Johnson, Julie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 320154 Inspection date 15/04/2011 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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 1997. She lives with her husband, who occasionally works as an assistant and one adult child, of whom is also an assistant, in Whitkirk, a suburb of Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, together with the back bedroom and bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, no more than three of whom can be in the early years range when minding on her own. When working with an assistant, eight children can be cared for, no more than five of whom may be in the early years age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends a number of groups within the community during the week. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children enjoy excellent standards of care in an exciting and inclusive setting. They make maximum progress in their learning and development and utmost priority is given to ensure their safety and well-being. Partnerships with parents and others are highly effective in meeting the individual needs of all children. Efficient organisation of the provision underpins the outstanding practice and the childminder reflects well to ensure outcomes for children are fully promoted. Recommendations from the last inspection have been completely addressed.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 including information from parents about what they know about their child in children's records of achievement.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives utmost priority to safeguarding children and protecting them from harm. Clearly detailed policies and procedures ensure that prompt and relevant action would be taken in the event of a concern or allegation. Risk assessments thoroughly identify potential hazards and the childminder is vigilant about children's safety and security. The childminder is assisted by her husband and daughter and all adults are fully vetted. Children are informed about the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 inspection so that they are reassured about the presence of an unfamiliar adult. Children are fully supervised at all times and the childminder closely interacts with them and observes their play. This gives her an excellent knowledge of what children know and can do within all areas of learning. Plans of activities are individual, meaningful and build upon children's personal interests. For example,

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the early years provision

children's interest in animals is extended with a trip to the farm. Parents are kept fully informed and involved in what their child is doing and their progress is plotted within their developmental records. These records embrace the uniqueness of each child and contain delightful examples of what they have been doing, with photographs, written observations and children's comments clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Parents can see these at anytime, although, they do not routinely add to them. The childminder knows that firm links with others help to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development and she liaises fully with other early years settings children may attend. She is proactive is securing external funding for additional resources to improve outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Excellent organisation of the provision ensures children are kept safe, protected and supported. Fire safety is given high priority, with emergency plans practised regularly. Children have excellent knowledge of how to evacuate safely as explanations follow up this practice so they understand how to stay safe. Children's safety when on outings is discussed fully with them and they have excellent knowledge of what to do in the event of an emergency. For example, they describe clearly the safest thing to do if they should become lost. The childminder is highly professional and committed to her work.

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the early years provision

An extensive range of resources are effectively provided, leading to exciting challenges for all children. Activities are organised very well to offer excellent learning and development opportunities to children, enabling them to make progress in all six areas of learning. Play areas are set up so that children can select their own resources independently and identify what they need. The childminder skilfully promotes children's growing independence and supports their sense of belonging. Excellent opportunities support children's good health and they benefit from daily exercise and walks in the fresh air to local places or playing in the childminder's garden, whatever the weather. Children are involved in choosing outdoor resources that promote their good health. For example, they help to choose play equipment and resources for planting and growing vegetables.

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the early years provision

The childminder updates her skills and knowledge, through an excellent range of ongoing training, such as, learning through movement, enabling environments and look, listen and note. Through networking with other professionals, the childminder keeps fully updated about any changes that may affect her role. She reviews her own practice and evaluates what she does, making effective use of the self- evaluation form. She has a very good knowledge of the legislation to which she works, with full regard for the 'Every Child Matters' outcomes for children and their welfare, learning and development. She clearly demonstrates her knowledge of children's unique abilities and uses this to offer well planned play opportunities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are enthusiastic, motivated and very happy in the vibrant setting. They freely access all play areas and the childminder skilfully facilitates their ideas. Caring relationships between the childminder and children ensure their unique needs, personalities and interests are fully considered. Children's developing sense of humour is supported through lively conversation and banter with the childminder. Children have regular opportunities to develop their understanding of the wider community and social skills through visiting local groups in the area, such as, toddler groups, the library and local places of interest.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely confident and self-assured in the setting and they have excellent opportunities to learn through play. They engage in purposeful play that challenges their development in fun ways. Children freely choose what they would like to play with from a wide range of toys, books and resources, including those which reflect the diversity of society. Children's imaginations are lively as they engage in small world play, with the castle and princesses. Children invite the childminder to join in with their play, which she does enthusiastically, such as, when playing board games. Skilled interaction helps to develop children's communication skills. For example, the childminder engages with children in conversation and constantly extends their vocabulary and knowledge by introducing and repeating new words. When playing 'snakes and ladders' the childminder uses words, such as, 'clockwise' and 'anticlockwise' to describe the

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and outcomes for children

order of play and mathematical language is incorporated throughout. Children are learning about the world through many opportunities to explore and investigate. They use hands-on activities to investigate the life-cycle of a frog, for example, by collecting frogspawn and observing changes. Children engage well with each other, they negotiate and take turns, such as, when using play dough and they are considerate of one anothers needs. They know that small pieces must be tidied away after use and kept away from babies, so that these are not a choking hazard.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and hygiene is promoted fully in the setting. The childminder encourages them to wash hands thoroughly and they understand the reasons why. Excellent discussion takes place with children about their good health. For example, they know it is important to get regular fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy discovering where food comes from and they are beginning to grow their own healthy fruit and vegetables. Posters within the playroom prompt children's discussion about the healthy eating of five portions a day and they make healthy choices about their snacks. For example, they choose grapes and sit together at the table. Food tasting sessions encourage children to try new things in fun ways, such as, foods from around the world or different fruits. The childminder prepares nutritious meals and she has an excellent knowledge of each child's dietary needs and preferences. Meal times are very sociable, with everyone sitting together to

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and outcomes for children

Children behave exceptionally well in response to the childminder's fair expectations of them. She gives clear explanations of expected behaviour that children understand and provides them with plenty of meaningful praise. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 help to make the house rules, which are understood by them all. Positive strategies encourage children to behave well and they take responsibility for helping each other, such as, with taking dishes and cups away after snack time. Simple choices in the daily routine enable children to feel empowered and confident. Children use lovely manners in their interaction with others. The childminder enables each child to feel included, valued and important and manages mixed ages of children well, encouraging them to respect each others needs and choices. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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