Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY285312 Inspection date 08/09/2011 Inspector Rachel Ayo

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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 2004. She lives with her husband, who is also her co-childminder, and their 11 year old child in the Purston area of Pontefract, Wakefield, close to shops, parks, nurseries, schools and public transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a hamster, a dog and goldfish as pets.

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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, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. When working with her co-childminder, they are able to care for a maximum of 11 children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than six may be in the early years age group. Together they are currently caring for eight children in this age group, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder offers care to children aged over five years and is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drops off and collects children from the local school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, Wakefield Childminding Association, National Health Service Childminding Network and the West Yorkshire Police Childminding Network. In addition, she is a member of an approved childminding network and is eligible to receive early education funding for three- and four-year-olds.

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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's welfare is promoted effectively, although certain requirements are not fully met. Children develop a strong sense of security as a result of positive relationships established with the childminder. Comprehensive systems for observation, assessment and planning result in children's learning and development being superbly promoted. Children's individual needs are well met and there is good partnership working with parents and others to promote inclusion. The childminder demonstrates an excellent commitment to continual improvement and has made great progress since the last inspection. Systems for self-evaluation are generally robust in identifying strengths, weaknesses and areas for development that will impact positively on children.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure the names of the children's key workers are included in the daily record of the names of the 22/09/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children looked after on the premises to confirm that adult-to-child ratios are adhered to at all times (Documentation).

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact, with specific reference to the glass greenhouse and the hearth and fire fender, and supervise children in highchairs at all times  review the arrangements for hygiene and minimising the risk of infection in risk assessments, with particular reference to certain hand washing arrangements and the use of gloves during the nappy changing routine.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a high level of safeguarding training, which ensures that child protection policies and procedures are kept up to date to keep children safe. Hazards are identified and minimised well in certain aspects. However, although risk assessments are generally comprehensive, the risks posed by the hearth and fire fender, and the glass in the greenhouse are not fully considered. In addition, children in highchairs are not always directly supervised. Children's safety on outings is considered well, for example, florescent wristbands display the childminder's contact details in the event of a child becoming lost. Fire safety requirements are effectively met. There are a wide range of signs and posters in the playroom and children receive a reward certificate after taking part in evacuation drills. Documentation is maintained well overall, although the daily record of attendance lacks details to confirm that adult-to-child ratios are adhered

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the early years provision

to at all times. This is a breach of requirements. Equipment and furniture are plentiful and generally effective in meeting children's individual needs.

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the early years provision

Positive relationships are developed with parents and other providers, and there is good partnership working to meet children's individual needs and ensure consistency. For example, when children start nursery or school, profiles are shared. Parents are actively encouraged to share what they know about their child through 'all about me' forms and there are daily exchanges and a notice board. Parents complete a feedback form after reviewing their child's development portfolio and are actively involved in supporting next steps for learning at home.

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the early years provision

Inclusion is promoted well and there are effective arrangements for meeting any additional needs children may have. This includes valuing linguistic diversity and supporting children who use English as an additional language by using picture cards. Positive images of all aspects of diversity are displayed in the designated playroom, helping children to learn to value and appreciate the similarities and differences between themselves and others. For example, posters show males and females in a wide variety of job roles. Parents are invited to contribute goods to the fair trade fortnight, planned to further develop children's awareness of the wider world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has highly effective plans for the future and demonstrates a superb commitment to the progress of the setting and her professional development. She has become an accredited childminder and has plans to offer

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the early years provision

funded education to two-year-olds. She has gained a level 3 certificate in the Early Years Foundation Stage and is currently working towards a silver quality assurance kitemark in the field of special educational needs. Questionnaires for children and parents show that their views are valued and considered. The childminder has effectively addressed recommendations raised at the last inspection, and excellent use is made of grants, childcare publications and free facilities.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and well settled and display high levels of confidence, independence and enjoyment. Extensive planning systems ensure a superb range of stimulating activities across the six areas of learning. Individualised observational assessment is meticulous and extremely methodical. As a result, children are superbly supported in their progress. Activities based around themes, such as, 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' enhance children's experiences, and parents contribute posters, objects or information about their own jobs. A vibrant, accessible and welcoming playroom is created. Photographs of the children partaking in different activities help them to develop a strong sense of belonging and they help to make their own role play resources, for example, a bus or fire engine.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's enthusiastic approach and skilful questioning undoubtedly support children's learning and encourage them to be inquisitive. Children communicate confidently and the childminder introduces complex vocabulary, such as 'ambidextrous' and 'squishy', as children enthusiastically paint. Early literacy skills are supported effectively through an environment rich in print and name registration cards and place mats. Mathematical language, for example, 'big' and 'small' is introduced to compare paintbrushes, and children readily count how many of them are present. Children recognise letters on the place mats and toddlers readily express their needs by using gestures and stringing words together to form simple sentences. Children mix paints with intrigue, observing the change in colours as red and yellow create orange, and use their hands to explore the texture of the paint and make different marks.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is excellent given their young age. They are highly sociable and any minor incidents are dealt with very positively. Books and reward charts are used as additional effective tools to encourage good behaviour. Children develop a good understanding of dangers and how to stay safe. For example, as part of a current topic, they are learning about the emergency services and engage in activities, such as a fire lotto game.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage in activities to promote their physical development, such as sessions where they dance and move to music, and they benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. Children harvest vegetables in their own greenhouse and partake This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in activities during 'healthy week'. For example, they play in the healthy eating role play cafe and make dough food. Mostly homemade and nutritious meals and snacks are provided, and labelled beakers and a water dispenser ensure children remain hydrated. Generally effective hygiene routines are in place and signs in the bathroom remind children to flush the toilet and wash their hands. The childminder has not fully considered the risk of cross-infection, however, in relation to the use of gloves when changing nappies and hand washing routines before lunch. 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 1 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 1 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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