Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY423579 Inspection date 10/08/2011 Inspector Linda Filewood

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and child aged 15 months in Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder 's house is used for childminding with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child attending on a part-time basis who is within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children take part in a varied, balanced range of interesting, stimulating activities which help them progress well in all areas of learning and development. Clear systems are in place to promote inclusion and the environment is organised so that children can access toys and equipment independently. A good partnership with parents and others is established and the childminder shares detailed information routinely with parents so they are involved in their child's progress. Well-organised and clearly written policies and procedures support the childminder's efficient working practice. The childminder understands the strengths and areas of development within her service and this contributes to future plans being well targeted to sustain improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide more regular opportunities for children to learn about the need to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire  develop further resources and activities with which to promote children's awareness of diversity  ensure that the next steps identified from observations successfully inform planning so that children continue to make steady progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and her responsibility for the children's safety and welfare. She shares all her policies with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents so that they understand the procedures that underpin her good practice. Children are safe and secure in the care of the childminder. She completes risk assessments very regularly to identify and minimise any hazards to children. Safety measures are in place, including a fire evacuation plan. However, fire safety is not fully assured, as they do not often practise the drill. Safe arrangements are in place for children to go on a very good range of outings and the childminder obtains parental permission first. Space within the childminder's home is clearly organised and used appropriately to meet the care needs of each child. The childminder plans activities well to ensure every child is able to be fully involved

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the early years provision

and absorbed. Children play with a good variety of high quality, easily accessible, age-appropriate resources. However, there is a limited range to support children's understanding of diversity. Children are comfortable in the setting, develop competence in their independent skills as they move around, and make choice in their play.

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the early years provision

The close partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's welfare, comfort and feeling of security. Parents receive clear information about the service the childminder provides. There is a full discussion to enable the childminder to work to each child's routines and meet their needs before care starts. The childminder is proactive in establishing a working partnership with the local schools. This ensures they work effectively together to benefit the child's achievement and well-being. Additionally, it includes being aware of extra support required to meet particular individual needs. Parents comment positively about the care their children receive. They especially like the excellent number of outings the childminder takes the children on and comment on the improvement in their child's development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear awareness of her provision and seeks the views of parents and children about the activities and service she provides. She makes use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form to help her identify key strengths and areas for development. This means that the childminder is able to target her priorities for improvement accurately. The childminder is fully committed to continually improving her service. She has taken positive steps since registration by seeking support and reassurance from local authority development workers to help her improve. This has helped to promote children's learning and development outcomes further.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident, happy and settled with the childminder and respond well to her. They happily engage the childminder in play but are equally confident to play on their own or alongside their peers. Children generally share well, play harmoniously and say 'Thank you' without prompting from the childminder. The childminder offers children a good, welcoming environment with plenty of opportunities to reach their potential and develop skills for the future. She skilfully supports children's learning and developing communication skills. Consequently, all children enjoy learning through their chosen play and planned activities. Young This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children learn to repeat words and chatter as they play. They enjoy songs and spontaneously sing a favourite rhyme as they rock backwards and forwards on a toy.

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and outcomes for children

Children are gaining a good awareness of the wider world as they visit local amenities. For instance, they go to feed the ducks and then get excited as they look for frogs in the pond. The childminder makes good use of locally organised events, children enjoy riding on a train, and participating in craft related activities. Children's creativity is valued and the childminder praises their artwork. Young children are learning to recognise colours, whilst older children discover what colours they must mix to make another. Some young children just enjoy the sensation of the paint on their fingers. The childminder ensures activities flow with the children's interests and ideas so that they remain engaged in the learning experience and are motivated to continue. For example, she makes sure that a number of small bags are available for younger children who enjoy filling them with items, such as bricks. Children's problem solving skills receive good support

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and outcomes for children

through a variety of age-appropriate jigsaws.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder uses well-written observations to recognise children's capabilities and interests. She responds to what she has observed to extend their learning and development. However, she has not yet developed a robust system for including the identified next steps effectively in her planning. The childminder assesses children's ongoing development against the Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance to ensure each child is making good progress in relation to their starting points. Children have a well-presented individual file containing their development record and photographs, which the childminder shares with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices, which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. They enjoy regular physical activity and fresh air to maintain a healthy lifestyle. An enclosed outdoor play area allows children the opportunity to enjoy garden games with a very good variety of equipment. Young children are comfortable in their routines for sleep and settle quickly for a rest. The childminder ensures children have freshly prepared nutritious meals each day and is fully aware of any dietary requirements, after discussions with their parents. Children are becoming familiar with simple good hygiene routines to encourage hand washing at appropriate times, such as before eating. All children have their own clean towel to dry their hands on, which reduces the risk of cross-infection. 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 3 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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