their first aid training is up-to-date. Risk assessments clearly identify potential hazards and ensure children are kept safe and secure at all times. Parents sign their children in and out and no unauthorised person may collect the children. Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe through effective discussion in their play. For example, they carefully negotiate the steps in the outdoor area and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder gives gentle reminders. The environment is attractive and spacious with plenty of child-sized furniture and children's artwork nicely displayed.

p.4

the early years provision

Resources are deployed very well; children freely access the space they need to play and they are able to choose what they would like to do. Toys are easily accessible or visible within the playroom so children can help themselves to what they need and storage containers are labelled clearly to help them choose. All toys 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, using the self-evaluation form to identify strengths and areas to improve. Parents are very happy with the standard of care and service provided and the childminder has good relationships with them so that she can best care for their child's particular needs. Written evidence of children's progress is given to parents monthly. The childminder is aware of the need to establish partnerships with others who work within the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to enhance the learning and development opportunities for children, although these are not fully in place.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder values each child and she enjoys caring for their individual needs. She is experienced at managing mixed ages of children well together, encouraging older children to be aware of the needs of younger ones. Children learn about other people's differences and similarities through discussion, activities and the provision of positive images in their resources and books. The childminder is aware of all children's individual needs and she makes sure each child is fairly included at all times.

p.5

the early years provision

Policies and procedures which underpin the childminder's practice are all in place and she reviews these regularly. The childminder 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 confident and settled in the childminder's care. There are good relationships with the childminder and her assistant so that children feel secure and at home. Children freely explore their environment and they make their needs known. The childminder is very aware of children's individual development and their personalities and interests. She records their development in a profile with regular observations and comments, accurately identifying the next steps in their learning. Parents are all aware that they are welcome to look at these records at any time, although they do not routinely include information about what they know about their child.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy learning through play in fun and challenging ways suitable for their development. They play well together, engaging in imaginative games. For example, they pretend a hula hoop is a car and drive around together. Children delight in many mark-making opportunities, such as, painting outdoors with water and creating large scale chalk pictures. They proudly show off their creations and the childminder extends their knowledge and imagination through skilled This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 conversation. For example, they draw aliens and the childminder talks about how many eyes and legs they might have. She talks to the children about different colours and textures and they spend plenty of time using their imaginations in creative play. Children notice what is going on around them, such as, aeroplanes flying overhead and insects in the garden. The childminder encourages children to

p.5

and outcomes for children

take an interest in the insects they find by looking closely at them, counting their legs and talking about taking care of them. Children learn about the wider environment through organised trips, such as to farms or places of interest.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's good health is promoted well through effective policies and procedures and hygienic routines. The childminder ensures the children have plenty of fresh air and exercise and they eat a healthy range of meals and snacks. Children are encouraged to be aware of healthy eating and they enjoy taking part in food preparation. For example, children join in with making their own pizzas. Drinks are always available to children so they do not become thirsty and they can access water from the dispenser at any time. Hand washing and personal hygiene are promoted well within the daily routine.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Positive praise is meaningfully given to boost children's self-esteem and they enjoy the childminder's attention as she interacts with them. Strategies for managing children's behaviour are sensitive and considerate of children's level of understanding. They are encouraged to share and take turns and the childminder is fair and consistent. The childminder works in partnership with parents to promote positive behaviour and she is an effective role model for them to follow. Children enjoy receiving certificates, such as for helping each other, and these go into their files for parents to see. 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 3 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