Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 302546 Inspection date 18/05/2011 Inspector Lindsay Dobson

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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 has been registered since 1982. She lives with her husband in the Horton Bank Top area of Bradford. The childminder uses the ground floor of the home for childcare purposes and children have access to the rear enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The area has good transport links and there is access to shops, children's play areas and parks. Schools and pre-school facilities for younger children are situated in the locality.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. There are currently three children on roll, of whom two are in the early years age range. Children are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Bradford Childminding Support Network and she has NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

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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

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage which helps to ensure that children's welfare and learning is effectively promoted and planned. She takes good care of the children, ensuring that they remain safe and secure through the implementation of policies and procedures which overall are robust and regularly reviewed. The setting is inclusive and partnerships with parents and with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage are strong in supporting children's development. Self-evaluation is instrumental in assisting the childminder to set targets that support the continuous improvement of her provision and promote the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 review some policies and procedures to ensure they reflect current practice  provide parents with regular opportunities and encourage them to contribute to their children's records of achievements.

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the early years provision

Children's safety and security is highly regarded. The childminder is fully aware of all safeguarding procedures and has good systems in place to ensure that children are protected from harm and neglect. All of the necessary documentation is in place and is regularly reviewed to ensure it is up-to-date. Risk assessments are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 detailed and cover essential aspects of the home, garden and individual outings undertaken with the children. The childminder's home is well organised, enabling children to move around freely and safely. They learn how to play safely with toys and equipment indoors and outside and how to keep safe when crossing the road or in an emergency situation

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen to drive and secure continued improvement for the future. She uses her secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote the best outcomes for children. This ensures that activities, resources and the environment are well planned, organised and fully inclusive. The childminder has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form and this is the basis for continued identification of strengths and areas for development. The childminder also liaises with the local authority support worker to further promote improvements to the setting. The views of the parents and children have also been taken into account and the recommendations raised at the last inspection have been effectively addressed.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms strong and trusting relationships with the children and their parents, ensuring that their individual needs are met. Children are welcomed into the childminding setting with their parents through regular introductory visits. The childminder establishes a sound exchange of information, through detailed daily diaries for the younger children and informed discussions with others. Parents receive detailed documentation, which helps them to understand the childminder's policies and procedures, although some documentation does not fully reflect current practice. The childminder is fully aware of the complaints procedure and has a good system in place to ensure that parents can pass on any compliments or concerns. The parents have written positive comments in support of the care provided to them and their children and followed this up by recommending the childminder to other families looking for childcare.

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the early years provision

The childminder respects and celebrates children's uniqueness and ensures all children are well integrated and comfortable in her setting. She understands their backgrounds and needs and ensures any individual requirements are met fully and that her provision is inclusive. Children enjoy a range of activities, use toys and equipment and see positive images of those who are different from themselves. Children are learning to appreciate and develop a positive attitude to diversity and the wider world. There are systems in place for liaising with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers. The childminder understands the importance of these relationships in ensuring there is continuity of care between the agencies, and transition arrangements support and benefit the children. For example, the childminder has developed supportive links with the local school and nursery.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and they have developed warm and positive relationships with her. The childminder provides an environment that is safe and secure, where children feel confident to express their own needs. The childminder has enthusiastically established systems to plan and assess This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's learning and development and is using these to plan the next steps in children's learning. Photographic evidence is well used to support and promote a full picture of children's development. However, parents are not currently provided with opportunities or encouraged to contribute to their children observation files. Children are provided with a good range of positive learning opportunities which enables them to make good progress. The childminder makes good use of interesting outings and visits, and these excite the children to learn more and help

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and outcomes for children

develop their social skills. For example, they visit the library, local toddler and childminding groups and the children's centre, accessing a different range of activities and experiences.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes all areas of learning well. Children make good progress in their communication, language and literacy as they have free access to books which they enjoy looking at and stories they love to listen to. The childminder makes story time a fun event for the children by introducing story sacks, with more able children using the available props to follow the story. The younger children choose the interactive books, for example, a book about a dinosaur. They use magnetic pictures as the childminder reads to change and contribute to the story. The childminder's close contact and interaction with the children supports their developing vocabulary. The childminder introduces colours and counting into everyday routines and explains how things work to the children. Setting up the 'dark den' for the children provides opportunities for them to experiment with lights. Children go into the den with encouragement from the childminder and they

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and outcomes for children

examine the light balls, light ropes and shapes available. Younger children love to look at the lights, wave the shakers and watch as they flash and the colours change. The childminder talks to the children about the colours they can see, for example, pink, blue and yellow. She introduces numbers and counting as the children look for the little light ducks. The experience is thrilling for the children and they show their amazement as they smile and laugh, continually returning to experience the dark den again.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's physical development each day. She provides a good range of opportunities in the well-resourced safe and enclosed garden. For example, children use wheeled toys, balls and hoops. On visits to the local park and soft play centres, they develop their climbing and balancing skills on the slides, large equipment and tunnels. In the house the children roll the balls to the childminder and she sends them back which also promotes their hand and eye coordination. Children develop their understanding of healthy lifestyles because the childminder promotes healthy eating options and positive hygiene practices. Healthy and nutritious snacks and meals are provided that take account of individual dietary needs. The menu includes fresh fruit, meat and vegetables and all meals are home cooked by the childminder, who also ensures meal times are a happy and social occasion, with children sitting and eating together both inside

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and outcomes for children

and in the garden in fine weather. Drinking water is constantly available, with children able to access their individual cups which the childminder ensures remain full. Children are learning how to keep themselves healthy as they learn good hygiene practices such as hand-washing and children rest or sleep as required. Their changing or developing needs and routines are discussed with parents to ensure they receive continuity in their care. Children learn to be polite and develop good manners such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'. They begin to understand This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 boundaries and expectations due to the childminder's consistent approach. Children are encouraged to take turns and share as they play with the toys and receive lots of praise, encouragement and stickers for their achievements. 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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