Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY136626 Inspection date 29/06/2011 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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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 2001. She lives with her partner and two adult children in Ashton-on-Mersey, Sale, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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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 which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and goes to several toddler groups regularly. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a dog and a cat as pets.

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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

A well developed knowledge of each child's needs, ensures that the childminder generally promotes children's welfare and learning with success. Children are safe and secure and thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting. The effective partnership with parents is a key strength and significant in making sure that the needs of all children are met. The childminder knows her strengths and has made beneficial improvements since the last inspection. She has a clear vision for the future. Her motivation and commitment to regular training, together with the focus on developing links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and enhancing the observation and assessment demonstrates a capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity and coherence of children's learning and development  conduct regular meaningful observations and ensure each child's next steps are identified and incorporated into the planning. 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 is suitably trained to recognise that children may be at risk of harm and is competent to liaise with appropriate agencies. A comprehensive child protection policy is shared with parents to keep them fully informed of her responsibilities. Written policies and procedures, as well as all the required records and documentation, confirm children's security and well-being. Detailed risk assessments on the premises and also for outings, ensure that safety is continually monitored and reviewed and has a positive impact on children's well-being. Fire drills are practised regularly, which ensures children understand what to do should the need to evacuate the premises arise. The childminder also practises road safety with the children during outings and talks to them about stranger danger, which enables them to take some responsibility for their own safety.

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the early years provision

Good use is made of the available space to provide a wide range of stimulating and inviting activities and experiences for the children. Good quality resources are varied and stored within easy reach, allowing them freedom of choice. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure that children's individual needs are appropriately met. However, she has not yet developed an effective system to promote partnerships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This consequently impacts on their continuity of learning. Regular meetings, as well as effective exchange of information with parents allow for opportunities to discuss children's progress and development. The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity in her practice to enable children to gain a better understanding of different cultures and religions.

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the early years provision

The childminder successfully self-evaluates, she continually reflects on what she is doing well and where any weaknesses lie. This effective action taken by the childminder has a direct impact on the sustained improvement of the provision. She also seeks evaluation from parents and children on a regular basis and uses her observations to assess whether children have gained from the activities or not. However, the observations do not clearly identify children's individual learning priorities or focus on their next steps of learning, therefore, impacting on their achievements and goals. The childminder regularly attends relevant training to keep her informed of current legislation. For example, safeguarding and first aid.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the well organised and enabling environment. Their independence and individual choice is well catered for in the range of activities available to them. They move around and freely choose from the toys, equipment and books, which are deployed well. The highly motivated and enthusiastic childminder ensures that children are eager to learn, explore and play. Her caring and supportive manner enables them to feel safe and secure, which ensures trusting relationships are formed. Children confidently communicate with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder as she asks them open ended questions. They show a good understanding of the standards of behaviour that are expected and apply these in order to keep themselves and others safe.

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and outcomes for children

Children are enthusiastic learners and demonstrate good levels of concentration as they play. The homely and relaxed atmosphere enables them to freely express themselves as they take on various role play activities together. They concentrate as they explore the ark and animals, they discuss the story of Noah and his ark and talk about the animals. Children are captivated as the childminder communicates her version of Noah and his ark, she skilfully asks them open ended questions about the story and the animals, they tell her how many spots the giraffe has and what colour the crocodile is. They enjoy books and sit on the floor, pointing at the pictures as they carefully turn the pages. Children develop a keen interest in nature whilst feeding the birds and squirrels in the garden and during their local nature walks. They have free access to the garden, where they access large equipment, such as, swings, climbing frames and slides. This helps them to

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and outcomes for children

develop control over their bodies as they use their co-ordination and gross motor skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is well promoted because effective hygiene procedures reduce the risk of cross contamination. Surfaces, toys and equipment are kept clean and children independently use hand washing facilities and tissues. The childminder provides healthy home cooked meals using fresh ingredients and provides fruit for snacks. Children learn about healthy foods and have access to drinking water at all times to enable them to satisfy their thirst when needed. 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 3 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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